Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are an attractive alternative to dark amalgam fillings. They are esthetically pleasing and require very little removal of tooth structure. The composite material “flows” into the area to be filled creating a seamless, natural restoration. The composite then can be shaped and polished to look exactly like the tooth. Many times if the restoration is small, little or no anesthetic is used.
Advantages of composite (tooth colored) fillings over amalgam (silver) fillings:
Research shows that they are healthier to the body than the original amalgam fillings.
They can preserve more natural tooth structure and be made much smaller.
There is less thermal expansion (hot and cold) and they create fewer crack lines over a period of time than do amalgam fillings.
How it's done:
The surface of the tooth is abraded to create an area for the composite material to adhere to.
A shade is chosen which precisely matches the color of the tooth.
The tooth is then coated with a conditioning liquid which helps the composite adhere more seamlessly.
After the composite sets, the dentist will trim the composite so it is perfectly smooth with the surface of the tooth.
This is all done in one easy visit.