Composite Fillings
Dental fillings have been used predominantly to restore teeth affected by cavities. Although metal fillings were the go-to solution many years ago, they have been largely replaced by tooth-colored fillings in recent times, particularly composite fillings. They offer excellent properties, making them the most sought-after solution for treating teeth that have undergone decay.
How Are Cavities Caused?
The leading cause of cavities is the tartar deposited on the teeth. Tartar is composed of thousands of harmful bacteria that release acidic toxins when they feed on the food residues in the mouth. These acidic substances erode the enamel and decay the underlying dentin, thus causing cavities. Eating a lot of sweets and foods rich in saturated sugar promotes cavity-formation as the sugary residues get deposited on the teeth, which increases bacterial growth.
Why Should You Choose Composite Fillings?
- Composite fillings are highly durable. With regular oral activities like biting and chewing food, they do not undergo noticeable wear.
- They can be customized to mimic the exact appearance of the underlying enamel to keep the restoration indistinguishable.
- Fillings last for many years without any hassle or significant damage, owing to their excellent strength.
- They offer good sealing properties, thereby keeping the microbes off the cavity and preventing reinfection.
- They can be completed in a single visit to the dentist’s practice, making the procedure highly convenient. Also, there is no need for a prolonged healing period.
How is a Filling Placed?
We will thoroughly screen your mouth during the visit to our dental practice to check for cavities and tartar deposits. In case the cavity is relatively small, we will remove the decay using ultrasonic and clean it. Filling may not be required in this case. But, if the cavity is significantly bigger, it is best to clean it and place a suitable filling material to restore its contour and functionality.
We will prepare the filling material by matching it with the color of the tooth. It will be placed in the cavity and shaped as required before we harden it using a curing light. Next, the dentist will take a bite test to ensure your filling isn’t altering the natural bite or causing any discomfort. We will trim it as necessary and polish it to enhance its aesthetics. The dentist will then share a few aftercare instructions to ensure the filling remains as good as new for a long time.
We request you to schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (435) 713-0096 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.
