No More Metal Amalgam
A Natural Look With Safe Materials
If you have a cavity in Forest Lake and need a filling, Dr. Jonathan Siverson is here to help. At Forest Lake Smiles, we exclusively use composite, tooth-colored fillings to ensure optimal health and experience for our patients. Call us today at (651) 464-8207 to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Forest Lake.
Understanding The Process
Filling A Cavity
Filling a cavity is a relatively simple process. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and is completely pain-free. To begin, Dr. Siverson will clean your mouth and then numb the treatment area with an oral anesthetic. Once your mouth is sufficiently numbed, he will begin preparing the tooth for the filling. He will remove any decayed or damaged enamel from the tooth, ensuring that only healthy tooth material remains.
Once your tooth has been prepared and cleaned, it’s time to begin the filling process. Dr. Siverson will place a soft, moldable composite onto the tooth, and use special dental tools to smooth and sculpt the resin. Using multiple layers of resin, he will fill the cavity and restore the outer chewing surface of the tooth.
After your tooth has been filled, Dr. Siverson will check your bite to make sure that your newly-filled tooth isn’t causing any bite issues. He will make minor adjustments so that it fits perfectly with your other teeth. Then, he will buff and polish the filling, completing the procedure. The result is a strong, cavity-free tooth that will look and feel completely natural in your mouth.
Understanding the Value
The Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
At our Forest Lake dental office, we exclusively use tooth-colored (composite) fillings instead of metal amalgam fillings. Compared to metal fillings, composite fillings have a number of unique advantages.
First, composite fillings look more natural than amalgam fillings. While amalgam fillings have a gray-silver color and can discolor your teeth, composite fillings can be matched to the color of your teeth. This provides better cosmetic results.
Composite fillings also provide a very strong hold and bond tightly to your natural enamel, so they’re very durable and help strengthen your tooth. They also do not usually require as much natural enamel to be removed during the tooth preparation process.
Eliminating The Need For Fillings
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Cavities are completely preventable. If you care for your teeth properly, you will never have to worry about getting a cavity, or needing a tooth-colored filling from Dr. Jonathan Siverson.
To eliminate the need for fillings, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure you brush at least twice per day for two minutes, and floss once per day. Proper oral hygiene can eliminate the bacteria, food particles, and acid that cause tooth decay.
You can also try to modify your diet and cut back on sugary drinks and starchy foods. Sugar and starch are major contributors to tooth decay.
Finally, you should make sure that you see Dr. Jonathan Siverson for a check-up and teeth cleaning every six months. Regular oral exams and teeth cleanings will help us catch potential signs of tooth decay early, and ensure you get the appropriate treatment to keep your teeth healthy.