Composite Fillings
Treat your cavities with composite fillings at an Enamel Dentistry studio in Texas
Repair Your Cavities No One Will See Them
Thankfully, amalgam - silver, copper, or mercury - fillings are a thing of the past. Now, most dentists use composite fillings made of a special dental resin that is strong, durable, and matched to the exact color of your tooth enamel. Treating a cavity is a simple procedure where our dentists remove decayed and damaged material and then fill it with a tooth-colored composite that no one will see.
Treating Cavities Is A Proactive Approach To Maintaining Oral Health
Prevents More Decay
Removing decay and sealing off the tooth prevents bacteria and food particles from entering the tooth and causing more decay.
Restores Function
Function without discomfort. Filling a cavity, means the tooth's integrity is restored, allowing normal function without pain.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Teeth look natural. Composite resins, can be closely matched to the natural color of the tooth, enhancing your smile.
Stop Severe Problems
Untreated cavities worsen. If left, the cavity can reach the nerve and result in abscesses or the need for a root canal.
Come In And See Us
We'll Have You Grinning From The Chin Up
We're changing the way patients experience the dentist. Our primary concern is your oral health and making sure you feel comfortable coming to see us. We know it can be scary visiting the dentist. But our philosophy of providing an easy and fun experience combined with our use of advanced AI tools, we know you'll feel different about coming to see us.
We offer:
AI Technology That Doesn't Miss A Thing
We've invested in top-of-the-line tools and the latest technology to improve efficiency and patient care. No more goopy impressions! From AI and 3D printers to iTero for digital and diagnostic impressions, we're equipped with proven equipment to ensure that every procedure is comfortable, convenient and ensures an accurate fit. Combining technology and innovations with our highly professional and knowledgeable dental team enables us to deliver the best treatment outcomes consistently.
Don't Let Finances Come Between You And A Beautiful Healthy Smile
We understand the frustration of needing dental care while feeling it may not be affordable. You shouldn't have to worry about paying for your oral health. That's why we have several options to help you easily finance your dental treatment.
Enamel Dentistry Patients Are The Best
The More You Know,
The Better Your Oral Health Will Be
Over the Counter Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening: Which Is Better?
Stroll through any drug store, and you’ll find numerous over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products. How do these differ from what’s used at the dentist’s office—and which is better? Isn’t it just easier to whiten your teeth at home?
The Main Difference Between OTC and Professional Teeth Whitening
There are many types of OTC teeth whitening products available, including strips, gels, toothpaste, and bleach kits. While some of these products are pretty good, they all have a much lower concentration of the whitening agent than what’s used at the dentist’s office. You’ll also be applying it to your teeth over a shorter period of time. Essentially, you’ll see less of a change in the appearance of your smile, and it will take much longer.
At Enamel Dentistry, we use a higher-concentrated bleaching gel, which allows us to whiten your teeth by 5-10 shades in a single office visit. It’s much more effective than OTC whiteners! OTC bleaching gels can cause sensitivity and discomfort; we use custom trays and monitor you the entire time to make sure you have a comfortable experience throughout the entire process.
In addition, some OTC whitening products contain charcoal or other substances that can damage your enamel!
What About Convenience?
OTC whiteners are certainly convenient—you just need to grab one off the shelf and use it at home. Believe it or not, professional teeth cleaning can be just as convenient! At Enamel Dentistry, you don’t have to sit in the dentist’s chair to get a whiter, brighter smile. Although that’s certainly an option, we also offer custom take-home whitening kits. While still more effective than OTC products, they’re designed to give you gentler, more gradual treatment than what you’d get with our in-office whitening. This is perfect for patients who’d like a more natural whitening process or don’t have the time for in-office appointments.
Want to learn more about our professional teeth whitening or schedule an appointment? Contact your closest Enamel Dentistry location today!
Sedation After Care Instructions
Post-Operative Dental Surgery Instructions
- Things to expect following surgery:
- >Bleeding: Bleeding or oozing for the first 12-24 hours is common. Mild to moderate bruising/discoloration can also be present.
- >Swelling: Swelling may begin within the first 24 hours but should reach its maximum by 48-72hours. Swelling should diminish by the 5th day.
