When tooth decay threatens your oral health, dental restorations provide an effective solution that restores both function and appearance. Modern restoration materials and techniques allow us to treat cavities while preserving your natural tooth structure and maintaining the aesthetics of your smile. Early treatment of decay prevents more extensive damage that could require complex procedures like root canals or crowns. At Rivers Dentistry, Dr. Connor Rivers uses advanced ACTIVA bioactive restorations that release fluoride to help strengthen surrounding tooth structure and slow the recurrence of secondary decay.
At Rivers Dentistry, Dr. Connor Rivers uses the latest restoration materials and techniques to provide comfortable, long-lasting restorations. Our approach emphasizes conservative treatment that preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible while providing durable solutions that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Tooth decay develops when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel, creating holes called cavities. ACTIVA helps resist this acid attack by releasing fluoride along and through the restoration-tooth interface, helping fight this process. The American Dental Association notes that plaque constantly forms on teeth, and when you eat or drink anything with sugar, the bacteria present in plaque create acids that attack your enamel. Left untreated, cavities continue to grow deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the inner pulp and causing pain or infection.
Early-stage cavities rarely ever cause symptoms/pain, which is why regular dental checkups are crucial for detecting decay before it becomes a problem. As cavities progress into the deeper layer of the tooth, you may experience tooth sensitivity, pain when biting, or visible holes in your teeth. Prompt treatment with dental restorations prevents these problems from worsening and helps preserve your natural teeth.
Today’s dental restorations offer superior aesthetics and durability compared to traditional silver amalgam. Composite resin restorations, made from tooth-colored materials, bond directly to your tooth structure, providing excellent strength while maintaining a natural appearance. These materials can be precisely matched to your existing tooth color, making repairs virtually invisible. Composite restorations also require less tooth preparation than amalgam restorations, allowing us to preserve more of your healthy tooth structure. The bonding process actually strengthens the remaining tooth, providing long-lasting protection against future decay.
Recent advances in dental materials have led to a new class of composite resin restorations called bioactive composite resin restorations. This innovative class of composites resembles natural tooth structure and has inherent bioactivity, forming a hydroxyapatite bridge between the restoration and the tooth structure it contacts. Hydroxyapatite is one of the chief chemical components of teeth and a major building block of enamel. As the bond layer naturally degrades over time, the bioactivity of ACTIVA slowly forms a new hydroxyapatite bridge between the restorative material and the tooth structure it is bonded to.
This relatively new dental material was FDA-approved and launched in 2014, just one year before Dr. Rivers graduated from dental school in 2015. ACTIVA has shown excellent results over the past 11 years and may lead to longer-lasting outcomes than traditional composite resin restorations. Dr. Rivers stays current with the latest advancements in restorative dentistry to provide his patients with the most effective and durable treatment options available. These modern materials are also mercury-free, addressing health concerns some patients have about traditional amalgam restorations.
The dental filling process begins with thorough examination and diagnosis to determine the extent of decay. We use digital X-rays and visual examination to assess the cavity and plan the most conservative treatment approach. Local anesthesia ensures you remain comfortable throughout the procedure, with sedation options available for anxious patients.
During the procedure, we carefully remove all decayed tooth material using precise techniques that preserve healthy tooth structure. The cavity is then cleaned and prepared for the filling material. Composite restorations are placed in layers and hardened with a special light, allowing us to sculpt and shape the restoration for optimal function and appearance.
Our composite filling materials offer exceptional aesthetics that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We carefully select the shade that matches your existing tooth color, ensuring the restoration is virtually undetectable. The layering technique allows us to recreate the natural translucency and depth of tooth enamel for remarkably lifelike results.
Beyond aesthetics, tooth-colored restorations provide functional benefits that make them superior to traditional alternatives. The material bonds chemically to your tooth structure, creating a strong seal that prevents bacteria from entering and causing additional decay. This bonding process also helps restore the tooth’s original strength and integrity.
While restorations effectively treat existing decay, prevention remains the best approach to maintaining oral health. Excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, removes the bacterial plaque that causes cavities. We provide personalized instruction on proper home care techniques and recommend products that help maintain optimal oral health.
Dietary choices significantly impact your risk of developing cavities. Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages reduces the fuel available for decay-causing bacteria. When you do consume these items, rinsing with water afterward helps neutralize acids and remove food particles that bacteria feed on.
With proper care, modern dental restorations can last many years before requiring replacement. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your restorations and identify any signs of wear or damage early. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that could lead to decay around existing restorations.
Maintaining good oral hygiene protects both your natural teeth and your restorations from future problems. Avoiding habits like chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth as tools helps prevent damage to both restorations and natural tooth structure. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can protect your restorations from excessive wear.
Our composite filling materials offer exceptional aesthetics that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We carefully select the shade that matches your existing tooth color, ensuring the restoration is virtually undetectable. The layering technique allows us to recreate the natural translucency and depth of tooth enamel for remarkably lifelike results.
Beyond aesthetics, tooth-colored restorations provide functional benefits that make them superior to traditional alternatives. The material bonds chemically to your tooth structure, creating a strong seal that prevents bacteria from entering and causing additional decay. This bonding process also helps restore the tooth’s original strength and integrity.
Our conservative approach to filling placement preserves maximum tooth structure while providing optimal results. We use minimally invasive techniques that remove only the decayed portion of the tooth, maintaining as much healthy enamel and dentin as possible. This approach strengthens the long-term prognosis of treated teeth.
For larger cavities, we may recommend inlay or onlay restorations that provide superior strength and durability. These custom-made restorations are crafted in our laboratory to fit your tooth precisely, offering exceptional longevity for more extensive damage while maintaining natural appearance.
Don’t let tooth decay compromise your oral health or confidence. Modern dental restorations offer comfortable, effective treatment that preserves your natural teeth while maintaining the beauty of your smile. Dr. Rivers and our experienced team are committed to providing gentle, high-quality care that keeps your teeth healthy and strong.
Early treatment of cavities prevents more complex problems while preserving your natural tooth structure. Our advanced materials and techniques ensure your restorations provide years of reliable service while looking completely natural. Contact Rivers Dentistry today at (970) 963-3013 to schedule your dental filling appointment, or request an appointment online to restore your teeth to optimal health and function.
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