Composite Fillings & Bonding in Knoxville, TN

At Bryant Family Dentistry in Knoxville, we strive to use the most conservative treatment methods to protect your smile. Tooth-colored composite resin fillings and bonding at our Knoxville dental office are great examples of this approach. The natural-looking material allows for minimally invasive cavity treatment to restore oral health. 

What Is Composite Resin?

Composite resin is a mixture of glass or quartz filler. The result is a material that allows our dentists to create virtually invisible tooth repairs. We commonly use composite resin to restore cavities, and its aesthetic qualities make it perfect for cosmetic smile enhancements.

The Importance of Prompt Cavity Treatment

Cavities form when tooth enamel is damaged by harmful acids in your mouth produced by bacteria. As decay progresses, it gradually penetrates the underlying layers of the tooth. 

Left untreated, it reaches the inside of the tooth where the nerves are located, causing a toothache. Once it reaches the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth, the bacteria cause infection and inflammation, which requires root canal treatment to save the tooth. 

Knowing this, it’s easy to see the benefits of addressing a cavity promptly. You can avoid discomfort, emergency dentist visits, and the need for more involved treatment.

Silver amalgam fillings have their place in dental history, but composite resin presents a more attractive, less invasive solution. The benefits of choosing composite resin over amalgam include:

1. Looks natural — Unlike noticeable silver fillings, composite resin matches your tooth color for a more discreet repair. 
2. Eliminates safety concerns — Composite resin is mercury-free, eliminating health concerns associated with amalgam fillings. 
3. Strengthens tooth structure — Composite fillings allow us to preserve healthy tooth structure and strengthen the tooth, unlike silver fillings. 

Procedure for Getting a Composite Filling in Knoxville

The process for getting a composite filling at our Knoxville, TN, dental office is straightforward:

• The affected area is numbed for your comfort.
• Decayed or damaged material is carefully removed.
• The tooth is cleaned and prepared.
• A bonding agent is applied to the cavity.
• Composite resin is sculpted to match the tooth’s contours and then hardened with a special light.
• The filling is shaped and polished for a natural appearance and to resist staining. 

With proper care, tooth-colored composite fillings last about five years.

Apart from tooth fillings, we also use composite resin at Bryant Family Dentistry for dental bonding to address minor aesthetic issues:

• Conceal tooth staining or discoloration
• Repair chipped teeth
• Eliminate wide gaps between teeth
• Cover exposed tooth roots

Getting bonding is similar to fillings but with a more artistic touch. The process requires precision and creativity to sculpt the resin, enhancing your tooth’s natural appearance.

Rediscover Your Healthy Smile with Bryant Family Dentistry in Knoxville

Your journey to a restored, healthy smile is a phone call away. Whether you need a tooth filling or want to enhance your smile with dental bonding, our dedicated team is ready to provide exceptional care. Call our Knoxville, TN, today at (865) 693-7631 to see how we can help you.