Composite fillings are a great way to help strengthen teeth that may be weak or susceptible to cavities. If you have tooth pain or are in need of a filling, composite fillings may be the best option for you! In this blog post, we will discuss what composite fillings are made of, how they help to strengthen teeth, and the placement process.
What is a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are made of a dental material known as composite resin, which is a mixture of plastic (acrylic) resin and glass. This combination makes the filling strong and durable, while also providing a natural look to the tooth. The filling is placed in the cavity or hole in the tooth, and then hardened with a special light. Once it is hardened, the filling will bond to the tooth and provide long-lasting support.
How Composite Fillings Strengthen Teeth
Besides the fact that composite fillings help the teeth maintain a natural appearance, they are also used for their ability to strengthen the teeth. Composite fillings help to strengthen teeth in a few different ways:
Preserve Natural Tooth Structure:
When a composite filling is placed, only the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth needs to be removed. This helps to preserve as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible. Since your natural tooth structure is also preferential to any type of dental material or restoration, preserving your natural tooth structure also preserves your tooth’s natural strength.
Have a Unique Bonding Process:
The bonding process of composite fillings is unique in that it does not require the use of additional dental cements or adhesives. Instead, composite resin is able to bond directly to the tooth. This provides a strong, seamless bond that will help to keep the filling in place for many years.
Protect Against Tooth Sensitivity:
Composite fillings can help to protect against tooth sensitivity by sealing off the exposed dentin to protect the nerve endings inside the tooth. This will help to keep hot and cold temperatures from causing discomfort.
Can Be Repaired:
If a composite filling becomes damaged, it can usually be repaired by adding new filling material. This is not possible with other types of fillings, such as amalgam. Since repairing a filling requires less modification than removing and replacing a filling, this helps to preserve your natural tooth.
Versatile:
Composite fillings can be used in a variety of different situations. They can be used to fill cavities, repair cracked or broken teeth, and even to change the shape or color of teeth. They can also be used in both the front and back teeth. Overall their versatility allows them to be used for a variety of applications.
Placement of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are placed in a few simple steps:
- First, the tooth is prepared by removing the damaged or decayed portion. Dental anesthetics are used during this process to keep the tooth numb.
- Next, the composite filling material is placed into the cavity. The material is then shaped and hardened with a special light.
- Finally, the filling is trimmed and polished to match the shape and color of the tooth. The entire filling can be placed in a single dental appointment.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed composite fillings and how they can help to strengthen teeth. We have also gone over what composite fillings are made of and the placement process. Composite fillings are a great way to help strengthen teeth. If you are in need of a filling, be sure to ask your dentist about composite fillings! Thanks for reading!
Dr. Sadati possesses extensive experience in all aspects of advanced restorative dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has attained Accredited Fellow status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most rigorous, demanding credentialing process in the world. He is the only AACD Accredited Fellow in South Florida.
