Dental fillings are a type of dental procedure used to prevent and reduce bacteria and extend the life of the tooth. Many lifestyle factors can cause tooth decay such as a fast-food diet, poor dental hygiene, or medical conditions. Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide durability with resistance to tooth fracture
These filings are especially useful for decay that occurs in teeth that are located in areas of the mouth that are visible when smiling. Modern, natural-looking composite dental fillings are stable and durable, and they’re simple to care for.
Benefits of Composite Tooth Fillings
Of course, the best dental filling is no dental filling, and preserving the health of your natural teeth through regular dental checkups and good dental hygiene is essential and can prevent the need for fillings. The health of the teeth and gums affects the health of the entire body, and keeping teeth healthy means you can eat the foods you love.
Composite dental fillings are great for cavities that are small or medium in size as they look natural and can blend with the color of the rest of your teeth.
You can dramatically decrease your risk of cavities and other dental diseases simply by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Blossing daily
- Eating a healthy balanced diet
- Visiting a dentist regularly
Advantages of Composite Tooth Fillings Over Amalgam
Composite tooth fillings are made of a resin material that is biocompatible and safe for use in the human body. Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can build up in the body over time and can potentially cause toxic symptoms in some people.
Another advantage of composite dental fillings is that they are unaffected by temperature, so they do not expand or contract with hot or cold foods or beverages. Composite fillings strengthen the natural tooth rather than weakening it, and they also require less drilling to apply.
Although they may be slightly more costly compared to amalgam fillings, many dental insurances will at least cover the cost of composite tooth fillings up to what it would cost for a similar amalgam filling.
The Composite Dental Filling Procedure
It usually only takes one appointment to get a composite filling done. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area, and then, the tooth will be cleaned of all decay. The open area is then filled with composite material, and a special light is applied to aid in hardening.
The polishing of the tooth is then done. Sometimes, a patient requires an indirect composite filling. For this procedure, two visits are required. During the first visit, decay is removed, and then a mold is taken of the area. This is sent to a lab where a custom dental filling is made. This filling is then applied on the second visit.
Call to Schedule an Appointment With a California Composite Fillings Dentist Today
If you have a tooth or teeth that are decayed and may require a dental filling, call to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Woodland Hills.
Here at Corbin Gentle Dental, we will answer any questions you may have about composite dental fillings and will give you an idea of what the finished result will look like.
We are a dental office in Woodland Hills near Tarzana. To schedule an appointment to learn more about dental implants, call us at 818-758-1805 today.