Composite Fillings: A Modern Solution for Dental Cavities and Minor Tooth Damage

The news of a cavity is the last thing you want to hear from your dentist, especially if you practice near-perfect dental care. The good news is that cavities are easily treatable using tooth fillings. Grand Dental Arts in Toms River, New Jersey, uses aesthetically pleasing composite fillings to treat cavities and minor tooth damage while restoring your smile’s natural beauty.

The process of composite fillings

Filling out a cavity with composite fillings is quite simple. First, our dental team will numb your mouth with local anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Next, we’ll remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then clean the area thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria. The next step is to fill out the void left with the cavity using composite resin that matches your tooth’s color.

Next, we harden the resin material using a curing light, ensuring a tight seal to prevent future bacterial attacks. The final step is to polish your tooth for a fully restored, beautiful smile. 

How long do composite fillings last?

Although composite resin is easily moldable, this material is incredibly resilient. With proper care, composite fillings can last over ten years. However, the longevity of your composite fillings depends on several factors. 

Some include:

• The location — fillings in the back teeth wear out faster than those in the front teeth because of constant grinding and chewing forces.
• Size of the filling — the larger the filling, the more it’s likely to wear out faster.
• Oral hygiene — proper oral hygiene keeps your filling looking its best.
• Tooth grinding — chronic grinding, scientifically called bruxism, wears out your fillings quickly. However, you can protect your smile with a custom mouthguard.

What about the cost of composite fillings? Naturally, if you want something beautiful and safe, it probably costs a bit more. The good news is that most dental insurance plans cover restorative treatments like dental fillings. Additionally, we have favorable payment options to ensure cost doesn’t hinder the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. 

Benefits of composite resin fillings

Tooth-colored fillings yield numerous benefits for your oral health. Some include:

• Composite resin matches your natural teeth to blend seamlessly with your smile
• White filling procedure is conservative, allowing you to preserve much of your natural tooth structure
• Composite fillings are placed in a single dental visit
• They have no safety concerns
• They are versatile for restoring teeth anywhere in the mouth

Are we losing the battle to cavities? Please call 732-286-7000 to schedule an appointment with Grand Dental Arts for composite fillings. Drs. Colleen Williamson and Marya Ijaz use metal-free restorations for a healthy, beautiful smile. We serve numerous locations, including Toms River, Lavallette, Bayville, and Ocean Gate, NJ.