Composite Fillings In Houston, TX

At Hickerson Dental & Associates, we specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. While we will always try to prevent any problems as best we can, most people will still need restorative treatment at some point in their lives. Among our services, we provide tooth-colored composite fillings in Houston, TX, to restore the appearance and structure of the tooth.

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    What Causes Tooth Decay

    Our mouths contain tons of harmful (and benign) bacteria that cause tooth decay, sometimes referred to as dental caries. Most of these bacteria are found in a sticky thin biofilm, known as plaque, that constantly forms on and around your teeth. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can calcify into calculus, or tartar, which is much harder to remove.

    The bacteria in plaque and tartar feed on the sugars, starches, and other simple carbohydrates we consume. As they feed, they produce acids that unfortunately target the outer layer of the tooth called enamel. Over time, and without proper care, these acids can eat away large portions of the tooth, resulting in the need for restorative care.

    Composite Fillings

    Questions About Composite Fillings?

    Why Choose Composite Fillings

    For treating dental cavities, our Houston expert uses composite fillings as they offer various benefits, such as:

    • Natural appearance: Composite matches the color of your natural teeth, providing a more attractive and seamless result.
    • Durable: These fillings are tough enough to handle the pressure of routine biting and chewing.
    • Restored function: Once the filling is in place, you can eat your favorite foods more comfortably.
    • Reduced sensitivity: Unlike metal, composite resin does not conduct heat, making it a perfect option for sensitive teeth.
    • Minimal preparation: The treatment does not need extensive tooth removal or preparation like silver fillings.

    Placing Your Composite Filling At Our Houston Clinic

    Your filling procedure begins with tooth preparation. We will remove any decayed tooth material before moving forward with treatment. Once your tooth is properly prepared, we will clean and dry out the cavity. We may also etch the enamel, which helps the composite better adhere to the tooth. Next, we choose a shade of composite that best matches your enamel.

    Composite fillings are placed directly into the enamel and should be flush with the rest of your tooth. After we achieve the proper fit, we will use an ultraviolet curing light to harden the composite and expedite the bonding process. Once the bonding is hard, we may need to trim off any excess material to prevent a problem with your bite. Finally, we polish the composite until it matches the sheen of your tooth.

    5 star google reviews

    what our patients say

    I visit this clinic rather often, and the staff is always very nice and compassionate. Dr. Hickerson is a truly kind and honest person. Having interacted with various dentists, I've often noticed that their advice seems driven by business interests rather than a genuine intention to save your teeth. I'm lucky that doctors like Dr. Hickerson are around.

    Tatiana

    Dr. Patel is just incredible! My kids and I loved her. She is thorough and explains everything really well. Super gentle, procedure did not hurt at all. She was able to help me avoid much more extensive dental work. I can honestly say we enjoyed going to the dentist!

    Amishi Shah

    I had 3 crowns and 2 fillings (my parents have a lot to answer for!) and it was pain free. Dr. Hickerson and Micah were efficient and also friendly, made sure I was comfortable.

    Anne Morris

    I would highly recommend Dr. Hickerson and his team to anyone who is looking for a new dentist. His entire staff makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk into the door. I would give them 10 stars if it were possible!

    Thank you Dr. Hickerson, Dr. Patel and staff for everything!

    Logan Erickson

    Staff were courteous and professional. Dr. Hickerson was kind and attentive to patient’s needs and keep his patient informed . As a patient, I felt less anxious and very reliable that Dr. Hickerson knows my issue and can fix it all for me. Thank you!

    Monic Ma

    My family and I are very happy with the attention and caring of the Dr Hickerson almost 20 years ago also it was a pleasure to meet Dr Brown and I really appreciate her work and caring, Thank you very much !

    A. Christine Stahl

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do composite fillings last?

    With proper care, composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, depending on the location in the mouth and your oral hygiene habits.

    Are composite fillings safe?

    Yes, composite fillings are safe and do not contain mercury like amalgam fillings. They are biocompatible and widely used in modern dentistry.

    How long does the filling procedure take?

    A composite filling generally takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.

    Schedule Your Consultation

    If you have cavities or tooth damage, don’t wait too long! Visit our dental office for composite fillings in Houston, TX, or call us today at (713) 782-3123 for an appointment.

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