Composite Fillings
Stratford, CT
Tooth decay occurs when a layer of plaque and bacteria on the surface of your teeth damages the enamel. This leads to weak spots that can result in cavities if left untreated. Cavities are a common oral health issue where small pits form on your teeth.
Composite fillings are a way to treat cavities to restore your oral health. Fillings are made of composite resin, which consists of various substances, including fine glass and plastic. Composite fillings typically do not contain mercury or metal, making them ideal for curing cavities towards the front of your mouth.
Reasons For Composite Fillings
The reasons for choosing composite fillings include:
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Chipped tooth
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Decayed teeth
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Space between two teeth
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Worn teeth
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Broken or cracked teeth |
How Are Composite Fillings Placed?
Composite fillings can typically be placed in a single appointment. First, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the site of the damaged tooth and remove the decay. Next, the area will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before the filling is set in place. If the decay is close to the tooth’s nerve, a special medication will be applied inside of your mouth. The composite filling would then be properly placed, shaped, and polished to bring your tooth back to its original role.
You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold items during the first few days after getting composite fillings placed. However, this sensation will fade once your tooth gets used to the new fillings.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are a great way to bring back your beautiful smile that was lost due to cavities. Here are some of the most significant benefits of composite fillings:
Aesthetics
These fillings resemble the color of your original teeth. With the help of technology, color blending can be done more accurately than ever. This gives a natural look which can make it impossible for people to spot the fillings.
Support
Fillings do not only support decayed teeth but also support crooked teeth. This implies that a lesser amount of the existing tooth needs to be trimmed down to prepare for composite fillings. This offers an effective solution to your oral issue while preserving your original tooth to the maximum extent.
Durability
Composite fillings were not initially strong enough for the back teeth, where strong pressure needs to be applied for grinding and chewing. However, with rapid advancements in dentistry over time, the quality of composite fillings have improved drastically. They can be placed almost anywhere inside the mouth without cracking.
Expansion and Contraction
Amalgam fillings are more vulnerable to thermal stresses than composite fillings, as they expand and contract upon exposure to hot and cold temperatures. This can eventually lead to weakening and cracking. In contrast, composite fillings have insulating properties which offer much better protection against hot and cold. We recommend following up with our office and scheduling a dental exam
Composite fillings cannot only fill cavities, but also repair fractured, broken, or worn teeth. If you are suffering from a chipped or decayed tooth, schedule an appointment with us at Brush & Floss Dental Center by calling us at (203) 683-5253 today.
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