Dental caries has become one of the most distressing conditions, affecting millions globally. Plaque, bacterial invasion, poor oral hygiene, and unhealthy lifestyle habits deteriorate the oral cavity, which gradually impairs your overall well-being. But with dental restorations at rescue, you do not have to worry.
Currently, composite fillings are the most widely used dental restorations by the family dentist in St. Cloud, MN, since they are durable and long-lasting, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.
An insight into composite fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations that are a great combination of biocompatible plastic and ceramic. These fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in mild to moderate fillings that need to withstand pressure due to masticatory forces.
Indications for composite fillings
Currently, dentists have been recommending composite filling to treat the following conditions:
- Mild to moderate decayed teeth
- Diastema (gaps or space between the teeth)
- Worn-out teeth due to attrition
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Fractured or broken teeth
Advantages of getting a composite filling
There are a variety of dental filling materials, but composite fillings are widely used due to the following benefits:
- These are tooth-colored, so they blend easily with your natural teeth
- Since the material is flexible, there is minimum tooth preparation required
- Preserves most of the natural tooth structure
- These fillings are durable and can withstand a considerable amount of masticatory forces
- They are well suited for small fillings and repair
- It has versatile application since composites work wonders for anterior (front) teeth
- Since composites are cured using LED light, they are durable and long-lasting
The procedure involved in composite fillings
The following steps are involved in restoring a decayed tooth with composite fillings:
- Your dentist will evaluate the decayed tooth to determine the extent of caries
- A dental X-ray will be recorded to rule out the possibility of pulpal involvement
- Your dentist will use ultrasonic instruments to excavate the tooth decay and prepare your tooth for restoration
- If the decay is close to the pulp, a special medicated material will be applied for pulp protection
- The composite filling will be placed layer by layer over the medicated material
- Each layer will be bonded using a special curing light (preferably LED light)
- Finally, the filling will be shaped and polished to give a smooth surface. This prevents plaque adherence
Takeaway
Composite fillings are aesthetically appealing, durable, and stain-resistant restorations that are increasingly popular among dentists. Factors like good oral hygiene habits, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits are essential to prolong the longevity of composite fillings.
