The primary reason for an overwhelming majority of dental visits is tooth decay. This remains true across all ages and backgrounds. The advancements in dental technology have made it possible for Morning Star Dentistry to provide a wide range of approaches for counteracting the results of tooth decay. Gone are the days of amalgam metal fillings and the potential risks involved. Our team relies heavily on composite fillings to provide attractive and lasting restoration treatments for our patients in Sonora, CA.
Did you know…
that composite fillings allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure? This is because composite materials chemically bond to the surface of the tooth like an adhesive. The process takes slightly longer to complete than traditional amalgam fillings, but patients can preserve more of the natural portion of the teeth while enjoying a restoration that is discreet and understated.
Discover The Many Benefits Of Composite Resin Fillings
Addressing dental decay is an involved process that has some underlying principles to which our team tries to adhere. Among them is producing an attractive result that has the durability to withstand years of use. While amalgam metal fillings were the go-to standard for many years, they never really achieved both these goals and, in fact, could be detrimental to the lasting health of the treated tooth. The development of composite fillings introduced an opportunity to address aesthetics and durability at a price-point similar to amalgams.
One aspect of composite materials that makes them suitable for this purpose is their tinting ability. The default color of the composite resin is already similar to natural enamel. However, our team can tint the resin to match the individual’s enamel more. Further, composite resin remains malleable until it has been cured using a curing light. It can be carefully sculpted to match your teeth’s natural form and flow. The capstone that makes composite materials superior to amalgams is that they are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
To recap, composite resin fillings provide the following benefits:
- The ability to be colored and contoured to match your natural smile
- Reduction in the amount of material needed to be removed to place the composite restoration
- Fluoride is integrated into the material, providing lasting enamel-strengthening effects
- Less associated with cold and heat sensitivity over amalgam
- No risk of metal allergies as could occur with amalgam fillings
Another significant benefit of composite resins is the ease with which they can be applied. The blending of ceramic, plastic, and glass particles resulted in a malleable material that is beautiful and durable. While placing your composite resins, Dr. Justin Liggett will carefully sculpt it to match the neighboring teeth. He will then use a curing light to harden the restoration with each new layer of material added. Once completed, it will be polished and touched up until it perfectly matches the surrounding material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for tooth-colored fillings?
If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you.
What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?
During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.
What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?
Composite fillings are cured with light at your dentist’s office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.
Get Composite Fillings With Morning Star Dentistry
Contact our office in Sonora, CA, if you’re struggling with dental pain due to tooth decay or injury. We’ll schedule you for a consultation with Dr. Justin Liggett. Your oral health and history will be reviewed during this appointment, and the doctor will assess your current concerns. A comprehensive treatment plan will then be created to address them and produce a lasting, beautiful smile you can be proud to share. Don’t wait to schedule your first appointment and start on the road to achieving excellent oral health.
