If you suffer from dental decay, your dentist will probably strive to restore the tooth as soon as possible to ward off infection and shore up your tooth. There are different types of materials used for dental restorations, but the most common types of fillings are composites.
Drexel Hill dentist offers comprehensive composite fillings that restore your tooth structure and eliminate caries, in addition to enhancing your smile.
An insight into composite fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored aesthetic dental restorations that can be customized to match the shade of your tooth. It is a mixture of plastic or acrylic resin that is combined with a powdered glass filler.
Indications of composite fillings
Composite fillings are ideal for:
- Chipped front teeth
- Exposed root surfaces
- Cavities in the aesthetic zone (that are clearly visible)
- Replacing silver fillings
Benefits of composite fillings
Composite fillings are popularly used in dental restorations since they offer the following benefits:
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- Blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible
- Since the material is flexible, there is less drilling of your natural tooth, thereby preserving the tooth structure
- The resin material creates a strong bond with the tooth
- Are durable and can withstand moderate pressure
- Suitable for small fillings and repairs
- Versatile since they can be used to correct other cosmetic imperfections to alter the shape or color of your teeth
- Fillings can be easily repaired or damaged and do not require complete replacement
- Hardens very quickly, unlike other dental materials
The procedure involved in composite fillings
Composite fillings usually require one visit, and the process is as follows:
- Your dentist will first select the exact shade that matches your remaining natural teeth
- Your teeth will be cleaned and dried
- Your dentist will isolate your teeth to prevent excess moisture since it can interfere with the setting of the composite
- The decayed part of the tooth will be removed using ultrasonic instruments
- The tooth will be air-dried and etched using a dental bonding agent. This ensures a secure bond between the tooth surface and the composite
- The composite material will be packed layer by layer into the prepared tooth
- A curing light will be targeted to set the composite material after every layer
- The tooth will be shaped, contoured, and polished
- Your dentist will check your bite to ensure the filling is comfortable
Summary
A composite filling can greatly satisfy your desire for a restoration that looks good and doesn’t detract from your smile. Additionally, it may prevent further tooth decay from weakening your tooth.
