Composite Fillings
Cavities are more than just a nuisance; they're a sign that your mouth needs attention. They form in stages: first, dental plaque builds up, and then the acids produced by bacteria in the plaque begin to erode the enamel. Without intervention, these spots can develop into small holes—cavities. Prompt treatment is vital to restore oral health and prevent more serious issues that can affect overall well-being.
The Advantages of Composite Fillings
At Skyway Dental Clinic, composite fillings are our go-to for repairing cavities. Made of tooth-colored resin, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, reinforcing your smile functionally and aesthetically. Unlike amalgam fillings, composites bond directly to the tooth structure and don't expand or contract over time, reducing the risk of cracks or breaks in the tooth.
Getting a Composite Tooth Filling: A Step-by-Step Guide
When you visit Skyway Dental for a composite filling, every step is taken with your comfort and dental health in mind. Here's a detailed look at the process:
- Initial Diagnostics — Our state-of-the-art digital x-rays and intraoral cameras allow for a detailed view of your teeth, ensuring precise detection of any decay or damage.
- Numbing for Comfort — We apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring you feel no discomfort during the procedure.
- Shade Matching — A key aesthetic step is selecting the right shade of composite resin to match the natural color of your existing teeth, ensuring the filling is virtually undetectable.
- Tooth Preparation — We carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth and prepare the space for the filling.
- Applying the Composite — The composite resin is meticulously applied in layers, sculpting each to match the contours of your tooth.
- Curing the Resin — A special light is used to harden each layer of the composite material as it is applied.
- Shaping and Polishing — After the composite has fully set, we shape the filling to fit perfectly within your bite and polish it to a smooth, seamless appearance, indistinguishable from your natural tooth.
- Final Adjustments — We ensure that your bite is comfortable and that the filled tooth functions just as it should, making any necessary adjustments on the spot.
A well-placed composite filling can last 5–7 years, depending on your oral hygiene habits and the wear and tear it endures.
The Art of Composite Bonding
In addition to treating cavities, the composite resin is used in bonding, a cosmetic procedure designed to address chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Cosmetic bonding can also fill wide gaps between teeth and conceal tooth stains and discoloration.
Bonding is a straightforward process similar to getting a filling, but the tooth requires minimal preparation, and there's often no need to numb the teeth we're treating.
