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 and offer alternatives.
A cavity occurs when bacteria on your teeth produce acid that breaks down the enamel. The goal of any filling is to seal the resulting hole in your tooth to protect it from furth damage that could result in eventual tooth loss.
Your dentist may recommend composite fillings to you, or you may ask for them and your dentist may agree to the procedure. Here are some situations in which you and your dentist may decide on composite dental fillings for treating your oral health issues.
Traditional fillings are made of an amalgam of several different kinds of metals. Some people are sensitive to one or more of these metallic ingredients and may have an allergic reaction to them if they have a traditional filling. Composite fillings contain no metal and are hypoallergenic.
One of the metals included in traditional fillings is mercury, which can be poisonous. Though metal fillings are regarded as safe, you may be uncomfortable with having mercury in your mouth. Many dentists share this concern, so if you tell your dentist you do not want a mercury filling, they may comply with your request for a composite.
Composite dental fillings are made of materials that can be matched to the color of your teeth. This makes them less noticeable in your mouth because they do not cause the teeth to become discolored.
A composite filling bonds to the surface of your natural tooth at a micro-level. This creates a stronger bond that provides additional support for each tooth.
Because of the way that a composite filling bonds to the surface of the tooth, it may not be necessary to remove as much of the tooth's material as it would be otherwise. However, this is not always the case and depends on the extent of the decay. Nevertheless, preserving natural teeth to the extent possible is usually preferable, so your dentist may recommend a composite filling if they think it would help to preserve more tooth tissue.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Woodland Hills, CA
When you need to have a tooth filled, you may have more than one restoration option. Your dentist will recommend the treatment that they think will benefit you the most but will take your concerns into consideration when offering treatment options.
Request an appointment or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at 818-657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
If you have experienced a cavity at least once, you almost certainly have had a dental filling. Composite fillings are made of resin and glass instead of metal. This variety of filling has become increasingly popular for its cosmetic benefits.Composite fillings, like other varieties of fillings, are often recommended by dentists after you suffer a…
Composite fillings are a common treatment for filling cavities and addressing tooth decay. These treatments often use tooth-colored, durable materials that can last for several years, but only if the filling is taken care of properly. It is important to avoid eating certain foods after getting a filling in order to protect the procedure and…
Composite fillings, especially newer ones, are reasonably strong and durable, but they can wear out over time. Excess pressure, such as may occur when you grind your teeth, can cause them to wear out more quickly. Poor dental hygiene may contribute to decay that can compromise fillings. A filling that is loose is not a…
Dental bonding is an effective restorative procedure for many dental issues, including tooth sensitivity. Read on to learn more about dental bonding. Dental sensitivity affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. Very hot or cold foods or liquids may cause a person’s teeth to become irritated. Knowing how to manage or approach sensitivity…
Dental bonding is not a permanent solution. This is in contrast to dental veneers, which are considered a permanent solution and are used for similar reasons as dental bonding. However, dental bonding can last for several years if the teeth are cared for properly.The following discussion highlights what the dental bonding procedure involves and why…