- >Discomfort: Discomfort may begin as early as when the anesthetic wears off. Typically discomfort will increase as swelling increases, with peak levels occurring within the first 48hours and gradually tapering thereafter.
- Things to do following surgery:
- >Refrain from: Smoking, vaping, vigorous swishing, and drinking through a straw for a minimum of the first 72 hours. Ideally to prevent infections and delays in the healing process, this should be avoided until the tissue completely heals up or your dentist advises you otherwise. Please also refrain from disturbing any stitches that were placed.
- >Bleeding:
- >>Bite on gauze for 30 min - 1 hour with constant, firm pressure over the surgical site. If bleeding continues, replace gauze and continue to apply pressure until bleeding stops.Some oozing and discoloration of saliva is normal, so place an old towel on your pillow before going to sleep the first night. Keep head elevated.
- >Swelling:
- >>Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face over the surgical area--20 minutes on, 20minutes off. Repeat for the first 24 hours following surgery as needed.
- >>After first day use warm, moist heat on face for swelling.
- >Discomfort:
- >>Take medications as directed for pain. See provided Pain Management sheet.
- >Diet:
- >>Avoid crunchy, crumbly, hot, or spicy foods for at least the first 72 hours following surgery or as directed by your dentist. Soup (room temperature or cold), oatmeal, milkshakes (without seeds), and mashed potatoes are all examples of acceptable soft foods. Do not skip meals as adequate nutrition is important for the healing process.
- >>Diet can be supplemented with high protein or meal replacement shakes such asEnsure or Boost. Protein is an essential nutrient in the recovery process.
- >Physical Activity:
- >>Avoid heavy lifting, sports, or strenuous exercises for the first 5-7 days or as directed by your dentist. Walking is a great way to maintain physical activity while healing.
- >Hygiene:
- >>Do not brush teeth in area of surgery for the first 48 hours. Other areas of the mouth may be brushed paying special attention to avoid area of surgery.
- >>Use warm salt water rinses (¼ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) 3-5 times daily after meals for the first 2 days following surgery (very gentle swishing).
- >>If periodontal surgery was completed, including crown lengthening, do not brush the site for the first week. Use Peridex mouth rinse twice daily, swishing for 30 seconds and spitting.
- >Medication:
- >>Take all medications as instructed. If antibiotics were prescribed, be sure to take ALLas directed.
- Contact the office at (512) 717-5315 or seek emergency care if:
- >Bleeding is excessive, swelling continues to enlarge after 72 hours, difficulty swallowing or breathing, temperature rises over 100°F.
Should I Keep Flossing If My Gums Bleed?
If your gums start bleeding while you’re flossing, should you keep flossing? Absolutely!
Bleeding while flossing is often a sign that you need to be flossing your gums more thoroughly or frequently—not that they should be left alone. It might sound counterintuitive, but the more you floss, the less your gums will bleed, unless the bleeding is related to physical damage to your gum tissue or a systemic issue. Many patients will stop flossing an area that bleeds, but the best thing to do is to give that area more attention!
Other Reasons Why Your Gums Might Bleed During Flossing
For most patients, simply flossing more often is enough to stop bleeding gums. However, there are several other reasons why your gums could bleed while flossing, including:
- You could be using poor flossing techniques
- You may not be brushing your gums properly while brushing your teeth
- You may have an accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth
- You may have had your teeth cleaned recently and had a lot of build-up removed
- You may have gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease
If the bleeding hasn’t gone away within 3-10 days, schedule an appointment to have your dentist check it out. We’ll evaluate your flossing technique and determine whether you may need a cleaning or periodontal care. Gingivitis and gum disease are both very common, but the good news is that they can be reversed in the early stages.
How Often Should You Floss Your Teeth?
Flossing is very important because it can get into areas that your toothbrush bristles can’t. No matter how well you brush your teeth, if you’re not flossing, you’re essentially only cleaning about 50% of your mouth. If you only floss occasionally, your gums will probably bleed because the tissue isn’t used to the stimulation; regular flossing helps the gum tissue become more resilient.
Although some patients floss after every meal, simply flossing once a day will do wonders for your oral health! The best time to floss is typically before you brush your teeth at the end of the day. This will allow the fluoride to make the most contact with your teeth. If you have questions about how to floss your teeth properly, we’d be happy to give you a demonstration!
