Cosmetic/Restorative Dentistry
Composite Restorations/Fillings
A dental filling is a dental material used to repair the look & function of a tooth damaged by tooth decay.
You might wonder, “If it’s called a filling, why does it require the drilling of a hole?” Fillings are not like Band-Aids: we can’t just cover up the damage & expect it to get better. Unlike almost every other part of your body, teeth cannot heal themselves when they get damaged or infected. To restore your tooth back to the way it should be, we have first to remove the decay. That’s what we are doing when we use the drill when implementing a filling. Yes, it does make the hole caused by the decay a slightly bigger temporarily, but it’s safer than leaving any decay that could hurt your tooth more in the long run.
- Composite, or resin fillings, are a mixture of glass and plastic material that dentists use to plug cavities and make cosmetic improvements, such as fixing the color or shape of disfigured teeth.
- Traditional amalgam fillings are made with a variety of metals – primarily a liquid form of mercury with added metals, such as silver, copper, tin or gold. Depending on the size of a filling or the amount of fillings a patient has in their mouth, this type is often visible to others when speaking or eating.
- Composite fillings closely match the color of real teeth for a more natural appearance. Many patients who are seeking a front-tooth restoration also appreciate the value of having dental work that looks as natural and close as possible to the rest of their teeth.
- Composite fillings also address health concerns and often appeal to people who don’t want metal in their mouth.
Benefits of Composite Restorations
- Composite fillings are more discrete – they closely match the color of natural teeth.
- Composite fillings provide added tooth support – they’re made with a substance that chemically bonds to the tooth structure.
- Composite fillings are versatile – they can repair tooth decay and fix chipped, broken, and worn teeth.
Common Questions About Composite Restorations/Fillings
- The tooth is numbed to ensure a comfortable and painless procedure.
- The tooth is prepared and any decay removed.
- After placing a bonding agent, the composite material is applied in layers and hardened with a special light after each application.
- The composite is shaped to fit the tooth, then polished to prevent staining and early wear.
Dental Treatments
