The Benefits and Uses of Composite Fillings

Dental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, and one standard procedure many of us may encounter is receiving a dental filling. Among the various types of fillings,composite fillings have gained popularity for their blend of functionality and aesthetics. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings don't contain mercury, making them a safer alternative.

If you are experiencing a toothache or spontaneous shooting pain in your tooth, especially when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, you may have decay and need composite fillings. In this scenario, we recommend you consult as soon as possible our dentists at Prestige Dental , Dr. Vasag Bouzoghlanian and Dr. Megan Doudian; they will take care of you and explain everything about this procedure. Meanwhile, stick around as we delve into all the details about composite fillings, its benefits, and all the insides behind it.

What are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings, also known as white composite fillings, are made from a mixture of glass or quartz filler and are designed to match the color of your natural teeth. They are often used for restoring decayed teeth and cosmetic improvements, changing the color of the teeth, or reshaping disfigured teeth.

When you attend a dental consultation with one of our dentists in Pasadena, Dr. Bouzoghlanian or Dr. Megan Doudian, they will conduct a comprehensive oral examination to determine if a composite filling is necessary. This exam often involves visual inspection where signs of decay, such as visible holes or dark spots on the teeth. Dental X-rays may be taken to provide a more in-depth view of the tooth structures and detect any hidden decay that might not be visible to the naked eye. If a cavity is found, the dentist will discuss the best treatment options with you, which may include cavity white fillings.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

Fillings for teeth offer a broad range of benefits, making them an excellent solution for many patients who need to restore their teeth after suffering tooth decay.

• Aesthetics: As mentioned, composite fillings closely match your natural teeth' color, making them a preferred choice for visible areas or front teeth.
• Bonding to the tooth structure: They chemically bond to the tooth structure, providing further support.
• Versatility: Besides filling decayed areas, composite fillings are also used for chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
• Less tooth structure removal: During the procedure, less tooth structure must be removed than amalgam fillings.

How long do composite fillings last?

On average, a composite filling can last between 5 to 7 years. However, good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can extend their lifespan to 10 years. It's important to remember that the longevity of a composite filling can also be influenced by the size of the filling and the location in the mouth where it is placed.

To ensure the effectiveness of this procedure, you must know the several steps performed at our dental office in Pasadena. Our dentists will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, then remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill or laser. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will clean the tooth to prepare it for the filling. The composite resin material, matched to your tooth color, will be applied in layers. Each layer of resin is cured using a special light. Finally, the dentist will shape the hardened material to match the form of your tooth and polish it to prevent premature wear and staining.

To summarize, composite resin tooth filling offers a practical, aesthetic solution to tooth decay and damage. If you live in Pasadena, we invite you to visit our dentists at Prestige Dental, Dr. Vasag Bouzoghlanian and Dr. Megan Doudian, to discuss all the details about your conditions and decide the best options to perform this procedure.

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Location: 1060 E Green St #203, Pasadena, CA 91106