Dental Fillings in Gretna, LA
Did you know that cavities are the second most common disease in the world? Most people know about cavities; however, cavities aren't usually noticed or felt until they are very large. Early signs of cavities can include brown spots on teeth or sensitivity to sweets or colds. If you notice the spots or you are having trouble eating some of your favorite foods, please call us at NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry today.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are two types of dental fillings: white, or tooth-colored fillings, and silver or amalgam fillings. Dr. Schafer offers both types of tooth fillings to his patients so that his patients can make the best decision for their oral health.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are natural-looking restorations that are bonded or glued into the tooth. They are made from hard medical grade plastics that mimic tooth structure and colors. These fillings are used to fix small cavities as well as on teeth that show when you smile. They come in a variety of colors, or shades, to match your tooth so that only your dentist can
see them. After placing a white filling, it is polished so that the tongue can't tell the difference between the filling and the tooth. Some white fillings can also help prevent future cavities by releasing fluoride in your mouth to help strengthen other teeth.
Not all white fillings are made equally, though. White fillings require meticulous attention to detail on the dentist's part such as keeping the tooth dry during the entire procedure. Also each year many new types of white fillings and bonding agents or glues are created. Unfortunately, any tooth can become sensitive after a filling; however, if improper techniques or low-quality materials are used, then the tooth will likely be sensitive. Dr. Schafer only uses techniques and materials that he would have used in his own mouth and goes the extra mile to make sure that his fillings feel good to his patients.
Silver Fillings
Silver colored fillings have been used in dentistry for the past 150 years and continue to be used because they work well. Silver fillings offer a lower cost alternative to white fillings. They often last longer because they can withstand the biting forces and they are much easier to place than white fillings. Unlike white fillings, silver fillings can get wet during placement and are generally not as sensitive as white fillings. These fillings work very well in the back of the mouth as well as in teeth with deep cavities where it is harder to keep teeth dry while fixing them.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Next Dental Exam
Are you concerned that you might have cavities? Do your dental fillings not look or feel right to you? If so, please call us today to schedule an appointment so that we can help you get the smile that you want!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have old metal fillings, there’s a good chance you don’t like how they look. They may make your smile look less attractive, and you would prefer the newer tooth-colored fillings for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Have you ever wondered if you can replace your old metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings to create a seamless look?
Can You Replace Metal Fillings with Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In certain circumstances, the answer is yes! Here is when you might swap out your old fillings for new ones:
Filling replacement – Once your filling is old and needs to be replaced, you can opt for a tooth-colored filling as long as your filling isn’t too large.
Aesthetic purposes – If your old silver fillings are visible when you smile, you may replace them with tooth-colored fillings to give you the look you want.
Health concerns – Since your silver amalgam fillings contain mercury, you may decide to change to tooth-colored fillings for potential safety reasons.
Stronger teeth – Tooth-colored fillings are bonded to your tooth and can strengthen your compromised tooth.
Do You Need Dental Fillings in New Orleans?
We are ready to take your call if you are interested in dental fillings in Gretna or New Orleans! We want you to have the best smile possible at NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry. Please call our dental office at (504) 392-5104 to make an appointment.
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the world. Though cavities are far too common among children and adults alike, they can be prevented and easily treated with restorative dental care in Gretna. At NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry, we provide comprehensive restorative treatments, including durable, high-quality dental fillings.
Dental Fillings: What They Are and Why We Need Them
Made from strong tooth-colored material or amalgam silver, dental fillings protect your teeth from further decay. Cavities form from bacteria and plaque in the mouth, and they can lead to the destruction of your tooth’s structure.
Cavities often cause pain and sensitivity, and they often appear as dark spots on the tooth. If you have a cavity, a dental filling can save your tooth and protect it from severe decay or infection.
The Dental Filling Process
During a dental exam in Gretna, your dentist will check your teeth for signs of decay. Cavities often show up as brown spots on the tooth and can cause dental pain or sensitivity. Unfortunately, cavities often go unnoticed until they have already formed, increasing the risk of spread.
If the dentist identifies a cavity, he or she will anesthetize the tooth, so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment. He will then gently and thoroughly remove all of the bacteria in and around the tooth. Finally, he will fill and seal the tooth with a tooth-colored or amalgam dental filling.
Cavities Are Preventable with Consistent Dental Care
Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable if you remain proactive in your oral health care. You can avoid the pain and discomfort of cavities if you practice good dental hygiene and regularly visit your dentist. Flossing daily and brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily helps remove cavity-causing bacteria from in and around your teeth.
It’s also important you visit your dentist every six months to receive professional dental care. Regular dental exams, cleanings, and digital x-rays allow us to monitor your oral health and catch any issues like cavities early. We can also treat decay early before you need restorative treatment.
Have a Cavity? We Can Help!
We provide excellent service to all patients in a friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment. If you suspect you have a cavity and need treatment, please call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled restorative dentists.
We look forward to helping you get your dental health back on track!
NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry offers two types of dental fillings to treat decay and improve oral health: white or tooth-colored fillings and silver or amalgam fillings. Dr. Schafer can help you determine which type of filling best meets your dental needs and aesthetic preferences.
On average, a silver amalgam filling can last about 15 years before needing replacement, while tooth-colored filling can generally last for 10–12 years. However, the length of time your fillings last vary based on several factors, such as your oral hygiene habits and if you grind and clench your teeth.
The better you care for your teeth, the longer they’re likely to last without needing replacement. If you grind and clench your teeth, we recommend wearing a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and filling from wear and potential breakage.
To extend the lifespan of your fillings and maintain your oral health, we encourage you to visit your dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings. Also, be sure to brush twice daily and floss once daily to keep decay and gum disease at bay.
Dental Fillings in New Orleans
Do you have a cavity that needs to be filled? Dr. Schafer offers silver fillings and tooth-colored fillings to patients in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Please give us a call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Schafer at our New Orleans dental office.
At NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry, we are committed to eliminating the worst effects of tooth decay, namely dental cavities. A cavity is a pit or hole in your tooth enamel created by the accumulation of plaque-causing bacteria. If we catch a cavity in earlier stages, we can fix it with a dental filling.
Because a dental filling procedure involves some tooth preparation, Dr. Shafer will numb your tooth and the surrounding areas for your comfort. You will need to wait several hours before you can eat after receiving a filling. The reason to wait is that while your mouth is numb, you may not feel it if you bite your lips and cheeks while eating. These bite wounds in your mouth can be painful once the anesthetic wears off.
Other Dental Cavity Precautions
Once the sensations in your mouth have returned to normal, you can eat as usual, but we recommend you avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first few days after your procedure. Also, consider avoiding sticky foods like caramel candy, as this could pull your filling from its place.
If you lose a filling, we strongly suggest you visit us to have it replaced right away. Unfilled tooth cavities also grow over time and may penetrate your inner tooth and lead to your need for more serious interventions like root canal therapy or even eventual extraction. Our mission is always to preserve a natural tooth so you can enjoy its benefits for years.
Our dentists focus on patient comfort, so we usually numb your mouth before a dental filling. Local anesthetics, like septocaine and lidocaine, make dental procedures relatively painless and easy for patients. A dental filling involves removing decayed tissue from the tooth and restoring the tooth to its former strength and appearance. Without anesthesia, some patients may feel a twinge of discomfort during the filling procedure.
Our dental team is highly skilled in providing gentle dentistry to patients of all ages. In addition to offering anesthesia, we also use advanced technology and techniques to streamline procedures and attain the best results possible.
A Little about Dental Fillings
Dental fillings can restore a decayed or damaged tooth while preserving natural aesthetics. At NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry, we offer metal and tooth-colored fillings to protect your smile. Many of our patients prefer tooth-colored fillings because they match the color of their natural smile.
Also, patients with metal allergies opt for tooth-colored fillings because they’re made from composite resin. Silver amalgam fillings are a lower-cost alternative to white composite fillings, and we often use them for deep cavities or on back teeth because of their durability.
Do You Need Dental Fillings in New Orleans?
Your smile deserves the best dentistry, and our team is here to help you. Our dental fillings are attractive and durable so that you can enjoy your smile without worry.
Meet Our Doctor:
Russell Schafer DDS
Dr. Russell Schafer is happy and proud to call New Orleans his home. He was born in New Orleans, raised in Pearl River, and attended Jesuit High School and graduated in 2003. He went to Rice University in Houston where he graduated with a bachelors and masters in mechanical engineering degree. While at Rice, Dr. Schafer was a a cheerleader for all four years, active in Rice Catholic Student Association as well as student government, and tutored fellow students as well. Before attending dental school, Dr. Schafer spent ...
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