Cavities are among the most common chronic dental problems that patients experience during their lifetime. At Marine Hills Dentistry in Federal Way, Washington, we can properly address cavities and create a treatment plan that includes restoration using composite or white fillings. These filings are resistant to fractures and can last for a long time.
Schedule OnlineWhat Are Composite Fillings?
White or composite fillings are restorative materials that help repair fractures, cracks, or tooth decay. They are fabricated from a mixture of composite resins and ceramics and are designed to match your tooth color perfectly. Composite fillings can also be used to change the shape and size of your teeth and protect them from further damage.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings have several benefits, including:
Aesthetics
Composite fillings resemble your natural teeth since their shade can be carefully blended for a seamless effect. This makes them a perfect choice for front teeth which would otherwise look very unattractive with a metal filling.
Stability
A composite filling also requires very little of the enamel structure to be removed for its placement. As a result, more of your natural tooth is preserved. Composite fillings bond quickly with the impaired tooth and provide additional stability for a tooth that has already been weakened by decay.
Insulation
Composite fillings are not affected by temperature variations, unlike metal fillings which tend to contract and expand. This quality protects your tooth from cracks or fractures.
Versatility
Composite resin fillings are very versatile and can also be used to repair teeth that are chipped, broken, or badly worn.
Free From Metal
Composite fillings do not contain any toxic metal and are considered safe for the body.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
The procedure for placing a composite filling is quick and straightforward. Dr. Dennis Hahn will first numb the area around the affected tooth by administering local anesthesia to make you comfortable. A dental drill is employed to open the cavity or damaged part of the tooth, and care is taken to ensure only a minimal amount of tooth structure is disturbed. This makes the placement of the composite resin easier.
After removing the affected tissue and cleaning the area, we will then apply the composite resin and pack the white filling onto the tooth. This resin material bonds with the tooth enamel and hardens quickly to form a protective cover. Finally, we will shape and polish the surface of the filling for a natural-looking result.