Composite fillings offer an attractive and durable way to repair teeth damaged by decay. They are made of a glass or quartz filler and a plastic resin material that is color-matched to the natural shade of your teeth.
This filling is used to restore decayed or damaged teeth and is known to be both aesthetically pleasing and very strong. Composite fillings are highly durable and can last several years with proper care.
Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, allowing for a more secure seal and less potential for leakage. Composite fillings are also much less noticeable than silver amalgam fillings, which makes them an excellent choice for people who want to keep their natural smile.
What are Composite Fillings?
A composite resin filling is a tooth-colored filling used to restore decayed teeth. It is made of a glass or quartz filler and a plastic resin material that matches the color of your teeth.
Silver amalgam fillings are more complicated to remove than tooth-colored fillings, require a longer curing time, and are more expensive. Silver amalgam fillings, on the other hand, can be used to fix a hole in a tooth if there isn’t enough tooth left for a tooth-colored filling.
Silver amalgam fillings are also used to fill cavities in the back teeth where tooth-colored fillings may not be appropriate.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Longer lasting
Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth for a stronger seal and better protection from leakage.
Less noticeable
Composite fillings are much less noticeable than silver amalgam fillings since they are made to match the color of your teeth.
Aesthetically pleasing
Composite fillings are highly durable and can last several years with proper care. They are also straightforward to apply and remove, making them an excellent choice for children, people with sensitive teeth, or those with difficulty sitting still during treatment.
Economical
Silver amalgam fillings are more complicated to remove than tooth-colored fillings, require a longer curing time, and are more expensive.
However, silver amalgam fillings may be used to fill a cavity in a tooth if there is not enough tooth remaining for a tooth-colored filling to be applied. Silver amalgam fillings are also used to fill cavities in the back teeth where tooth-colored fillings may not be appropriate.
Types of Composite Fillings
Resin-based composite
Resin-based fillings are tooth-colored fillings made of a mixture of glass or quartz filler and a plastic resin material. They are often used to fill children’s teeth because they are durable and easy to clean.
Resin-modified composite
This filling is used to treat larger cavities, such as those found on the molars, where a tooth-colored filling may not be appropriate. It is often used as a base for a porcelain crown.
Silver-mercury amalgam
Silver-mercury amalgam is a tooth-colored filling made of a mixture of silver, mercury, and a small amount of resin. It is very durable and is often used to fill cavities in the back teeth where a tooth-colored filling may not be appropriate.
Procedure for Composite Fillings
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the surrounding area with a particular dental anesthetic. This allows you to sit comfortably during the procedure, making the treatment less likely to cause sensitivity.
Your dentist will use a special dental drill to remove the decayed portions of your tooth. They will then shape the remaining tooth structure and prepare it for the filling. Next, your dentist will mix a special dental cement that will be applied to the tooth to hold the filling in place.
While the cement is curing, your dentist will ensure that the filling perfectly matches the color of your tooth. Once the cement has cured, your dentist will thoroughly clean the area and complete the procedure.
How Long do Composite Fillings Last?
The lifespan of a composite filling varies from person to person, but most last longer than silver amalgam fillings. However, it is essential to note that a filling does not cure the decay; it just covers it.
Therefore, it’s essential to maintain proper oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and attend recommended treatment visits. Overall, composite fillings can last for several years with proper care.
The length of time a filling lasts depends on the location of the filling, the health of the person receiving the filling, and their dental hygiene practices.
Cost of Composite Fillings
No single price can be applied to all dental procedures since every person’s oral health differs. As a result, the cost of a specific dental procedure will vary depending on the individual. That said, composite fillings should cost between $200 and $500, depending on your location and dental coverage, if any.
Keep in mind that costs are based on more than just the filling. Other factors like location, dental coverage, and your dentist’s experience level will also affect the final cost.
Dental Care for Composite Fillings
The key to keeping your filling intact for as long as possible is to practice proper oral hygiene. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months for dental cleaning. Keeping up with regular dental visits puts you at a lower risk of developing cavities, which can cause the filling to break down prematurely.
You can also help extend the lifespan of your filling by avoiding sticky foods and hard, crunchy snacks. Keeping your mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause the filling to break down prematurely.
You can also use mouthwash to clean your mouth more thoroughly.
Conclusion
Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings made of a mixture of glass or quartz filler and a plastic resin material. They are often used to fill children’s teeth because they are durable and easy to clean.
Composite fillings are aesthetically pleasing and can last several years with proper care. They are an excellent choice for people looking to maintain their natural smile while receiving treatment.
Visit Your Dentist At Mountain View Dental Now!
Mountain View Dental has served families in Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Canton, Cartersville, Dallas, Woodstock, Georgia, and beyond for over three decades. We are skilled, knowledgeable dentists who can provide you with the high-quality, pleasant dental treatment you deserve. We can assist you if you want a simple filling or pain relief or are interested in orthodontic treatment or a smile makeover.
When you pick Mountain View Dental, you may get the desired aesthetic and functional benefits. Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Glenn Reese have advanced skills in various dental treatments. We provide aesthetic choices, restorative treatments, Invisalign alignment therapy, Invisalign, implant dentistry, dental surgery, and solutions for sleep apnea, among many more.
Whatever your demands, we can assist you! We serve patients of all ages as well!
Our office provides comfort and courtesy to people of all ages. Our patient care philosophy emphasizes comfort, trust, education, and five-star service. All of our employees embrace this idea.
You will not have the cookie-cutter experience of a standard dental facility when you visit our office. We customize your tour to match your specific requirements! With private rooms, longer hours for appointments, and a caring, friendly staff, your time at our clinic is sure to be pleasant and helpful.
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