Why Composite Fillings are Ideal for Treating Cavities
When people think of fillings, they often picture traditional silver amalgam fillings, as that’s what was used primarily to treat cavities in the past. Today, many dentists have transitioned to composite tooth-colored dental fillings as they’re effective in stopping decay and have a natural-looking appearance. Dr. Warren Boardman offers composite filling treatment at Ridgeway Dentistry in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Composite Filling Advantages
Composite fillings are composed of a biocompatible acrylic resin material fortified with powdered glass with no mercury or metals added. Their durable composition makes them a good fit for your front teeth or your molars. If appearance is important to you, a composite tooth-colored restoration will fit the bill nicely as your cavity filling blends right in with the color of your teeth. Other advantages include the following:
- Strength and durability to withstand years of biting and chewing
- Bond directly to your tooth enamel, strengthening its structure while providing protection from cavities
- Require less removal of tooth enamel which helps retain more of your tooth’s natural structure
- They aren’t affected by temperature changes in your mouth, making composite fillings less likely to come loose or fall out
The Composite Filling Process
For your convenience, composite fillings can be applied in one dental visit. Dr. Boardman will start by selecting the color of your filling, matching it as closely as possible to the shade of your natural teeth. Next, we’ll numb your tooth and surrounding gum tissue and drill your tooth to remove the decay. Once the decay is removed, we’ll clean and dry the area to prepare your tooth for filling.
A composite filling is applied in layers over the hole, molded to your tooth’s shape, and cured with a special light to help it set properly. Once the cavity has been properly filled, we’ll check your bite to ensure you’re comfortable with it and polish your tooth to complete your treatment.
If you have cavities to be treated, we highly recommend composite fillings. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Warren Boardman for dental fillings, contact Ridgewood Dentistry in Ridgewood, NJ, at (201) 448-8605.
The most common of all dental restorations performed is the dental filling. These restorations are designed to remove decay and restore the tooth to normal function. The most popular materials used are composite, the tooth colored restoration and amalgam. The silver restoration tooth decay is caused by bacteria, which breaks down the enamel. The decay of left untreated will spread from the enamel to the dentin. The softer inner layer, which surrounds the dental pulp or nerve decay, may appear anywhere on the tooth from the biting surfaces to the areas between the teeth. Your dentist will diagnose decay utilizing x-rays, and by performing a clinical examination of your teeth using a dental drill and other instruments, the dentist will remove the decay and prepare the tooth to accept the filling material. After the decay is completely removed and the tooth has been properly prepared to receive the restoration, be it composite or amalgam, your dentist will then place the restoration in the prepared tooth. This will restore the natural contours of the tooth and return it to proper function. Whether the restoration was done in composite or dental amalgam, it is designed to restore the proper function of the tooth. Dental restorations are generally very long lasting and easily maintainable.
