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Composite Dental Fillings

Your smile is your most important accessory. Did you know that other people can see your fillings when smiling and talking? Dr. Peter Mann often tells his patients “no one should know you’ve had dental work done except you and your dentist.”

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite resin.

Composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. They are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

Reasons for Composite Dental Fillings:

  • Teeth with cavities.
  • Teeth with leaky or broken fillings.
  • Close space between two teeth.
  • Cracked or broken teeth.
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Chipped teeth.
  • Worn teeth.
Dental filling

How are Composite Dental Fillings Placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove tooth decay.

The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

composite filling

Can white fillings be placed on Front Teeth?

When tooth cavities occur on front teeth, one option is to use composite resin fillings to replace the missing tooth structure.  This procedure can be done in a single visit.  

For best cosmetic results we would recommend using custom made porcelain covers on front teeth such as porcelain veneers.

When is a Tooth Not Able to Get a Dental Filling?

In situations where a tooth is severely broken a filling may not be a good option. When more than half a tooth is decayed or missing a filling may not be strong enough to seal the tooth effectively.

In these situations the dentist will use stronger materials to replace missing parts of the tooth. An inlay, onlay, or a crown maybe necessary to properly restore the tooth back to health.

Inlays, onlays and crowns are custom made to repair severely damaged teeth. They’re made out of porcelain or ceramic materials which are stronger than the composite used for dental fillings.

Porcelain crown and onlay

How can I tell if my teeth have cavities?

Most cavities are hard to spot with the naked eye.  Often dark spots that you may think are cavities, may just be teeth stains.  The best way to tell if you have cavities is by visiting the dentist.  Many cavities can only be seen on x-rays because they’re hidden in between teeth.  For many patients the ADA (American Dental Association) recommends taking at least four bitewing films every 6 months to check posterior teeth for cavities.

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