Created with quartz or glass and using a resin medium, composite fillings are quickly becoming the go-to for many dental patients. The fillings restore functionality to broken teeth by allowing the patient to bite or chew without pain. In addition, because the fillings look like natural teeth, they may help with self-esteem in relation to speaking and smiling.
Composite resin fillings use versatile, customizable materials to fill in a wide variety of cosmetic issues in the teeth. Composite resin can be used to fill in small- to medium-sized cavities as well as to restore parts of teeth that are otherwise broken or chipped. When taken care of properly, composite resin fillings last between seven and 10 years.
Composite fillings have a wide variety of benefits for the patient. The material can be created to look exactly like the patient's other teeth, which makes them undetectable to most people. The process is also quicker than some other types of fillings and can usually be completed with one visit. Composite resin fillings are durable enough to resist fracturing during everyday use, and patients usually report only short-lived temperature sensitivity after receiving the fillings.
These types of fillings do have some disadvantages as well, though. Composite resin has a shorter lifespan than other types of fillings and generally costs more since they are so customizable. Because composite resin needs to be applied to the tooth in layers, the teeth need to be very dry during placement, and layers can take a while to apply.
The process for getting a composite resin filling is typically straightforward. At the beginning of the appointment, the patient will have the composite matched to the natural teeth. It is a good idea to have this done before the mouth and teeth become too dry, as this often changes the shade of the teeth.
Once matched, the decayed part of the natural teeth will be removed with a dental drill. Next, the patient's tooth will be cleaned and dried in preparation for the filling. Sometimes, if there is a lot of damage to the natural tooth, the patient will need to undergo some tooth shaving as well.
Next, it is time to etch and bond the tooth, which prepares it for receiving the composite. The composite is layered into the hole in the tooth, and a special light is used to cure the filling, which helps it to set in place. Once all of the layers are set, the tooth is shaped, contoured, and polished to ensure it matches the natural teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Prairie Village, KS
People who have chipped teeth or cavities and who are interested in learning more about composite fillings should contact their dentist for more information. A thorough consultation can be performed to determine whether the composite resin is the right choice for the patient.
Request an appointment or call Edward D. Dallam, DDS at 913-601-6045 for an appointment in our Prairie Village office.
Composite fillings are made of plastic resin and glass particles mixed together. Your dentist may offer you composite dental fillings if they think you would benefit from them. You can ask your dentist for a composite filling, and if they do not think it would be of benefit to you, they will let you know…
The dental filling has advanced over time. Silver or dental amalgams and tooth-colored fillings (made from composite resin) are two standard options available. It is vital to comprehend their distinctions before deciding on one. You should also consult your dentist about what would be the best filling material for you.Silver amalgam fillings have been popular…
A dental filling is most often used to treat cavities. If a patient has a cavity, the dentist removes decay from the tooth and fills the area. Likewise, the filling material can repair cracked and broken teeth. There are several materials available for dental fillings. Materials include porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, and composite resin.You may…