Composite fillings are one of the most common types used as dental restorations to restore a decayed, damaged, or out-of-position tooth. Composite fillings consist of a mixture of plastic resin and very finely ground glass particles that harden through blue light curing, providing a long-lasting and aesthetic option for dental patients as recommended by a Fontana dentist. In this blog post, we will be breaking down the advantages and process of getting a composite filling while also providing you with care tips so you can make an informed decision about your dental health.
Composite fillings – What are they?
Composite fillings, sometimes referred to as tooth-colored fillings, are used to fix teeth that have chipped, cracked, fractured, or otherwise suffered damage. Composite fillings are almost invisible because they are manufactured to match the color of your natural teeth, unlike typical amalgam fillings, which are composed of a mixture of metals. They are therefore the perfect option for fillings in regions that are visible, such as the front teeth.
Advantages of Composite Restoration
- Aesthetic Appeal: The biggest benefit to composite fillings is how they are so similar in appearance and texture to your natural teeth. The resin material can be exactly matched to the color of your natural teeth to have matching features across your smile.
- Bonding Strength: They help to fill in the decayed material and once placed, bond directly to the tooth structure for extra support. The bonding process reinforces the tooth, restoring up to 95% of the tooth’s original strength and minimizing future breakage.
- Versatility: In addition to filling cavities, composite fillings are used to repair chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. Since they can be shaped and sculpted to reconstruct the tooth structure, they also have wider applicability in denture repairs.
- Less Tooth Removal: Dentists usually have to remove more of the tooth structure when placing amalgam fillings than they do when setting in the composite. This conservative method helps save more of your natural tooth leading to improved oral health in the long-term.
What to Expect During a Composite Filling?
- Preparation: When a dentist is preparing to provide you with a composite filling, the first thing they will do is numb the area where the treatment is to be done and make sure that receiving this filling is necessarily painless. When the area is confirmed to be numb, all decayed or damaged parts of the tooth are removed. Now, the dentist prepares the cavity or damaged area for it to be filled.
- Filling Placement: The dentist applies the composite resin in multiple layers after preparing the tooth. Each layer is cured and hardened with a special light. That means there is a layering process to develop the filling the way it sits within the contours of your tooth.
- Shaping and Polishing: The dentist will then shape and polish the filling so that it feels comfortable when biting and looks natural. The end product is a smooth, color-matched restoration that is imperceptible to your normal teeth.
Composite fillings are a natural-looking, strong, and flexible solution for all types of dental restorations. These hand in hand with bonding strength and a more conservative tooth preparation are some of the reasons these restorations have become one of the preferred restorative options when possible. Knowing more about the advantages, treatment, and maintenance of composite fillings will help you decide on your oral health and level up a healthy stunning smile.
With periodic dentist visits and good oral hygiene, your fillings will last you several years while restoring the confidence of a comfortably biting mouth. If you believe that you have a cavity or need another sort of dental repair work, check with your dentist to find out if composite fillings are ideal for you.
