Tooth-Colored Fillings in Smyrna, GA
Dr. Ryo Hosaka, your cosmetic and restorative dentist in Smyrna, GA can improve your smile and help you chew your foods better.
Dental fillings can fix small to medium areas of teeth that need repair. You may have dark stains or holes in teeth caused by tooth decay or missing tooth areas due to fracture. Dr. Hosaka excels at placing fillings in teeth to restore the shape and function of a tooth.
Signs that a filling may be needed:
- Stained areas
- Holes in teeth
- Cracked or missing pieces
- Gaps around existing fillings
Will My Tooth-Colored Fillings in Smyrna, GA Look Natural?
Dr. Hosaka has extensive training and experience in placing natural-looking, tooth-colored fillings, especially for front teeth. Most times, cavities and fractures of teeth can be restored back to their original color and shape, to achieve a lifelike blend with the surrounding teeth.
He uses a variety of different colored filling material to closely match the surrounding tooth structure. Most patients prefer the natural look appearance of the white fillings compared to the “silver” colored metal fillings commonly used in the past.
Dr. Hosaka is a conservative dentist, with a goal of preserving as much of the original structure of the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings are best suited for this goal because they are bonded to the existing tooth material. This allows Dr. Hosaka to minimize the shaping he needs to do on a tooth as opposed to a silver filling, which may require more shaping to create the correct shape to hold the filling.
I Hate How My Silver Fillings Look; Can You Change Them?
In most cases, a silver metal filling can be changed out to a tooth-colored filling. As a conservative dentist, Dr. Hosaka is very careful to minimize the shaping done on a tooth when replacing fillings. He uses a special suction tool during the procedure that helps to minimize the dust and debris created during the procedure.
Does Dr. Hosaka Do “Bonding” on Front Teeth to Enhance Their Shape or Color?
Tooth-colored fillings are sometimes called “bonding” because they are bonded to the tooth using a special process. Fillings can be used to reshape small teeth to make them look larger or make teeth that are too round, more natural-looking. In certain cases, Dr. Hosaka has also been able to close or lessen natural gaps in between teeth, almost like getting the instant results of braces treatment.
Dr. Hosaka would love to discuss your goals for your smile with you.
Please call, text, or email Hosaka Family Dental so you can start smiling or chewing better right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth colored fillings are one of the most common procedures done at Hosaka Family Dental. Dr. Hosaka uses tooth colored fillings to repair teeth that have been broken down by cavities and breakage. The tooth colored filling is used to replace lost parts of the tooth. It allows the repair of teeth to their natural shape and color.
Here is a walkthrough of a typical filling appointment, and the details of how a filling is placed.
Each of our dental treatments rooms is equipped with a big screen TV. We can play something on the TV so you can relax with a show or your favorite music. Once you are comfortable, we will start the tooth numbing process. Most teeth that need fillings are numbed for the procedure. These include teeth with cavities and teeth that needs fillings replaced. Teeth with small chips, like a front tooth that needs the biting edge repaired, usually do not need to be numbed. When a cavity or old filling needs to be removed from a tooth, the tooth can feel sensitive during the removal process, so local anesthetic is used to put the tooth to sleep during the procedure.
Dr. Hosaka can verify that a tooth is numb by testing the tooth with a cold spray test. He will place a cold cotton swab on the tooth. If the tooth cannot feel any cold, it means that the tooth has become numb.
The dental assistant will place a topical numbing jelly near the tooth that needs work. This helps to numb the gum before a shot is used to place the numbing medicine. After the numbing starts to work, the tooth will not feel any sensitivity or pain during the procedure. While waiting for the numbing medicine to work, the shade of filling material to be used will be selected to match the tooth. Tooth colored filling material is available in a variety of different tooth colors.
For most fillings, Dr. Hosaka uses a special suction device called a “dryshield” or “isolite” during the procedure. The device is a soft silicone wedge that is gently inserted in between the upper and lower teeth to help support the jaw during the procedure. This allows the patient to bite and rest on the wedge instead of straining to open during the entire procedure. The device also has a small flap to keep the tongue out of the way. The device connects to our suction line to suck away the water and debris inside the mouth.
It is very important to keep the tooth dry while placing the filling. The tooth colored filling cannot be placed successfully if the tooth becomes wet with saliva. The suction device helps Dr. Hosaka work efficiently and achieve a good result.
The tooth is then shaped to remove tooth decay or old filling material. During this part of the procedure, Dr. Hosaka concentrates on being minimally invasive, to preserve as much of the healthy tooth material as possible. Since the tooth is numb, the patient only feels vibration during the procedure, no sensitivity or pain.
