Decay isn’t something to be taken lightly. Left untreated, decay can cause extensive damage to your teeth and ruin a perfectly good smile. At Grand Dental Arts, we use white composite dental fillings to treat decay and restore your tooth health. If you suspect you have cavities, Drs. Colleen Williamson and Marya Ijaz are the best tooth decay dentists to see in the Toms River, New Jersey, area. Here’s what you should know about composite fillings.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are dental restorations used primarily for cavity treatment. The filling is a mix of tooth-colored plastic resin material and glass particles. Many of our patients prefer composite fillings as they’re the same color as tooth enamel, making them less visible on your teeth.
What’s the procedure for getting a composite filling?
Dr. Williamson or Dr. Ijaz will start by numbing your mouth to keep you comfortable for this procedure. Then, we’ll drill your tooth to remove the infected parts. Once the decay is removed, we’ll clean your tooth to fill it. The composite resin mixture is applied in layers to your tooth to strengthen its structure and protect it from future decay. Each layer is hardened in place using a special light to expedite your treatment. When the last layer is applied, we’ll check your bite and polish your teeth to complete your treatment.
What are the advantages of composite white fillings?
One of the primary advantages of this filling is its natural appearance. The filling blends in with the color of your teeth to make your cavity treatment discreet. Composite fillings form a tight bond with your teeth, making them less likely to come loose. This bond helps strengthen your tooth structure, which has been weakened by decay. Composite restorations are metal—and mercury-free and pose no risk to your oral or general health. Their strength and durability make them great for restoring decayed front or back teeth.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings today are more resilient than ever and can last up to 10 years with good oral care. Good brushing and flossing habits will keep your filling strong over the long haul. In addition to home oral care, biannual dental cleanings will help extend the lifespan of your fillings.
Are fillings painful?
Pain isn’t something to worry about when it comes to dental fillings. Dr. Williamson or Dr. Ijaz will use a local anesthetic for this treatment, so you’ll feel no pain or discomfort while getting your filling.
Besides cavity treatment, what else can composite fillings be used for?
Composite fillings can also be used as dental bonding to repair chips and cracks in your teeth, rebuild a broken tooth, or close small gaps.
Where can I find a skilled tooth decay dentist near me to provide composite filling cavity treatment?
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