Do you have a cavity on any of your teeth? If yes, then you need to talk to a dentist and perform composite filling quickly to prevent tooth infection. You may use different materials for dental restorations through the common types of fillings: composite and amalgam. Earlier, amalgam was a widely used material for several years, but composite fillings are now in great demand due to their looks and durability factor.
Please go through this blog post to know about composite fillings and how safe they are.
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About composite fillings
Composite fillings have a natural appearance in comparison to other options. The dentist in Harley Street may customize composite material to match with your tooth shade so that they remain almost invisible to others. But a tooth-colored material is the combination of acrylic or plastic resin together with powdered powdery filler.
It can help in various dental restorations such as:
- Dental crowns
- Inlays
- Veneers
- Fillings
The dentist uses this composite resin material for restoring or repairing some parts of chipped or broken teeth.
Other filling materials
Your dentist will give different choices for a filling. Read on to know how they stack up against each other.
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Amalgam (silver)
These are commonly used fillings for many years, and they are still used widely due to their durability factor. They may last for 15 years or even more.
The method is comparatively simple as the dentists need not worry about keeping teeth dry and clean at the time of installation. They might cost less than other materials used for dental restorations.
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Gold
Gold fillings seem to be more costly in comparison to other kinds of fillings. They are extremely durable and may last for 20 years or more with two dental visits.
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Ceramic
Ceramic fillings seem to be long-lasting and have a life expectancy of almost 15 years. But they are not much used as they are costly and require two visits to the dentist.
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Glass ionomer
Glass ionomer fillings are usually made from glass filler that can be shaded to match with the teeth. It means they are less intrusive when compared to an amalgam filling. They can release fluoride that reduces the chances of forming a new tooth cavity. However, they are less durable than amalgam fillings and might not last for a long time.
How long will composite fillings last?
Composite fillings seem to have a shorter life span and last for nearly 7 years. As per research, you can get 10 years of having a composite filling when you take proper care of them. But someone who has a higher risk for cavities might not get several years for a composite filling. Make sure you ask about the cost of composite filling in London so that it fits within your budget.
How safe are composite fillings?
Some people have shown concern over the safety of composite fillings as the material might be harmful to cells in the tissues surrounding the tooth with a filling. According to studies, the concern might be more appropriate to fillings having darker color due to the light-curing unit being used for hardening the filling.
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Another study suggested that dentists go through the manufacturer’s instructions carefully about certain things such as light curing time and light intensity. This can prevent letting the material touch your skin directly. If you have any concerns, then speak with the dentist and know about specific materials available for performing dental works.
Benefits of choosing composite fillings:
- Natural in appearance
- Resists fracture
- Usually, e completed in a single visit
- Extremely durable
- Use for fixing minor flaws and larger damages
- Short-lived temperature sensitivity only after the procedure
Process of composite fillings:
- The dentist will select a composite shade to use in your filling during the visit. It is better to prepare the shade early before your teeth dry out, which can affect the brightness of your teeth.
- You get the shot of numbing agent for local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- The dentist drills inside the tooth enamel and removes the damaged part of the tooth.
- After this, he will clean and dry the area for preparing your tooth. When there is extensive damage, this might involve tooth shaving.
- The dentist will be etching and bonding your tooth.
- He will start layering composite material into the hole in your tooth. He uses light to treat composite filling at each layer before moving on to the next.
- The dentist shapes and contours the tooth for polishing it.
- Your dentist checks the bite and ensures that you are comfortable with the restoration.
Conclusion:
A composite filling will satisfy your utmost desire to have a filling that appears good for your smile. It can prevent tooth decay from weakening your tooth. You may book an appointment at Smile Works Dental with the dentist to discuss all possible options and know the right choice for your case. Thus, you will be aware of what to expect from composite filling.
