Composite Fillings in Scottsdale, AZ
A composite filling is a white or tooth colored plastic and glass mixture that is used to restore decayed teeth. Composites can also be used to improve the aesthetics of a smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping a disfigured tooth. While all general dentists place fillings, you may choose to seek a doctor for white fillings to improve the esthetics and health of your mouth. Your doctor can fix cavities with fillings using this composite material to improve your oral health.
How is a composite filling placed?
Composite fillings, or white fillings, are placed much like a traditional filling. To fix cavities with fillings, the tooth is usually anesthetized to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure. The composite is then applied in layers, using a curing light designed to harden the material after each application. After the layers of composite have been applied, it is shaped to fit the tooth. The composite is then polished to prevent staining and early wear.
What are the advantages of composites?
Traditional fillings are done using metals like amalgam, which are easily visible in the mouth, to fix cavities. With fillings made of composite, your restorations are more discrete since they are shaded to match the color of the tooth. This is especially important when front teeth are being restored. Unlike metal fillings, the composite material actually chemically bonds to the tooth structure, which provides further support to the tooth. Furthermore, composites have increased versatility as they can be used not only as a filling for decay but also to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
Typically, less tooth structure has to be removed to accommodate composite fillings compared with amalgam fillings, lending to a more conservative approach towards tooth restoration. In addition, metal fillings tend to contract and expand due to temperature changes in the mouth and can lead to bacterial leakage around these fillings over time.
If you think that you may need dental treatment and are seeking to fix cavities with fillings, call today to schedule a visit with your doctor. For white fillings, safe and effective composite material can be used to restore you teeth and improve your oral health.
