Composite Fillings in Columbia, MD
When you run your tongue over a sensitive spot on your tooth or notice a twinge while enjoying your morning coffee, you might be experiencing the early warning signs of a cavity. At Pineview Dental, we offer modern tooth-colored fillings that prioritize your oral health and your smile's appearance.
Understanding Cavities: Why Timely Treatment Matters
Cavities don't develop overnight. Instead, they progress through stages.
- Plaque Formation — Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
- Acid Attack — The acids in plaque repeatedly attack tooth enamel, causing it to soften and demineralize.
- Cavity Formation — Over time, demineralized enamel weakens, leading to small holes or cavities in the tooth.
- Progression — Left untreated, decay gradually progresses deeper into the tooth, reaching the pulp and leading to pain, infection, and potential tooth loss.
Without treatment, what begins as a minor issue requiring a simple filling can progress to the need for root canal therapy, a crown, or even tooth extraction. The earlier we treat decay, the more conservative and affordable your treatment will be.
Benefits of Composite Resin Tooth Fillings
Modern composite tooth fillings are superior to obvious amalgam fillings in every way. Here are some benefits of this material you may not be aware of:
Conservative Treatment
Strengthens Tooth Structure
Natural-Looking Results
OUR TEAM
What's Involved with Getting a Tooth Filling?
When you visit our dentist in Columbia, MD, for a tooth-colored filling, you can expect an efficient, comfortable experience:
- Comprehensive Examination — Dr. Fogel takes an x-ray to evaluate the extent of decay and confirm that a filling is appropriate.
- Comfortable Numbing — We gently numb the affected area to ensure a pain-free procedure.
- Decay Removal — Dr. Fogel carefully removes the decayed portion of your tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
- Tooth Preparation — An etching liquid is applied to the prepared space to ensure that the filling material bonds directly to the tooth’s surface.
- Custom Shaping — Dr. Fogel places the material in the tooth and meticulously shapes it to match your tooth's natural contours. Each layer is hardened with a special curing light.
- Final Polishing — The filling is polished to a smooth, natural-looking finish that resists staining.
The process typically takes less than an hour, and you'll leave with a restored tooth and a natural-looking smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cavities often develop without symptoms, especially in the early stages, which is why routine checkups are crucial. As decay progresses, you may notice mild signs but not realize they mean you have a cavity.
Common Signs of a Tooth Cavity
Being aware of these common indicators of tooth decay can alert you to call Pineview Dental to schedule an appointment:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Mild to sharp pain when biting down
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Dark spots or discoloration
- Rough edges you can feel with your tongue
- Food frequently getting stuck in a particular spot
- Pain that comes and goes without apparent cause
How Tooth-Colored Fillings Help
We use natural-looking composite material to repair cavities because it resembles tooth enamel. The process for filling a tooth with this material is more conservative than silver amalgam, and the repair is virtually undetectable.
Do You Need a Tooth Filling?
If you notice any of the above symptoms, call Pineview Dental to schedule an appointment. Addressing the problem now can prevent that small cavity from becoming a painful problem. If you have a toothache, call us at (410) 730-3311 so we can provide the prompt relief and treatment you need to protect your smile.
Cosmetic Bonding with Composite Resin
Dr. Fogel can use the same composite material to address cosmetic concerns through a process called dental bonding. This conservative alternative to veneers invisibly repairs chips and cracks, gaps between teeth, and tooth discoloration to improve your smile.
Restore Your Smile with Natural-Looking Fillings
If you're experiencing tooth pain or notice a dark spot on your tooth, you might have a cavity that needs attention. Call Pineview Dental at (410) 730-3311 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Dr. Fogel and our friendly dental team provide gentle, thorough care for patients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities.
Testimonial
Is it weird to look forward to going to the dentist office? These people rock!
10/10 Seriously. I hadn't been to the dentist in a long while. The staff are soooo friendly and everyone is extremely nice. No tsking, no lectures, no judgement. Dr Fogel's cheerful, upbeat demeanor put me at ease. And I left smiling. Is it weird to look forward to going to the dentist office? These people rock!
-Xavier