Repair Damage and Restore Your Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth decay occurs slowly, but the damage can build up quickly. The good news? Dental fillings provide a quick and effective solution for repairing damage. Mashni Dentistry offers composite fillings that closely resemble the natural appearance of teeth. Unlike amalgams of years ago, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your smile. Most people won’t notice you have had a cavity, even when it is placed at the front.
Do you need a dental filling in East Lansing, Michigan? Schedule an appointment with Drs. James and Jason Mashni. Let’s help you bite and chew comfortably again.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling restores a tooth that has been damaged by decay or minor fractures. When bacteria break through your enamel, a cavity forms. If left untreated, this cavity grows deeper and wider, eventually reaching the nerve. A filling closes that space before the damage gets worse.
Our office uses composite fillings. They are beautiful, strong, and bond securely with your tooth. Placing them is also straightforward. After numbing your gums, we gently remove the decayed area to eliminate harmful bacteria. Then, we clean the space and fill it with a strong, tooth-colored material. The result looks natural and blends seamlessly with your smile.
Who needs a filling?
A tooth filling is commonly used to repair cavities. However, tooth decay isn’t always obvious. Some cavities cause pain, while others don’t exhibit any early warning signs.
You may need a dental filling if you experience:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A dark spot or visible hole in your tooth
- Pain when chewing
- A chipped or rough area on a tooth
- Food is constantly getting stuck in one spot
Sometimes, patients don’t know they have a cavity until they are in the dental chair. That’s why we recommend regular check-ups to help us detect cavities before you feel any symptoms.
Why composite fillings?
Patients often ask why we recommend tooth-colored fillings. There are plenty of reasons, but here are the most common ones.
- Natural-looking results: Composites blend beautifully with your smile for a seamless appearance—no dark or grey spots when you smile.
- Conservative procedure: We remove less tooth structure to place a composite filling, preserving more of the natural tooth.
- Durability: They can last 5-8 years or longer with good maintenance.
- Better reinforcement: Tooth-colored fillings bond directly with the tooth, providing incredible support and strength.
- Safety: White fillings don’t contain mercury or other harmful substances.
When should I upgrade my filling to a crown?
A filling works well when the damaged area is small to medium in size. However, if decay or a fracture has removed a large portion of the tooth, a filling may not be enough.
You may need to upgrade to a crown if:
- Your tooth has a large crack
- More than half of the tooth structure is missing
- You have repeated fillings in the same tooth
- Your tooth has had a root canal
- Your bite feels unstable or painful
A crown covers the entire tooth, reinforcing it to its full strength and function. Think of it as a shield that keeps your tooth healthy and functional for many more years to come. Our doctors will always explain your options and our recommendations for each individual.
Do you need a dental filling in East Lansing?
The team at Mashni Dentistry is committed to ensuring your teeth stay beautiful, strong, and healthy. Don’t wait until a cavity grows to a painful, costly issue. Call (517) 399-2832 and protect your tooth with our beautiful and durable dental fillings.
