Composite Fillings Placement Procedures and Types

Dental composite fillings are used as restorative materials in dentistry. These fillings are made of materials that are meant to help the patient, depending on the size of the cavity. The presence of cavities affects the growth and development of your teeth.

Before selecting the type of filling you want, it is essentialto know how durable the material is. Fort Myers, FL, offers different types of resin-based composite fillings and other types based on your preferences.

Composite Fillings Procedure

Fillings help enhance the appearance of your teeth as they repair or cover damaged parts. For this reason, Fort Myers Dental Arts offer the best tooth filling options for you. This process involves a number of procedures that have to be followed to ensure the filling sets perfectly.

The dentist will first numb the area of the tooth to be filled by the use of an anesthetic. The next step is the removal of any decayed matter in the cavity. This is done using lasers, drills, or an abrasion instrument. The step is crucial to avoid filling the tooth with decayed matter left behind. Such remains create the risk of further complications to the tooth.

The dentist, therefore, performs a test that checks if all the decayed matter is removed completely. The cavity is then prepared for filling by cleaning the debris and cavity bacteria.

A glass liner or any other material will be used for nerve protection if the cavity has extended to the roots. After the filling material is placed, polishing is done to finish off the process.

If the filling is tooth-colored, more additions steps are added to it. The material used for tooth-colored filling is placed in different layers then exposed to a special light that allows it to set and harden. Once the whole layers are applied, the filling material is trimmed and shaped according to the required design. It is then polished to make it smooth and match the structure of the natural teeth.

Filling Materials Used by Dentists

Silver Filling

This is also referred to as amalgam. Silver is used in filling due to its durability. It is able to stick for long and still offer enough strength, which withstands chewing forces. It is an expensive means of filling but lasts for a long time.

Silver, however, poses some various disadvantages. Its aesthetic property is considered poor as it does not match the natural color of teeth.

Different people may have allergic reactions to this filling due to the presence of mercury in the amalgam restoration. Healthy parts of the teeth may also be destroyed in the bid to apply the filling. This is because it requires a large space for it to set and harden firmly.

Cast Gold Filling

Cast gold filling is a suitable filling material due to its appearance and durability. Gold has outstanding aesthetic properties that portray wealth in many cultures. The strength of gold is good enough for chewing.

Just like a silver filling, the cast gold filling comes with its disadvantages.The cost of filling with gold is high, thus not affordable by many. Gold may lack aesthetic property as some patients do not like metal-colored filling and prefer to use ones that resemble the natural teeth color.

Tooth-colored Composites

Tooth-colored fillings, for instance, white fillings have many benefits as compared to other filling types. They are readily available than silver and cast gold fillings, and the aesthetic property is outstanding as it matches the natural teeth color. This means that people will not easily spot the difference.

The filling is versatile as it can also be used to repair broken or worn out teeth. It also forms a stronger bond with the teeth structure, thus making it durable. This filling, however, comes with a few disadvantages. Chipping of the tooth can also occur when you are chewing certain foods. You will also have to visit your dentist to make check-ups on the tooth frequently.

The process of applying tooth-colored composite resin fillings typically takes longer than other fillings such as silver models.

Ceramics Filling

Ceramics are preferred for their high resistance in staining. They are long-lasting and durable.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer is preferred for use around the gum. It is also used for filling teeth in children. The material of filling contains fluoride, which protects the teeth from decay. However,it’s likely to break and wear out quickly.