Most people will have to have a tooth filling at some point in their lives, whether it’s because of an accident, injury, poor oral care (cavities, tooth enamel erosion, etc.), or because they’re old. Composite fillings are a simple alternative to traditional metal tooth fillings. They are one of the safe and long-term treatments we offer at our clinic.
What are Composite Fillings?
Dental composite fillings are conventional tooth fillings that are coloured to match the colour of your original tooth. They are also called resin fillings, white fillings, and fillings that match the colour of your teeth.
They do the same thing as traditional fillings: They repair cracks, fissures, and decay in teeth that need to be fixed. A composite filling is then put in its place by your dentist.
Composite fillings come in a variety of materials
A lot of different materials are used to make composite fillings, just like standard fillings. This helps guard your teeth from decay and damage. In your consultation, you and your dentist will talk about what the best thing for your situation is. You’ll make sure you’re happy with the treatment plan.
Composite fillings are still one of the most popular ways to restore teeth to their original look, mostly because they look better than other fillings (being coloured to match your existing tooth or teeth).
Your fillings are not designed to last forever
Composite fillings are built to withstand the same amount of pressure we put our natural teeth through every day. However, they are not a long-term solution. If your filling is broken, loose, or falls out, it can be easily replaced. To make sure the tooth doesn’t become infected, you need to see your dentist right away.
Most people need composite fillings when they have cavities.
- Damaged teeth through accident, injury or trauma
- Teeth that have decayed
- Teeth are worn from bruxism
The difference between amalgam and composite fillings
It is usually made of metals, but resin fillings and composite fillings are made of plastic or ceramic.
Amalgam fillings have been in use for over 100 years and remain a popular choice for people requiring tooth fillings. In fact, since composite fillings came on the market, they aren’t as popular because they are less noticeable. The type of filling you choose will depend on your personal preferences, your budget, your dental history, and the advice from your dentist, as well as what your dentist thinks is best for your teeth.
Applying composite fillings & the treatment process
Applying composite fillings is a simple procedure that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. In the same way that a dentist would fill a tooth, your dentist will numb your teeth and remove any decay or damaged parts of the tooth. Then, they will clean that area to make sure your composite filling is put in the right place. Your filling is made determined by the shape of your tooth and the location it will be filling or covering to make sure it fits. Your composite filling is then put in place to make sure it looks and functions like a real tooth.
Do You Need Composite dental fillings?
If you recently hurt your tooth, have sensitivity when you eat, or see early signs of decay in your teeth, we highly recommend that you book an appointment with our private dental team. We can help you. These procedures will make your teeth look and work like they should, and they will also help to relieve any pain caused by decayed or damaged teeth.
For more information on Cosmetic Dentistry in Hammersmith or for our Hammersmith dental hygienist please contact us on 020 7602 5089.
