Reasons for Composite Fillings

Developing a cavity is often a relatively unnoticeable event. A few extra pieces of candy, a couple cans of soda, forgetting every once in a while to brush and floss properly--these very negligible oversights can over time build up to tooth decay that needs to be treated and cavities that need to be filled.

Filling a cavity, on the other hand, is a process that is very difficult to ignore. After all, despite the localized anesthesia that most dentists use during fillings, the procedure is a very sharp experience for any patient. Not only does time seem to pass slower when you see your dentist hovering over your teeth, the instruments used in the process can seem or sound frightening (though they’re ultimately more helpful).

After the anesthesia is applied, the dentist must first clear away any decayed parts of the tooth. This can be done in a variety of ways: with a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser, depending on what your dentist prefers. This process gets rid of the the damaged parts of the tooth and clears space for the filling to be placed. Next, the area is thoroughly cleaned of any bacteria or other residual debris to sanitize the area before the actual filling.

Finally, a dental filling is inserted in the leftover space. A variety of different types of fillings can be used, for example gold and amalgams (a variety of metals bound with mercury). Perhaps the most natural and best looking, however, is the composite filling.

Composite FillingsComposite fillings are unique because the composite resins used as the filling (usually a plastic and glass mixture) are tooth-colored. While gold and amalgam fillings are, respectively, gold and silver, composite fillings are virtually undetectable because they retain a pearly color that is indistinguishable from ordinary teeth. Dentists can somewhat adjust this color for an overall esthetically pleasing result.

Unlike with other types of fillings, composite fillings are inserted a layer at a time, coat by coat. Though unfortunately making the filling process take a longer time, this procedure makes it possible for the filling to look as similar to ordinary teeth as possible.

Advantages of Composite FillingsAs mentioned above, the primary advantage of composite fillings is the overall esthetic result. Dental fillings can often look strange because of the metallic sheen present in the other types of fillings, and the off-white color of composite fillings makes it an ideal cosmetic choice. The notion of a filling that is virtually indistinguishable from other teeth in the mouth can be a very compelling reason to prefer composite fillings above other kinds of fillings.

Composite fillings are also relatively strong. The material is durable and resistant to fracture, making it an available option even under moderate pressure from chewing. These features make composite fillings an ideal choice for small cavities, but the material can hold even in larger fillings. The relative strength also means that composite fillings can be installed on both front and back teeth, since there is little risk of fracture even with chewing.

Of course, consulting a dentist is your best option when it comes to choosing the types of fillings that fit your teeth the best. Remember, any variety of factors from cost to esthetics to time have to be considered, so a qualified dentist can provide the best suggestions for the type of filling you should choose the next time you develop a cavity. Make to to contact a general dentists practice for families in shreveport LA.
to get a professional’s evaluation of all types of fillings and to receive a dentist’s recommendation for which dental filling is best for your teeth.