The bottom line: your gums may bleed from time to time, and generally, it’s not serious. Start flossing more often, and it should go away. But if your gums bleed regularly, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist! Contact your closest Enamel location or book an appointment online.
How Does A Cavity Form?
How To Prepare Your Child For Their Dental Appointment
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that children visit a dental office at the age of 1 year, or whenever they get their first tooth. If you’re a new parent or are preparing to take your child to the dentist for the first time, you may not be sure what to expect.
In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll discuss what will happen at your child’s first dental appointment, and how to prepare them for their first visit to our office.
Your Infant’s First Appointment At The Dentist
Very young children (1-2 years old) will get a lap exam at Enamel Dentistry. You will sit on the dentist’s chair and hold your child in your lap, and your dentist will examine their mouth, clean their gums and teeth gently, and answer any questions you may have about their oral health and development. This is a great time to ask your dentist questions about teething, oral hygiene for infants and toddlers, and other such topics.
First Appointments For Older Children – What To Expect
Kids who are between 2-3 years old and have most or all of their baby teeth will get a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning, just like an adult. A dental hygienist at Enamel Dentistry will clean plaque away from their teeth, buff and polish their teeth, and floss to remove any remaining food particles.
Then, your child’s dentist will examine their mouth and look for any signs of tooth decay, developmental issues, and more. X-rays may be recommended if we deem them to be necessary and you approve them.
Tips For Preparing Kids For Dental Appointments
Not sure how to get your child ready for their first dental appointment? Here are a few suggestions and tips from Enamel Dentistry
- Get an early morning appointment – A well-rested child is more likely to behave and won’t be as cranky or fussy, so we highly recommend early morning appointments for first-time visitors to Enamel Dentistry.
- Maintain a good attitude – Your children can sense your emotions, even at a very young age. If you’re tense, nervous, or anxious about their appointment, they’ll notice. And they’ll be more likely to feel the same way. Do your best to remain positive.
- Use positive language – Don’t use negative terms like “shot” “hurt” “needle” or other threatening words that may make your child feel nervous. Use positive language to describe your child’s visit so that they don’t get nervous or anxious.
- Teach your kids more about dentistry – Teaching kids about dentistry can help them learn more about why it’s important, and can help with anxiety. Check out a few children’s books on dentistry, or watch some YouTube videos together so that they can learn about the basics.
- Explore sedation options – We offer sedation options such as nitrous sedation, which is appropriate for kids of all ages, and can be very useful for kids who are nervous about a procedure like a filling or a dental crown.
Come To Enamel Dentistry – Child-Friendly Dentistry For Kids Of All Ages!
If you need to find a family dentist in Austin for your kids, Enamel Dentistry is the best choice. With our team of experienced dentists and staff, we serve children of all ages with professional, caring, and patient-focused dental treatment. Contact us online to learn more and get started.
Tooth troubles? Here are some common FAQ's
In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process. As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so. However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area.
If your gums start bleeding while you’re flossing, should you keep flossing? Absolutely! Bleeding while flossing is often a sign that you need to be flossing your gums more thoroughly or frequently—not that they should be left alone. It might sound counterintuitive, but the more you floss, the less your gums will bleed, unless the bleeding is related to physical damage to your gum tissue or a systemic issue. Many patients will stop flossing an area that bleeds, but the best thing to do is to give that area more attention!
Just about all kinds of toothpaste contain some sort of mild abrasive, as this helps remove plaque and polish your teeth. However, whitening toothpastes usually have a higher level of abrasive particles. Baking soda is often used, as is silica, dicalcium phosphate, and a number of other abrasives. These abrasives are usually formulated specifically to be softer than your enamel. This ensures that they do not wear down your teeth, but they can still be used to buff away surface stains caused by plaque buildup, and keep your teeth looking bright and beautiful.
If you have a persistent or severe toothache, this may indicate that you have an infected tooth. If this is the case, it’s critical to come in for an emergency appointment to get a root canal and restore your tooth. Enamel Dentistry offers emergency care and expert root canal therapy, and we want to make sure that our patients are informed about the signs and symptoms of infected teeth. Here are a few things to keep in mind about emergency dental care and root canal therapy in Austin: