Cosmetic Fillings

Cosmetic Fillings Michigan Dentist

White fillings made from composite resin match the color of your teeth. If our Cascade and Grand Haven dentists detect a cavity during your routine teeth cleaning or dental exam, they may recommend a cavity filling. Like the name suggests, a filling fills the hole left after our dentist drills out tooth decay.

Cosmetic Fillings Process

First, our dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth. Once your tooth is properly numb, our dentist will remove the decayed tooth matter before filling the hole with composite resin.

It will take a few hours for the numbness to subside. However, you’ll be able to return to work or school after your appointment. Best of all, no one will be able to see your white fillings.

White fillings blend in with natural tooth enamel so you don’t have to feel self-conscious about metal on your teeth. Many of our patients appreciate that composite fillings can go unnoticed by family, friends, and coworkers. Composite fillings are especially useful for those teeth that show when you smile and talk.

Cosmetic Fillings FAQ

1. What are cosmetic fillings?
Cosmetic dental fillings are often required after a cavity has been detected. They are used to fill the hole that is left after our dentists drill out the tooth decay.

Our dentists use composite resin fillings which are made to match the color of your natural enamel. There is no metal involved unlike traditional amalgam fillings and you or others will not be able to visually tell you’ve received a filling.

2. Why do I need a filling?
If a cavity has been found during an oral examination, you will likely need a filling. Tooth decay should not be ignored because if a cavity is left untreated, it could lead to serious oral health complications.
3. How are cosmetic fillings applied?
First, our dentists will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Once the tooth is properly numb, the decayed tooth structure can be removed and the hole can be filled with composite resin.
4. What should I expect after receiving a filling?
It is normal for the treated area to feel numb for a few hours after the procedure. However, you will be able to return to work or school following your appointment. You may also notice some slight discomfort or sensitivity but this should subside in time.
5. When should a filling be replaced?
If cared for properly, dental fillings last for several years before they need to be replaced. Fillings do start to wear after years of chewing but can wear down sooner if you clench or grind your teeth.

If you noticed cracks or worn areas on your fillings, please see one of our dentists as soon as you are able to have it replaced. Continuing to chew with a damaged filling can potentially cause the tooth to crack and require additional restorative care.

Get Quality Dental Care

Our West Michigan family dentists provide quality dental care to patients of all ages. With five convenient West Michigan locations, we have the capability of handling all of your family's dental needs. Call MI Smiles Dental Grand Haven at (616) 842-1188, MI Smiles Dental Cascade at (616) 974-4990, MI Smiles Comstock Park at (616) 784-3515, MI Smiles Grand Rapids at (616) 942-2870, or MI Smiles Ionia at (616) 527-2220 today, or schedule your appointment online.