Once the tooth is cleaned and shaped, Dr. Hosaka may place a shaping tool around the tooth to help him shape the filling material correctly. He then places a desensitizing medicine to soothe the tooth. After that, he places a special agent that prepares the tooth surface to accept the filling material. He uses a dental curing light to activate the material. The tooth colored filling is then placed and shaped to the correct contour to match the tooth. The material joins, or bonds to the tooth after it is activated by the curing light.
The filling procedure is almost done after the filling is placed. Dr. Hosaka shapes and polishes the filling. He checks the tooth with floss and also checks the bite with a marking paper. Once the bite is correct, he will polish the tooth again.
He can then show you the awesome result!
If you have any questions about a filling appointment, please contact Dr. Hosaka at Hosaka Family Dental today
Have you ever had a tooth feel sensitive while eating? Sometimes teeth that have had fillings may feel sensitive to chewing pressure, cold or hot foods, and sweets. Dr. Ryo Hosaka at Hosaka Family Dental has treated many patients with sensitive teeth.
Fillings are placed in teeth to repair areas of the tooth that have been lost to decay or breakage. The filling, both tooth colored and metal, rebuild the lost tooth areas and also seals the inner part of the tooth from food and germs. The inner part of the tooth, called the dentin, is more sensitive than the outer enamel layer of the tooth. When cold foods or sweets reaches the inner part of the tooth it can feel very sensitive.
Common Causes Of Tooth Filling Sensitivity
One of the most common causes of tooth filling sensitivity is due to the seal between the filling and the tooth becoming compromised. Unfortunately, this seal usually does not last forever after a filling is placed. Once the seal is failing, foods and germs can seep into the space between the filling and tooth, causing sensitivity. If left alone, eventually new tooth decay may start. Most of the time, replacing the filling or protecting the entire tooth with a crown will reseal the tooth and allow you to chew eat without discomfort again.
Teeth that have very large filling replacing a majority of the tooth may become weak and start to develop cracks. Cracks will allow seepage of food and germs into the inner part of the tooth. These kinds of cracks are usually not easily visible but the result is consistently felt while eating. A cracked tooth is usually consistently sensitive to chewing and to having cold foods. If the crack gets very deep, it may reach the nerve at the center of the tooth causing aching and throbbing.
It’s best to protect a cracking tooth as soon as possible to prevent injury to the tooth nerve or fracture of the tooth. A dental crown is the next step up from a filling. While the filling just patches the bad part of the tooth, a crown is a tooth-shaped covering that fits exactly onto the tooth, surrounding it from all sides to protect it. Once placed, the crown prevents the crack in the tooth from separating and getting deeper. Usually, this treatment will resolve the tooth sensitivity.
Sometimes, a tooth that has gotten a new filling can feel sensitive. There can be several causes.
The gums around the tooth can be irritated during the filling procedure, making the area feel tender. This tenderness usually goes away after a few days as the gum heals.
Why Does A Tooth Need A Dental Filling?
The most common reason a tooth needs to get a filling is because of tooth decay. The decay is removed from the tooth during the procedure. The removal of decay, while necessary, can be irritating to the tooth, especially if the decay is deep, close to the nerve. A tooth can become sensitive after the filling procedure, even if the tooth felt normal before the filling was done. This sensitivity can last a days or weeks, and in more rare cases, several months. As long as the sensitivity is improving by day by day or week by week, this is a good sign.
Near the end of the filling procedure, the bite is checked to make sure the opposing tooth is not hitting hard on the new filling. Most of the time, the bite can be dialed in accurately, but sometimes, the patient may need to use the tooth and filling for a few days to see if it comfortable. If a new filling is high, it could make the tooth feel sensitive to chewing pressure or temperature.
Contact Your Dentist in Smyrna, GA To Learn More
If you need help any new or existing sensitivity, Dr. Hosaka would love to help. Please call or text 770-435-3100 to schedule a visit.
If you have a tooth that has tooth decay or a broken area,
a dental filling can be used to repair the tooth. For many years, the main type of filling material used to fill teeth was a metal-based filling material called amalgam. As dental techniques and technology have improved, tooth colored filling materials have become available. Dr. Hosaka mainly uses tooth colored fillings at Hosaka Family Dental.
The most obvious advantage of tooth colored fillings is that they can be placed to look great, just like your natural tooth. Tooth colored filling material is available in many different tooth shades. Prior to starting the filling procedure, Dr. Hosaka will use a tooth shade guide to determine your tooth color and select the shade of filling material that best matches the tooth in need of repair. Sometimes, he will select several different shades to use in the same tooth to match the natural variation in color that teeth can have.
After selecting the correct filling shade, the tooth needs to be shaped and the filling needs to be placed with great care and skill in order to achieve the optimal cosmetic results. The filling material needs to be shaped correctly and blended carefully with the natural tooth to achieve a seamless result. Dr. Hosaka has trained extensively during his dental education as well as throughout his career to improve his technique in placing tooth colored fillings.
