Statistics reveal that the average American has no less than three tooth fillings. Isn’t that shocking? In a way, it is; however, tooth fillings are placed as a restorative treatment after decay has destroyed a part of the tooth. Plus, dental fillings near you are popular since they are the least invasive restorative treatment that can help restore your smile in a heartbeat.
Composite fillings are among the most used tooth fillings since they have several benefits that woo most people, such as low cost, excellent aesthetics, stability, etc.
While there are multiple options when you seek tooth fillings, you might take a step back and consider why you might consider going for white fillings and why our dentist may recommend them. Without further ado, let’s peer a bit deeper into what composite fillings are.
Understanding Composite Dental Fillings
Fillings are aptly named so because of their role in restoring a decayed or damaged tooth. When you show up at our office, our dentist in Pinellas Park will remove the decayed part and then “fill” it using a dental filling of your choice; in this case, composite filling.
Composite or white fillings are made from composite resin, which so happens to be a tooth-colored material. It is an excellent material that is pliable and chemically bonds to your teeth, giving it much stability. Plus, the material is a great insulator, so you will not have to deal with tooth sensitivity when exposing your teeth to hot and cold foods and drinks.
They don’t require much work as opposed to metal fillings. Our dentist near you will not have to remove a big portion of your enamel, as with silver amalgam fillings. Composite resin requires very little space. Another upside is that when you use them, and they wear out or get chipped, you can always come in for repairs.
If you would love an excellent smile, a tooth-colored filling such as composite fillings will inconspicuously fit in with the rest of your teeth.
How Are They Placed?
During your initial visit, our dentist will explain the procedure and how you will care for your teeth after restoration. Here’s a step-by-step outline:
Stage 1
So, during treatment, our dentist will commence by using local anesthesia to numb the affected areas of the mouth. Once the local anesthetic has taken effect, our dentist will use a dental drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth or teeth. The tooth will be shaped to get it ready for filling.
Stage 2
Then, our dentist will place an etching solution to clean the area where the composite resin filling will be placed. Then the solution will be rinsed off after a few moments.
Stage 3
Our dentist will proceed by placing a bond layer, which acts as an undercoat and increases the bonding strength of the composite resin. It will quickly harden when it’s exposed to a special blue light.
Stage 4
Then, the filling process begins. Our dentist will add the composite layers and set them with blue light. The setting time is quite short; it’s about 30 seconds.
Stage 5
Our dentist will perform the finishing touches by polishing them to make them shiny and fit in with the rest of your teeth.
Why Do You Need Them?
Your teeth are quite strong and don’t get damaged easily. So, tooth decay will not damage your teeth overnight. It’s a subtle process that happens over time, even several years before noticing symptoms such as pain and tooth sensitivity. If the decay causes a cavity, you risk developing an infection that might lead to tooth loss.
So, getting a composite dental filling near you will save your teeth from imminent destruction. Plus, composite fillings are the least form of restorative treatment that can help you get your smile back to its former glory. Fillings are placed to fortify a tooth that has been weakened through decay.
Are Composite Fillings Right For You?
If you have cavities, then white fillings are probably the best option. However, you will still need to contact our dentist in Pinellas Park at Confident Smile Dentistry if you need more clarification on the best options in your case.
