Composite Fillings
When treating a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill it with a composite filling material. This procedure is called a filling. The composite filling is also known as a tooth colored filling, since the material used in the filling can be closely matched to the color of your teeth. Composite fillings provide good durability for small to medium cavities, and the procedure typically involves removing less tooth structure than you would during an amalgam/silver filling. They are also particularly well suited for treating front or highly visible teeth because of their natural look. Dentistry has advanced immensly in the last ten years, and we no longer do silver/amalgam fillings. Composite fillings allow us to be much more conservative in our approach to how we restore the damaged tooth.
When can a composite filling be used for?
How its done
After the dentist numbs the area where the filling is to be placed, he/she will remove any decayed areas of the tooth. A bonding agent is then applied to allow the filling to adhere to the tooth better, and create a seal over the affected area. Once this is complete, the filling is placed in thin layers to form the complete filling. After the composite has hardened, the filling will be smoothened and polished to be comfortable and allow you to bite correctly.
When can a composite filling be used for?
- Decayed tooth (i.e. cavity)
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Decreasing the gap between teeth
How its done
After the dentist numbs the area where the filling is to be placed, he/she will remove any decayed areas of the tooth. A bonding agent is then applied to allow the filling to adhere to the tooth better, and create a seal over the affected area. Once this is complete, the filling is placed in thin layers to form the complete filling. After the composite has hardened, the filling will be smoothened and polished to be comfortable and allow you to bite correctly.
