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Patients who learn that they require a filling are frequently concerned about the aesthetic implications. 

White fillings, known as composite fillings, are the most commonly used types of fillings today. They restore damaged, decayed, or fractured teeth and are more natural-looking than other types of fillings.

In this article, our dental experts at Silver Firs Dental in Mill Creek, Washington, explain what composite fillings are and their main benefits.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a tooth-colored mix of plastic and ceramic ideal for restoring exposed or visible teeth. They are mostly used to fill up cavities but can also be used to fix minor tooth imperfections. 

To place the filling, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth, mold the filling material to restore the tooth’s structure, and then harden it.

How Are Composite Fillings Placed?

The procedure starts with a preparatory treatment that involves removing any existing decay and roughening up the tooth's surface using a special gel. 

In most cases, a layer of bonding material is enough to restore the tooth’s shape and stability. The dentist will shape the composite material to match the form of your tooth and then harden it.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

Below are some of the benefits of composite fillings:

• They prevent further damage or decay and help reduce the buildup of bacteria 
• As the material is flexible, it helps maintain more of your original tooth structure
• White fillings give your teeth a natural appearance as the composite resin is tinted to match the color of your natural enamel

Disadvantages of Composite Fillings

The disadvantages of composite fillings include:

• Some patients may experience sensitivity after the composite filling is placed. This is a rather uncommon occurrence that usually subsides within a few hours of the procedure.
• Composite fillings are more expensive than other types of fillings and last up to seven years, which is less than amalgam fillings. 
  
  

If you’d want to learn more about composite fillings or want to get your teeth restored, call Silver Firs Dental at (425) 225-5757 or visit us at 13209 44th Ave SE #201, Mill Creek, WA 98012.