Cosmetic Fillings

Cosmetic Fillings Michigan Dentist

At MI Smiles Dental, our West Michigan dentists understand the importance of health and appearance when it comes to your teeth. That’s why we proudly offer cosmetic or tooth-colored fillings, a modern solution that uses composite resin instead of metal to repair teeth affected by cavities, ensuring a radiant and healthy smile.

Here’s what you need to know about this type of dental filling.

How Fillings Are Applied

Our dentists will get started by administering local anesthesia to numb the tooth. Please let us know if you require additional relaxation for your visit, as we do offer laughing gas which safely takes effect and wears off quickly. Once your tooth is properly numb, we will remove the decay located inside before filling the hole with the composite resin material.

Be aware that it will take a few hours for the numbness to subside following your procedure. However, you’ll be able to return to work or school after you leave your appointment. Best of all, no one will be able to see your white filling and know that you’ve had a cavity!

Aside from their low-profile look, there also exists a health benefit with this filling type. Unlike metal fillings, composite resin fillings do not contain a small amount of mercury. While some patients may have no reaction to the mercury, some do. For those susceptible to its effects or simply wanting a metal-free appearance, composite fillings are the right choice.

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.

Read More -> How Long Can You Wait to Fill a Cavity?

3. How Can I Tell If I Have a Cavity?
Most times, a cavity is obvious but there are times when the decay is early in its development and doesn’t result in tooth pain. If you don’t have outright discomfort when biting down, you may still notice some tooth sensitivity, small holes or pits on the tooth itself, prolonged bad breath, and brown, black, or white stains on the surface of teeth.
4. What Should I Expect After Receiving a Filling?
As mentioned above, it is normal for the treated area to feel numb for a few hours after the procedure. You may also notice some slight discomfort around the filling and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, but this should subside in time. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
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 notice cracks or worn areas on your fillings, please see one of our dentists as soon as you can to have it replaced. Continuing to chew with a damaged filling can potentially cause the tooth to crack and require additional restorative care.

Seamlessly Say Goodbye to Cavities

Our dentists serving West Michigan are here to help if you suspect you have a cavity. Call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations down below to schedule an appointment and we’ll take care of you!

Read More About Fillings and Cavities