Even if you practice near-perfect dental care, tricky spots in your mouth and genetics can put you at risk of cavities. Cavities develop when harmful bacteria secrete acidic substances that “eat away” your enamel. Since your tooth can’t heal itself, a dental filling is the best way to prevent a cavity from progressing.

Maegan Elam, DDS and Associates in Bedford, Texas, uses composite resin fillings to treat cavities. We prefer white fillings because they’re esthetically appealing and bond seamlessly with your tooth to provide optimal protection while conserving much of your tooth’s structure.

Why composite fillings are the best

Years back, amalgam dental fillings were the go-to treatment for cavities. While these fillings are strong and durable, they have aesthetics and safety concerns.

Today, many dentists have ditched silver-colored fillings for safer and more beautiful composite fillings. The benefits of treating cavities with composite fillings include:

• Natural-looking appearance: Composite resin can be shaded to resemble your surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance. Unlike metal fillings that “stick out” of your mouth because of their dark appearance, composite fillings are virtually undetectable
• Safety: Composite resin is metal-free, which is excellent news for patients with metal allergies. Moreover, tooth-colored fillings don’t have safety concerns, unlike amalgam fillings that contain mercury that can leak into your body
• Conservative: Composite fillings require less drilling, which preserves much of your tooth’s structure
• Optimal protection. White fillings bond tightly with your tooth, sealing margins that can allow harmful bacteria into your tooth
• Quick treatment: Filling your tooth with composite resin takes 30-60 minutes, and anesthesia isn’t always necessary. After removing all traces of decay, we clean your tooth and apply the composite resin in layers, which only takes a few minutes to harden. The final step is to reshape and polish your tooth for a natural-looking finish

Tooth decay is progressive – investing time to fix a minor problem can help you avoid significant ones down the line. If left untreated, a cavity grows larger, requiring extensive restorative treatments, or worse – having your tooth extracted!

Dental cavity treatment near me

We know a trip to the dentist can be anxiety-provoking for some people. Dr. Maegan Elam works hard to ensure all our patients are comfortable. So, whether it’s a cavity filling or other treatment, we deliver exceptional care.

Please call (817) 283-2871 to book your appointment today! Get a healthier, cavity-free smile with composite fillings at Maegan Elam, DDS, and Associates.