Fixing Your Cavity With A Composite Filling

When it comes to filling a cavity, the type of filling that the dentist will use will sometimes depend on the size of the cavity and where it is located in your mouth. For example, amalgam and gold fillings can withstand a great deal of force, and for that reason are great choices for fillings. However, as tough as they are, they are are silver or gold in color, and if you don’t want people noticing your filling, you may want to opt to use them for cavities in your molars or premolars.

If you have a cavitity in a place that is easily seen by other people, you may want to talk with your dentist about a composite, or tooth-colored filling. A composite filling is made of a combination of an acrylic resin and powdered glass. They are popular because they bond directly to the surface of your tooth, and because the material can be shaded to blend in with the rest of your tooth. However, they are not as strong as a gold or amalgam fllings, and are often reserved for smaller cavities in teeth do not receive a great deal of pressure from biting or chewing.

After mixing the composite to the right shade, the dentist will place the it. The tooth needs to be kept dry, as each layer must be cured before the next one can be applied. When the tooth is filled, the dentist will polish it to match the surface of your tooth and resist staining.

After your composite is placed, you will need to continue to brush twice a day and floss once a day. You should see your dentist twice a year for your routine appointments, at which time he will check your filling to see if it needs to be replaced. Your new filling is stain-resistant, but it can still be discolored by certain foods and beverages.

If you have a tooth that needs attention, our dentist, Dr. Justin J Deutsch will be happy to talk with you about composite fillings. If you live in the Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, area and would like to make an appointment at Dental Arts Of Blue Bell. We would love to help you have a healthy, happy smile.