Mercury-Free Fillings in Vancouver
At Oakes Family Dentistry, we have a passion for maintaining the oral health of our valued patients. Our dentist, Dr. Oakes, will be able to determine if a composite filling is the best approach to repairing your tooth. Fillings can restore the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your teeth for many years to come.
Contact our friendly team at Oakes Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment to discuss how mercury-free fillings can restore the brightness of your smile. We’re always happy to accept new patients. Our team works with most dental insurance plans, and CareCredit financing is available as well.
CALL US: (360) 695-6066 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Problems Can Fillings Fix?
Our white, mercury-free fillings will give you a glowing, beautiful smile. When a tooth becomes damaged, it’s often possible to remove the decayed or cracked area and use a filling to restore its original shape. Our popular tooth-colored filling option is composed of composite material. A filling can address a variety of dental issues, including:
- Tooth decay
- Worn-down teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Repairing chipped teeth
- Filling gaps between teeth
- Replacing older, worn-out fillings
How Composite Fillings are Done
A composite filling is commonly used in cosmetic procedures since the material closely matches the color of teeth. A dental filling can be done in a single dental visit. Our dentist will need to conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and evaluate x-rays before getting started. First, a numbing agent is applied, and the damaged areas of the tooth are removed.
Next, the tooth and surrounding area are both thoroughly cleaned before the filling agent is applied. The composite filling is then carefully shaped and polished. Once the procedure is complete, Dr. Oakes will go over helpful aftercare best practices like proper dental hygiene, foods to avoid, and scheduling future appointments to monitor the filling over time. It’s not unusual to experience some tooth sensitivity after the procedure, but this sensation will likely subside after a couple of days.
Why Replace Your Amalgam Fillings?
An amalgam filling is composed of a mixture of metallic materials such as silver, zinc, and copper. Nowadays, many dental professionals are moving away from amalgam fillings as they can contain a significant amount of mercury. Since metal tends to contract and expand, mercury fillings can break loose, exposing individuals to this potentially harmful substance.
Additionally, the friction of chewing and daily wear can release mercury from amalgam fillings. For these reasons, replacing your amalgam filling with a composite alternative may be recommended by our team. Dr. Oakes will review your dental history and determine if composite fillings are right for you.
Our Vancouver composite fillings are strong and can last several years before they may need to be repaired or replaced. Following a healthy diet and a proper dental hygiene routine will help prevent damage to composite fillings. Some best practices include:
- Floss every day
- Brush with fluoride paste two times daily
- Keep up with regular dentist visits
- Eat well-rounded, nutritious meals
- Avoid hard candy, staining liquids like coffee or wine, and crunchy foods
If you believe your filling has been damaged, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with Dr. Oakes right away. Cavities can form in the exposed area of the tooth, accelerating tooth decay and causing discomfort. Common symptoms of a broken filling include sharp pain at the site of the tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold liquids, and general soreness throughout the mouth.
Your Vancouver Source for Mercury-Free Fillings
At Oakes Family Dentistry, our friendly staff of dedicated professionals is committed to improving the smiles of our Vancouver patients. We will work with you to create a dental care plan that accommodates your schedule, budget, and lifestyle. Dr. Oakes has years of experience in the industry and has developed oral care plans for every age group.
Call or visit our office today to schedule a checkup and explore composite fillings as a solution to restore the integrity of your teeth. Our team understands how important it is for you to have a bright and healthy smile. Trust us to provide you and your family with quality dental care in Vancouver.
CALL US: (360) 695-6066 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Back