21
Nov
Tooth-colored Fillings: A Conservative, Natural-looking Way to Treat Damage
Seasons Dental in Burley, Idaho, emphasizes preventive dentistry to prevent tooth decay. However, sometimes you may need a dental filling to repair a cavity and restore your tooth’s full function and beauty. When a dental filling is necessary, Drs. Ty and Chad Bodily use composite fillings, which are colored like natural teeth. Tooth-colored fillings help restore your smile while preserving its natural aesthetics.
How do I know I need a tooth filling?
Most people don’t realize they need a dental filling until they are in the dental chair. Physical exams and X-rays at Seasons Dental help us identify dental cavities that may have gone unnoticed at home. Sometimes, however, you may notice a cavity at home because of increased sensitivity or darker holes in your tooth. Whatever the reason, a cavity must be treated quickly before it progresses into costly, invasive repairs.
Why tooth-colored fillings?
Until a few decades ago, amalgam fillings were the standard for repairing tooth damage. These fillings are strong and durable, but their metallic appearance can be a turn-off. Worse yet, the presence of mercury in amalgams can be a concern for health-conscious individuals.
Our Burley office uses composite fillings created from safe, tooth-colored materials. Composite fillings provide a more natural-looking finish, blending seamlessly with your smile. The materials are also safe and biocompatible, ensuring you restore your smile with peace of mind.
Other reasons you may love tooth-colored fillings include:
- They require minimal enamel alteration to place
- They can last 5-8 years or more with good upkeep
- They bond chemically with your tooth, making it stronger and more resistant to future bacterial attacks
Can composite fillings discolor?
Yes, composite fillings can stain over time from coffee, tea, wine, or smoking. However, they are much more stain-resistant than older fillings and can often be polished or replaced if they become noticeable.
What do I do if my filling becomes loose?
Dental fillings are created to last many years. The dentist uses strong adhesives and a curing light to ensure the filling remains intact when eating or brushing teeth. While rare, your filling can sometimes become loose due to wear, an accident, or teeth grinding. If a filling feels loose, call Seasons Dental right away. A loose filling can cause sensitivity or allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Your dentist can repair or replace it quickly to prevent further damage.
How many fillings can I have?
There is no strict limit to the number of composite fillings you can get. However, if the size of damage is pronounced, a dental crown will be more preferable for sustainable, long-lasting results. Your dentist will assess your teeth and help determine the best approach to maintain your smile’s health.
Do you need a dental filling in the Burley area?
Seasons Dental uses conservative treatments, such as dental fillings, to prevent small problems from developing into bigger ones. Do you need to restore your smile with a dental filling? Call (208) 430-9555 and schedule an appointment with Seasons Dental. We welcome patients from Burley, Deary, Richfield, Jackson, Acequia, Rupert, Heyburn, Hansen, Paul, Oakley, Malta, Raft River, Minidoka, Murtaugh, and beyond.
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Chad Bodily, DDS
Connect on LinkedInDr. Chad Bodily, DDS, is a compassionate dentist with strong ties to the Mini-Cassia community. After graduating from Minico High School and serving a church mission in Portugal, he earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from BYU-Idaho and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa. Dr. Chad partners with his brother, Dr. Ty, to provide patient-focused care, treating everyone like family. Committed to professional growth, he is licensed in sedation dentistry, ensuring a comfortable experience for his patients. Dr. Chad values building strong patient relationships and considers his family his greatest joy and accomplishment.
Ty Bodily, DMD
Connect on LinkedInDr. Ty Bodily, DMD, is a skilled dentist with deep roots in the Mini-Cassia area. A proud graduate of Minico High School and BYU-Idaho, he earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. A highlight of his education was volunteering in Brazil, where he provided free dental care to underprivileged children. With post-graduate training from world-renowned experts in sedation, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, he excels in reconstructing smiles, enhancing both health and self-esteem. Dr. Ty's passion for dentistry is matched only by his devotion to his family, whom he considers his greatest achievement and passion.