Having your dentist place a composite filling is helpful in restoring the integrity of a tooth that has been damaged due to cavities, teeth grinding or injuries. A composite filling is a special type of dental filling that closely matches the color of your surrounding teeth. This means that composite fillings offer a type of restoration that restores the appearance and function of your tooth without anyone knowing.
Most of your dental visits are probably taken up with routine dental exam and cleanings, or teeth whitening treatments, but cavities and dental fillings can sometimes become the reason for your visit.
Although cavities can be prevented in a number of ways, patients often find themselves dealing with them anyway. In fact, over 90% of adults have at least one dental filling.
Materials Used in Fillings
In most cases, dental fillings are the best and most effective way to repair a cavity. Several types are available, but the two most popular types are amalgam and composite. As the name suggests, amalgam is made from a mixture of metals that can fill virtually any type of cavity.
Composite dental fillings are glass or quartz combined that can match the color of your surrounding teeth. Some less popular construction materials used in fillings are gold, glass ionomer and ceramic.
Here are the steps involved with getting your composite filling:
Shade Selection
If having your dental filling match the color of your surrounding teeth is important, you will definitely want to choose composite. Your composite filling color can be selected using a shade guide to match your surrounding teeth. Your dentist will select the appropriate composite filling that most closely matches the color of your natural teeth.
Dental Cleaning
To achieve a strong bond, the surface of your treated tooth must be cleaned. This begins with a thorough polishing of its surface to remove surface stains, plaque and debris. If this material is not removed as completely as possible, your composite filling will not have the necessary bond to your tooth.
Tooth Preparation
This step normally involves some drilling and trimming. If any numbing agent is needed, your dentist will apply it to ensure that you are completely comfortable.
Etching
To ensure proper adhesion, your dentist will begin the bonding process by placing an acid solution onto the treated area, and then rinsing it away. Your tooth will resemble etched glass at this point.
Composite Application
Finally, your dentist will begin applying the dental composite, layer by layer. Each successive layer completely adheres to the bonding agent. The material itself has the look and feel of putty. Your dentist will apply the composite in a series of layers. Then they will expose it to a special “curing” light. Then they will carefully shape and polish the composite filling.
Learn More
Contact any of our offices below to learn more about composite dental fillings. New patients are welcome.
