Oct
Almost everyone knows that to treat a cavity in a tooth from decay, you need a dental filling. The different options for filling a cavity from a decayed tooth are not so well known. Fillings can be made of porcelain (ceramic), gold, silver amalgam (a mixture of various metals), or composite material.
If you’re particular about your smile’s appearance, we recommend composite or porcelain tooth-colored fillings, as they won’t stand out when you smile. At Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California, we treat decay with tooth-colored fillings.
Knowing the following facts about composite fillings can help you make educated decisions and choose your options wisely when undergoing cavity treatment.
Composite fillings are composed of resin (plastic) mixed with ceramic or quartz particles to make a material that closely resembles the color of natural teeth. This moldable mix can be tinted to match the exact shade of your teeth to make your filling more discreet. By taking the color and shape of your natural teeth, composite fillings are less noticeable when you smile. This helps retain your smile’s esthetic appeal.
There’s no metal in a composite filling, so there’s no risk of your filling triggering metal allergies. There’s also no risk of corrosion to discolor your tooth over time. If you habitually grind your teeth, a tooth-colored filling may be a better fit as it contains no abrasive metal to damage the structure of opposing teeth.
Composite fillings can be placed immediately, in one dental visit, to avoid delays in restoring your tooth’s health and usefulness. After removing the decay, Dr. Watkins and the team will prepare your tooth for treatment. We’ll apply the resin material in layers to your tooth, filling the hole left by the cavity and molding it to your tooth’s shape for a natural look. Each layer will be cured with a special light to harden it in place. After applying the last layer, we’ll polish your tooth to help it blend in with your smile. Â
Although composite fillings are primarily used to treat decay, they can also be used for other purposes. A tooth-colored filling can repair minor chips or cracks in your tooth enamel or build up a broken tooth. These fillings also function as bonding to fill small gaps in your smile or cover tooth stains to improve your smile’s appearance.
Composite fillings are effective in treating decay and protecting your teeth from future infection. When properly cared for, your filling can last up to 10 years or longer before needing to be replaced. Good oral care and routine dental cleanings can help extend the lifespan of your filling.
Have cavities that need to be filled?
Contact Dr. Ryan Watkins and the team from Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, CA, at (760) 274-0993 to schedule an appointment for composite filling cavity treatment.