Understanding Composite Fillings

When tooth decay occurs, your Denver dentist will remove the damaged portion of the tooth then seal it with a material to prevent any more damage or deposition of food fragments. Which material used for such procedures will vary depend on the tooth and the extent of the damage to the tooth structure. Some teeth can be filled with a durable and color matched composite material, while others will require treatment with amalgam filling material. Composite fillings are more commonly used than amalgam fillings because composite restoration looks more like natural teeth than the metallic color of the amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings in the past did not have the strength of conventional amalgams, but recent breakthroughs have made them just as reliable. Denver dentist can now place composite fillings anywhere in the mouth, even the molars, which are exposed to more wear and tear.

Another benefit of the composite fillings is that the tooth doesn’t require as much preparation before the filling is placed. Since Denver dentists tend to want to avoid removing dental material wherever possible, composite fillings are often the recommended course of treatment.

The Denver dentist you choose for this treatment needs to be specially trained in how to apply composite fillings properly. Older amalgam techniques were not as demanding or specific as those required for composite fillings, and only a skilled dentist can obtain the best results. It is important to discuss this with your Denver dentist to ensure that they can provide the best care.

A brief examination by a dentist, usually including an X-ray, will reveal the presence of decay that has irritated nerves and eaten away tooth tissue.

After clearing away the damaged areas of the tooth the dentist will then treat the surface to prevent any further decay with anti-bacterial agents or sodium rinse. A “rubber dam” is used to isolate the tooth from the other teeth and keep it dry while the filling material is applied.

After application of adhesives or bonding agents the dentist layers in the composite materials, checking the patients bite comfort at frequent intervals. If biting down is uncomfortable, the dentist carefully reshapes the filling and the procedure is finished. The dentist checks to see if the shape and cover of the filling material are proper then hardens the surface using a special light.