Composite Fillings as a Dental Restoration for Decay

A composite filling is a dental restoration option for a tooth that has suffered decay, cracks and fractures. However, its most popular application is as a treatment for tooth decay. Many filling materials exist for decayed teeth, but composite fillings are preferred because they are customizable to match the color of existing teeth. Therefore, they are more cosmetically suited for use on front teeth or visible parts of the teeth.

About composite fillings as a dental restoration

A cavity is a small pit on the tooth caused by tooth decay. Decay happens when acids from bacteria and plaque break down the enamel. As the acids erode the tooth, they create weak points on the tooth that become cavities. After a cavity forms, it is irreversible. However, it can be treated with composite fillings.

A composite filling is a metal-free and mercury-free alternative for filling decayed teeth. This filling is made from composite resin, which consists of a fine blend of materials like plastics and fine glass. Although composite fillings are not as strong as amalgam, recent composite fillings are strong enough to be used for any type of dental restoration.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of choosing composite fillings is that they are tooth-colored, which means they function as an excellent cosmetic solution for cavities, especially if any of the front row teeth are affected.

Placing composite fillings

The process of applying composite fillings is easy and straightforward. The procedure can be completed in one dental appointment and takes about 30 minutes. The dentist will start the treatment by cleaning the tooth and removing the decayed part of the tooth entirely to prevent the risk of reinfection or cavity development. The procedure usually only needs a local anesthetic to numb the tooth.

After cleaning the tooth, the dentist will roughen the cavity to create a texture that allows the composite resin to adhere to the tooth. The tooth will be washed and dried after 30 seconds. Composite resin material will be placed inside the cavity and hardened with UV light. Finally, the dental professional will polish the tooth to make it shiny and blend in with other teeth.

Why choose composite fillings?

Some of the benefits of composite fillings include:

• Conservative: Only a minimal part of the natural tooth is lost when placing the composite material
• Aesthetics: The material is customizable to match the color of the enamel, allowing the filling to blend in with the remaining teeth
• Durable: Composite resin can withstand normal daily use
• Repairability: If the filling gets chipped or fractured, the composite filling can be repaired
• Safety: There are no known safety concerns regarding the use of composite resin material

In conclusion

A composite filling is an effective dental restoration used by a dentist to restore your oral health and transform the appearance of a decayed tooth. If you are looking for a way to fix the cavities on your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about getting composite fillings.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

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