Discover Naturally Beautiful Tooth-Colored Fillings in Smyrna, GA
Another reason Dr. Hosaka prefers to use tooth colored fillings, is that they allow him to be minimally invasive compared to metal fillings. There is usually less drilling on the tooth involved when placing tooth colored fillings, compared to metal fillings. Tooth colored fillings are also commonly called “bondings.” When the tooth colored filling is placed, different agents are placed on the tooth to allow the filling to bond, or join the tooth. Because of this special property, tooth colored filling can be placed and shaped in a way to minimize drilling of the tooth. A metal filling does not bond to the tooth. Instead, it is packed into a hole or recess in the tooth. It just sits in the tooth. Because of this, the tooth has to be drilled and shaped in a certain way, at the expense of healthy tooth material, before a metal filling can be placed. Metal fillings placed in teeth tend to be larger in area compared to tooth colored fillings.
Both tooth colored fillings and metal fillings can last a long time if properly cared for. However, metal fillings can stain the tooth a greyish color over time. Since the metal filling is a dark grey color to begin with, teeth with metal fillings, especially teeth that show when smiling, can look discolored and dark. Tooth colored filling can allow the tooth to keep its natural white color.
Most metal fillings placed today contain mercury, tin, silver, and copper. Although the Food and Drug Administration has deemed metal fillings to be safe, some people prefer not to have any metal components inside their mouth.
Call Hosaka Family Dental To Book Your Appointment
If you would like to know more about tooth fillings, please contact our dental office today.
Dental fillings play a crucial role in preserving oral health and addressing issues arising from tooth decay or damage. At our Smyrna dental office, we understand that when a dental filling is necessary, it is vital to maintaining a healthy and vibrant smile.
Combatting Tooth Decay with Dental Fillings
A dental filling becomes necessary when a tooth develops a cavity due to decay. Early detection is vital, as untreated cavities can lead to more severe complications. Regular checkups with your dentist in Smyrna, GA, are essential for identifying these issues promptly.
Additionally, tooth-colored fillings are metal-free and have become a preferred option for many. These fillings seamlessly blend with natural teeth and offer a discreet solution to dental problems.
Looking for Tooth-Colored Fillings in Smyrna, GA?
Individuals seeking tooth-colored fillings in Smyrna can rely on the expertise of our skilled dentist at Hosaka Family Dental. Our team prioritizes your smile’s health and the longevity and functionality of dental fillings. By addressing cavities with precision and using advanced materials, our dentists contribute to the overall well-being of their patients, promoting both oral health and confidence in every smile.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hosaka.
We look forward to caring for your smile!
Dr. Hosaka understands that sometimes, dental treatment can be daunting. He has helped many patients who have had bad experiences at the dentist in the past. Most notably, he has helped a big burly gentleman who had avoided going to the dentist for almost 40 years due to a bad dental experience he had when he was in the military! Now he is a regular patient who has had treatments like extractions, deep cleanings, and crowns without trouble.
What Will My First Dental Appointment Be Like at Hosaka Family Dental?
Dr. Hosaka will tailor your dental visit to your needs to make sure that you are comfortable. Typically, he will do a lot of explaining and show-and-tell. He will take a gentle step-by-step approach, explaining and showing you what is going to happen before doing that step of the procedure.
We have a big screen tv set up in each dental treatment room where you can learn details about your oral health and dental treatments that we recommend. During your dental treatment, we can play your favorite music, TV show, or movie to help you relax.
Does Hosaka Family Dental Utilize Nitrous Oxide Gas?
We have nitrous oxide gas (also called laughing gas) available for our patients who would like to be extra relaxed during their dental care. Nitrous gas is an odorless gas that is inhaled through a soft nasal mask. It works quickly to give you a relaxed floaty feeling. After treatment is finished, the gas is turned off, and it leaves your body in a few minutes.
You will feel perfectly normal and are able to drive home.
Contact Our Dental Office in Smyrna To Learn More
If your tooth needs to be numbed for your dental procedure, Dr. Hosaka can use an extra-strength numbing gel on your gums before putting in the anesthetic. This has helped many of our patients. When you are ready to experience dental care you can count on, contact our Smyrna, GA dental office today!
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Ryo Hosaka
Dentist
Hi there! I’m Dr. Hosaka (It’s pronounced like Osaka, the city in Japan, but with an H. Or, if it’s easier, you can call me by my first name Ryo, which is pronounced like the city Rio in Brazil.) I look forward to taking care of you at my dental office.
I grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, and attended Duke University for undergrad. I am a 2012 graduate of Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine in South Florida, where I graduated at the top of my class. I also completed ...
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