Cavities taking a toll on your dental health? A composite filling could be just what you need to ease the pain. Read on to know more about this process that has become quite popular around the world.

What is a Composite Filling?

It is never too late to fight cavities – so if you already have it, fret not! With recent advances in dental technology, you can choose from a host of options to get rid of your oral health problems and flaunt that beautiful smile.

Earlier, an amalgam filling was the only option when it came to dental fillings. Nowadays, composite fillings are the preferred choice of treatment. There are different types of materials that are commonly used to fill in the space where the cavity has been removed.

It is made of a material that matches the color of the tooth, and hence, blends well with your natural teeth. Moreover, unlike amalgam fillings, these do not contain mercury, silver, or other metals. Instead, these are made of resin braced with ceramic, glass quartz, or silica.

Ceramic fillings are usually made of porcelain and tend to be a bit expensive but they are aesthetically attractive and durable in the long run. Also, because they match your natural tooth colour, it is more resistant to abrasion and staining than composite resin.

With resin fillings, you need not worry about getting the filling replaced before 5-7 years. If you follow good dental hygiene, it may last even longer.

Amalgam Fillings v/s Composite Fillings

The most striking difference between composite and amalgam fillings is that the former is not made of silver or mercury, which is often a concern for patients. Feel free to talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have regarding your health and safety.

Benefits of Opting for Composite Fillings

· Resin-based composites are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional silver fillings

· Composite fillings blend in naturally with the color of your teeth

· Composites require minimal drilling to repair the damage

· Resin-based composite fillings bond well with your teeth and, therefore, are less likely to break over time and resist cavities

· Nowadays, composite fillings are also covered under dental insurance

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

A dental filling is an outpatient procedure. It usually only takes about an hour or a little over, depending on the extent of the decay.

The Composite Filling Process

· The first step involves numbing the area around the tooth so you do not feel pain or discomfort.

· It is important to keep the surface of your tooth dry. That is why most dentists use rubber dams to keep the damaged tooth aside – this also helps prevent the risk of infections of the loose tooth.

· Once the decay is repaired, it is time to get your filling done. Next, the dentist places and shapes the composite material before polishing.

Thankfully, modern Dentistry provides an array of solutions for dental health problems. However, it is important to schedule an appointment with the dental team.

If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you.  Dr. Heather is gladly accepting new patients.

We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at  (248) 652-0024.  We look forward to meeting you!