When you suffer from dental caries your dentist focuses on eliminating the infection and restoring the tooth to its original form. Minor dental caries can be successfully treated with tooth-colored restorations such as composite fillings.
Composite fillings provided by the dentist in Grand Haven, MI are aesthetically appealing, in addition to being affordable, and durable.
What are composite fillings?
Tooth-colored restorations that are made up of a mixture of plastic and ceramic to restore a decayed tooth are known as composite fillings. Dental issues like caries, trauma, and gum disease can compromise the aesthetically unappealing tooth structure, especially if it is visible or appears along your smile line.
These fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in mild to moderate tooth damage that needs to withstand moderate pressure from masticatory forces.
When do you require composite fillings?
Composite fillings are often recommended for several reasons, including:
- Decayed teeth
- Teeth with diastema (gaps or spaces between the teeth)
- Teeth that are worn out due to attrition
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Fractured or broken teeth
What are the benefits offered by composite fillings?
Though there are a variety of dental filling materials, composite fillings are widely used due to the following benefits:
- These are tooth-colored and easily match the natural teeth
- They blend easily, making them virtually invisible
- There is minimum tooth preparation required, thus preserving most of the natural tooth structure
- These fillings are durable and can withstand a considerable amount of masticatory forces
- They are versatile since they are also suited for small fillings and repair
How are teeth restored with composite fillings?
Placing a composite filling typically involves the following steps:
- The extent of the tooth decay will be assessed through a dental X-ray to rule out the possibility of pulpal involvement.
- Your dentist will use ultrasonic instruments to excavate the tooth decay and prepare your tooth for composite filling.
- If the decay is close to the pulp, a special medicated material will be applied for pulp protection.
- The composite filling will be placed layer by layer.
- Each layer will be bonded using a special curing light.
- Once done, the filling will be properly shaped and polished to give a smooth surface. This prevents plaque adherence and secondary decay in the future.
Composite fillings are tooth-colored, durable restorations that are increasingly popular among dentists. However, good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits are essential to prolong the life of your new filling.
