Composite Fillings

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings

A composite (tooth-colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is cracked, fractured, or otherwise affected by decay. To treat the affected part of the tooth, Dr. Cantu will remove the affected portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area where the decayed or damaged tooth structure was removed. 

You can expect your fillings visit to last anywhere between one to two hours, depending on the number and size of the fillings being completed.

What Steps Are Involved in Filling a Tooth?

1. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the tooth to be filled.
2. Once the area is anesthetized, work on the tooth begins. 
3. The area is tested to determine if all the decay of the tooth has been removed. Once clear of decay, the cavity is cleaned of bacteria and debris in preparation for the filling. If the decay is near the root, a liner called a “pulp cap” (medicine layer) may be required to protect the nerve of the tooth.
4. The tooth-colored filling material is applied in layers and cured with a special light that hardens each layer before adding the next. When the multilayering process is completed, the material is shaped and trimmed to the desired result, and polished until smooth. 
5. It is normal to experience hot and cold sensitivity immediately following the procedure, however, this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to its new filling.
6. Composite fillings are extremely durable and effective at restoring a long-lasting, beautiful smile, however, as with most dental restorations, they are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.
7. You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings (Composites)

• Aesthetics: The shade and/or color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, making them almost invisible.
• Bonding to tooth structure: Composite fillings micro-mechanically bond to tooth structure, providing further support and durability
• Versatility: In addition to their use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
• Tooth-Sparing Preparation: Often times, less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam (silver) fillings when removing decay and preparing the tooth.