At Howard H Carrico III DDS, we believe in providing dental solutions that blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a popular and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth without compromising aesthetics. If you're in Kailua and looking to maintain a bright, natural smile, composite fillings may be an ideal choice.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are a modern alternative to traditional silver (amalgam) fillings. Made from a blend of resin and glass particles, composite fillings are designed to match the shade of your natural teeth. This material bonds directly with your tooth, creating a durable and attractive solution to cavities and minor tooth damage. The result? A restoration that looks and feels like a natural part of your smile.

Benefits of Choosing Composite Fillings

Aesthetic Appeal: Composite fillings are available in various shades, allowing us to perfectly match your tooth color. This makes them practically invisible, enhancing your confidence when you smile.
Strong Bond: Composite material adheres tightly to the tooth structure, which can actually strengthen your tooth and prevent further decay or breakage.
Minimal Drilling Required: Composite fillings allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth. Unlike amalgam fillings, which require more removal of tooth structure, composite fillings require less drilling and are less invasive.
Mercury-Free Solution: Composite fillings do not contain mercury, making them a safer option for patients concerned about the materials used in their dental care.
Versatile: In addition to treating cavities, composite fillings can repair chips, cracks, and even close small gaps between teeth.

Our Composite Filling Process at Howard H Carrico III DDS

The process of getting a composite filling at our practice is straightforward and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation and Evaluation - Dr. Howard H Carrico III will first assess the area to determine if a composite filling is the best option for your needs. This evaluation includes checking the extent of the decay or damage and discussing any additional care recommendations.
Tooth Preparation - Once you’re comfortable, we’ll gently remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. The area will be cleaned thoroughly to ensure the filling bonds effectively with your tooth.
Application of the Composite Material - The composite material is applied in layers, allowing us to shape and mold it for a precise fit. A special light is used to harden each layer, ensuring a durable and long-lasting bond.
Finishing Touches - After the composite filling is fully hardened, Dr. Carrico will shape and polish the filling to achieve a smooth, natural finish. This step ensures that the filling is not only secure but also looks and feels like a natural part of your tooth.

Care for Your Composite Fillings

Caring for composite fillings is easy and involves the same good oral hygiene habits that keep your natural teeth healthy:

Brush at least twice a day and floss daily.
Limit sugary foods and beverages to prevent further decay.
Visit Howard H Carrico III DDS for routine check-ups so we can monitor the health of your fillings and overall oral health.

With proper care, composite fillings can last many years and keep your smile looking its best.

Experience Natural-Looking Fillings in Kailua

At Howard H Carrico III DDS, we’re committed to helping patients achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Composite fillings are just one of the ways we provide top-quality, personalized care. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, or if you have questions about how they could benefit your oral health, our team is here to help.

Call us today at (808) 261-6581 to schedule your consultation. Discover the difference composite fillings can make for your smile with Howard H Carrico III DDS—where your comfort and satisfaction come first.