About Composite Dental Fillings and Their Benefits Over Other Fillings

Getting fillings for the first time can be daunting as you might not be sure about what is going to happen and why the type of fillings should you choose. There can be many unanswered questions such as how long will the procedure take and what the procedure is like. You may also fear if the procedure will make you feel sore. It’s better to have some understanding of the treatment so that you can remain informed during the procedure.

There are different types of fillings and composite fillings have emerged as one of the popular options, says the cosmetic dentist. Let’s explore more about composite fillings.

What are Composite Fillings?

The composite fillings are tooth-colored resin material. The composite fillings are made of resin and a filler. The composite can be used for versatile treatments and not just as fillings. Before the composite is put in your mouth, it looks like putty. It is then placed in your mouth after the filling procedure is complete. It looks just like your teeth. No one can even make out where the tooth finishes and the composite start.

What Can Composite Be Used For?

According to the dentist in Kingwood, the composites are quite versatile. They can be used for filling a decayed tooth as well as fixing the chipped tooth. The fillings can repair worn out teeth due to erosion or grinding and create an edge bond for changing the shape and size of the teeth. The composite can also be used for creating veneers. They are also a great alternative to amalgam fillings.

How Long Does the Composite Filling Procedure Take?

It depends on where you are getting the fillings done but in general, it takes longer than other types of fillings. There are many stages before a composite is placed. Also, a composite filling is done in layers and each layer is done separately. They also need to be polished and buffed at the end for making them blend into the natural teeth. This adds extra time to the procedure. While a small chip may take only 20 minutes, a customized veneer can take an hour.

How Much Does Composite Fillings Cost?

The cost of the filling will depend upon the dentist you are consulting and the location of the clinic.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

• Lesser Drilling is Required

Composite fillings don’t need much of a tooth to be removed. Once the filling gets a chance to bond with the natural tooth, the tooth becomes overall stronger. With traditional fillings such as amalgam fillings, a large portion of the natural tooth needs to be removed along with the decayed portion. This can, in turn, weaken the overall structure.

• Composite Fillings Bond With Existing Tooth

The composite fillings can be applied in two ways- onlays and overlays. Once they are ready for application, the tooth will be prepared and the bonding agent will be put into the natural tooth. The onlay will be inserted and is hardened as it bonds with the natural tooth, offering it added strength.

• Hardens Quickly

Once the filling has been applied to your tooth, a special light is put inside the mouth for helping the bonding agent in hardening faster. Usually, the filling is cured and hardened within a few seconds.

• Fix Chipped and Cracked Teeth

Because of the quick bonding process, durability, and natural appearance of the composite resin, they make for the best choice for repairing the chips and cracks in teeth. This method can be used for creating resin-based veneers that offer you a pearly white smile.

• Reduced Tooth Sensitivity

It has been observed that as compared to other fillings, composite fillings have lesser chances of sensitivity. Resin insulates the teeth from hot and cold temperatures of the foods and drinks. There can be mild, temporary sensitivity following the procedure but it will subside on its own.

• They Can Be Repaired Easily

One of the benefits of composite resins is that they can be repaired as and when required because fillings begin to degrade from accidental damage over the time.

Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, the composite fillings are also resistant to decay.