A “filling” is used to replace and
restore tooth structure that was removed due to decay or fracture of tooth
material. Thanks to technological advances in the field of dentistry, patients
and dentists today have a number of choices when it comes to selecting
materials to fill cracks, chips, and cavities in teeth. Natural
tooth-colored composite fillings are the safer choice, and what you
will typically find in a holistic dental office. Composite fillings are
made of acrylic resin (a type of plastic) reinforced with powdered glass. They
can be used as new fillings or to replace old amalgam fillings.
How
are composite fillings placed?
After preparation, the dentist places
the liquid composite in layers, shining a specialized light over each layer to
dry it. Once the process is completed, he shapes the composite to fit the tooth
and before polishing it to blend with the rest of the tooth and prevent early
wear and staining.
What
are the benefits of composites?
Composite fillings are not entirely new
to restorative
dentistry, rather, their use has transitioned from just the front teeth to
the entire mouth and they are now being used to restore and repair both small
cracks and chips in front teeth as well as the large cavities in the back
teeth. But composite fillings are not just popular for their beauty.
·
The color of composite material can be
customized to match surrounding teeth closely which is beneficial especially in
terms of aesthetics. Composites can also be used for cosmetic improvements of
the smile by reshaping disfigured teeth of changing the color of teeth.
·
Apart from being virtually invisible,
composites have the property of bonding strongly to the tooth structure. This
permanent bond is very effective at minimizing
the odds of recurrent decay between the filling and tooth. The bong also
helps strengthen the tooth by helping it hold together to reduce chances of
future chipping and cracking.
·
Composite fillings are made of powdered
glass reinforcement and acrylic resin (plastic) both of which are inert and
therefore safe. This is unlike silver amalgams that contain mercury and other
toxic heavy metals.
·
Compared to other options such as
silver amalgams and gold, composites do not contract, expand or even conduct
temperature from the food to the tooth in response to temperature differences.
This is a very important property, since we commonly enjoy cold drinks and hot
food in the same instance. Far less sensitivity is experienced with composite
restorations than amalgams.
·
When composite fillings are used, very
little, if any tooth structure has to be removed when removing the decay and
preparing the cavity for filling. This is due to the use of acid etching in
teeth to allow for the formation of micro chemical bonds to the tooth. This
means that the dentist does not have to create retentive features destroying
healthy tooth.
·
While the use
of composites means increased chair time due to the process used in the
application of composite materials, only a single visit is needed to complete
the whole process, and the composite material can hardens fast and can be
immediately chewed on after leaving the office without risk of early damage.
Suspect you have a cavity? Want to
replace your amalgam fillings with composite fillings? Contact The DC Dentist today
to schedule your appointment.
Terry Victor, DDS – Washington DC
Dentist
509 11th St SE Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-3626
http://www.thedcdentist.com/
https://plus.google.com/116338970420867784677/
509 11th St SE Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-3626
http://www.thedcdentist.com/
https://plus.google.com/116338970420867784677/
