Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures performed. A vast majority of adults have dealt with at least one cavity during their lives. For a long time, dealing with cavities meant unsightly amalgam fillings. Today, however, things are a bit different. At Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, we can help restore the health of a tooth affected by a cavity and improve the quality of your smile with composite fillings.
What is a Composite Filling Made Of?
Composite fillings are also called tooth-colored fillings or white fillings. They are composed of a mixture of different materials, which include plastic and fine particles of glass. Unlike amalgam fillings, they do not have any metal components, and they do not contain mercury.
What Benefits Does a Composite Filling Offer?
One of the benefits that composite fillings offer is aesthetics. There are many shades of composite resin, which allows us to choose a shade that matches the color of your actual tooth. This provides for a seamless, natural restoration to your oral health as well as your smile. You can have these fillings placed in your front teeth, and no one would ever be the wiser.
Aesthetics are just one benefit. Composite fillings
bond with your natural tooth, meaning you require less drilling. For some cavities, you may not even need a local anesthetic. It also means we can preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
You do not have the same restrictions with composite fillings that you do with amalgam. With amalgam fillings, you might have restrictions on the types of foods you can eat for a short period of time after the filling has been placed. With composite fillings, you pretty much have no restrictions. Once the local anesthetic has worn off, you can resume your life as normal.
Composite fillings do not expand and contract with temperature fluctuations like amalgam does. This means that your tooth does not have the same risk for cracking that a tooth filled with an amalgam filling does. If you currently have amalgam fillings, it may even be possible to remove them and then replace them with composite ones.
Are Composite Fillings Safe?
Some patients do express concerns regarding BPA with composite fillings. The amount of BPA present, if any at all, is minimal. Most people are exposed to higher levels of BPA from plastic cups, plastic bottles, plastic wraps, and canned products such as sodas. In general, composite fillings are believed to be very safe. But if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak with us during your appointment.
Do Composite Fillings Cost More than Amalgam?
Composite fillings do cost more than amalgam fillings, but the price differential is not significant. Most patients are willing to pay a little bit more to enjoy the many amazing benefits that composite fillings have to offer. You can also speak with your dental insurance provider to see if composite fillings are eligible for coverage.
If you have a cavity and need a filling, a composite filling can be an incredibly effective
treatment for improving your oral health as well as your smile. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry at (715) 848-2435 today.
FAQs
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations made from a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles. They are used to repair cavities, chips, or minor fractures and blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth for a more aesthetic result.
How long do composite fillings last?
With proper care, composite fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or longer. Their longevity depends on factors like the size of the filling, location in the mouth, and your oral hygiene habits.
Are composite fillings safe?
Yes, composite fillings are a safe and effective option for restoring decayed or damaged teeth. They are free of mercury and bond directly to the tooth structure, helping to preserve more of the natural tooth compared to traditional metal fillings.
Can composite fillings be used on front and back teeth?
Yes, composite fillings are versatile and can be used on both front and back teeth. They are especially popular for front teeth due to their natural appearance but are also durable enough to be used on molars when placed correctly.
What is the process for getting a composite filling?
The process begins with removing the decayed portion of the tooth. The area is then cleaned, and the composite material is layered into the cavity. Each layer is hardened with a special curing light before the filling is shaped and polished to match your natural tooth.
Why choose Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry for composite fillings?
At Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, our dental team uses high-quality composite materials to provide strong, natural-looking fillings that enhance your smile. We focus on precision, comfort, and long-lasting results for every patient.
