Most people have had at least one cavity that needs to be filled and there are many kinds of fillings that are used to treat cavities. Perhaps the most common of those are amalgam fillings (silver fillings). A dental hygienist will help you choose a filling that is the best for treating your tooth decay and preventing future cavities. Independence Dental Group provides the best composite resin fillings in Philadelphia, PA and offers a comprehensive approach to dental hygiene.
What Is a Composite Filling?
A composite filling is a filling that is made up of amalgam or composite resin material. The difference between composite fillings and silver amalgam fillings is that composite fillings are a tooth-coloured mix of plastic and ceramic material to get the colour of your existing teeth as closely matched as possible. It is one of the dental techniques a dentist regularly uses to fix chips and cracks in your teeth. You might have one cavity or many cavities but with this type of filling, most people wouldn’t be able to recognize it as they do amalgam (silver fillings).
Dental restorations with composite fillings have many benefits:
- They are very durable and more resistant to cracking
- Help preserve the natural appearance of your teeth as the material bonds very well to your teeth
- Can be completed in one visit
- Doesn’t require as much drilling compared to amalgam fillings and can also be used to fill large cavities
- If there is no tooth decay present, they can be repaired if it gets damaged
- Can be used to replace old, damaged amalgam dental fillings
How are composite fillings placed?
- Our dentist would normally start by choosing the shade of tooth-coloured filling that is best matched with your natural teeth. We try and find the best match for the composite resin filling in the early stages of the appointment.
- Like regular fillings, our dentist will of course administer a shot of local anesthesia to numb the tooth and gums in the surrounding area to prepare for treatment.
- They drill a hole into your tooth enamel and remove the cavity. We proceed with cleaning and drying the area, as usual, to prepare the tooth for a tooth-coloured dental filling. We then proceed in etching and bond the tooth.
- We will begin to layer the composite material into the hole of your tooth. After each layer is placed, we use a special light to help the new fillings dry.
- We will then shape the tooth and check your bite to make sure that you feel comfortable with a dental filling.
Why Choose Independence Dental Group for Composite Fillings?
Many patients are seeking and prefer tooth-coloured fillings as silver amalgam fillings still exist but are slowly becoming a treatment of the past. There are so many benefits with composite fillings that they should be considered for your next dental procedure. Schedule your appointment with Independence Dental Group today so we can help maintain your oral health and get your smile back to the way it was.
FAQ’s
How long do composite fillings last?
With the proper care, composite dental fillings can last around 5-7 years.
How much are composite fillings?
The cost of composite fillings varies, but on average composite fillings cost anywhere from $135-$240 per tooth.
What are composite fillings made of?
These filling materials are made up of a mixture of powdered glass quartz, silica, or other ceramic particles and are added to a resin base.
What is the difference between amalgam and composite fillings?
The difference between the two is that amalgam fillings are silver whereas composite fillings are designed to take on the colour of your teeth thus appearing invisible.
Choosing the Right Dentist
When looking for the right dentist that does inlays and onlays, you must go to a dental office where they perform these types of procedures. This way, you can have someone who knows exactly what they’re doing and who has all the necessary training to get the job done.
At Independence Dental Group, we want our patients to be very comfortable during their visits. We want them to feel like part of a dental office family, so we strive for the best possible experience when you are coming in for your dental work! You will get a better idea of how this permanent onlay procedure works on your first visit. Call us to book your appointment today and get your oral health back to the way it was!
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