Currently, cosmetic dentistry is increasingly popular worldwide, since it helps relieve you from dental problems, in addition to enhancing your oral and facial aesthetics. One such affordable and widely performed aesthetic procedure is composite fillings.
The dentist in Oak Lawn, IL, and the team provide state-of-the-art composite fillings since they offer many benefits, such as enhanced aesthetics and durability.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth-colored dental materials that are a mixture of plastic (acrylic) resin that is reinforced with a powdered glass filler. These aesthetic fillings help restore your tooth structure lost due to caries, cracks, or fractures. They easily blend with your natural teeth; thus, they are best suited for use in anterior (front) teeth and other visible areas of the mouth. However, they can be used for posterior teeth (premolars and molars) as well.
Why would your dentist recommend composite fillings?
Composite fillings are recommended for a wide range of dental problems, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Diastema (space or gaps in between your teeth)
- Dental decay in the visible areas of your mouth
- Teeth that are worn out due to attrition (aging), increased masticatory forces, or bruxism (involuntary, persistent clenching and grinding of the teeth)
Why are composite fillings so popular?
Composite fillings are emerging as one of the widely used dental restorations due to the following merits:
- Provide good durability
- Appear natural since they are tooth-colored
- Provide excellent fracture resistance
- Facilitates quick procedure
- Can fix minor flaws to major damage
What is the procedure involved in composite fillings?
Getting a composite filling is fairly simple and safe, which involves the following steps:
- Your dentist will first select an appropriate shade that matches your natural teeth.
- The tooth will be isolated using a rubber dam to prevent excess moisture that can interfere with the bonding of the composite material. It is then air-dried and excavated to remove the caries (decay).
- The dentist will etch and bond the tooth. This helps create micropores in your enamel surface to lock in the composite material, ensuring an effective bonding.
- The composite material will be layered carefully, and after each layer, the cement will be cured through an LED light to set it.
- If the decay is present close to the nerves, then a particular medication would be placed before restoring it with composite filling. This provides added protection.
- The restored tooth will be shaped and polished.
- Your dentist will check your bite for any high points to make sure you are comfortable with the restoration.
Composite fillings are tooth-colored, durable restorations that are increasingly popular among dentists. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits can help prolong their lifespan.