Tooth Colored Fillings
A composite filling is a white (tooth-colored) restoration used to repair damage to a tooth caused by decay, cracks, or fractures.
There are several different types of filling materials available to you. Silver amalgam fillings and composite fillings are the most widely used. However, unlike metal fillings, composite fillings can be closely matched to the shade of the existing teeth. This makes them more cosmetically pleasing when used on front teeth and others in visible areas of your mouth.
Reasons for getting composite fillings:
- To repair chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- To close a gap between two teeth
- To restore worn or decayed teeth
Composite fillings require just one appointment to restore your tooth to its original shape and function. Your dentist will first remove the decayed part of the tooth or prep the damaged area that is to be repaired. Then, the composite material is applied in thin layers and hardened with a dental “curing” light that uses blue light. Finally, the filling is shaped to accurately and comfortably fit your bite and polished to look and feel natural. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is sometimes experienced shortly after composite fillings are placed. However, this usually subsides after a few days.
At David Eskow DDS, we use the latest technology and finest materials to create composite fillings that offer superior fit, function, and aesthetics. As with natural teeth, proper oral hygiene, good eating habits, and regular dental visits are recommended to extend the life of your new filling.
Feel free to contact us at our Olney dental office if you have any questions about composite fillings or to schedule an appointment.