When there is minor damage to a tooth, it needn’t necessarily be extracted. A composite, tooth-colored filling can restore the tooth while ensuring it matches the rest of the teeth. Sunny Dental specializes in the latest, safest, and most effective techniques for dental restoration. Our dentists use the cutting-edge Fotona laser device to painlessly perform composite fillings without any discomfort or anesthesia. Please continue reading to learn about your tooth-colored filling options in Sunny Isles Beach, FL.
What are Composite Fillings?
Dental fillings are biocompatible materials that “fill” or seal the gaps left on your teeth due to dental decay, bacterial infections, or damage. Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, restore your teeth while ensuring optimal cosmetic appearance and safety. The fillings are usually designed to match the color of natural teeth — a composite-filled tooth will look as natural as the tooth was before it was chipped or damaged through decay. The filling is shaped to fit perfectly. It is also polished carefully so that all the natural contours of the tooth are restored.
Traditional Fillings vs. Composite Fillings
Traditionally, fillings were performed using silver amalgam, gold, or other highly visible materials. Silver amalgam was a controversial choice because it was believed to contain mercury. Furthermore, silver amalgam eventually oxidized and turned black, making the tooth look rotten. Traditional fillings also necessitated the removal of a large portion of the affected tooth before filling. Due to these drawbacks, traditional fillings have now been replaced by composite fillings as the number one option for tooth restoration.
Composite resin is a completely safe material — it does not contain any chemicals that may be harmful to your health. Furthermore, it preserves the original tooth structure because it bonds more easily with the tooth. Composite fillings are not just designed to restore chipped teeth. They are ideal for ensuring the aesthetic restoration of your teeth. With composite fillings, it is impossible to tell whether restoration was done. It is possible to replace old silver fillings with composite fillings through a comfortable and fairly short procedure.
Pain-Free Approach to Composite Fillings
At Sunny Dental, we perform pain-free composite fillings using the Fotona laser. Fotona is an infrared laser that quickly, safely, and painlessly hardens the composite resin material attached to the affected tooth. When activated, the Fotona laser hardens the composite resin into a dental filling within seconds, thereby strengthening your tooth. This procedure is so quick and painless that it can be performed without anesthesia or sedation — you can still ask for sedation if you’re anxious.
Benefits of Composite Dental Filling
- Composite resin can be colored according to the natural shade of your teeth.
- Composite-filled teeth look indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.
- Composite fillings are easier to prepare than traditional fillings because they bond better.
- Composite fillings are completely safe — they don’t contain harmful chemicals.
- Composite fillings with Fotona lasers are quick and painless procedures.
Reasons for Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are meant for patients with early signs of dental decay, cavities, or minor cracks on the teeth. The composite resin material can seal the crack and prevent the proliferation of bacteria. However, composite fillings can only help if the cavity is superficial, i.e., if it hasn’t reached the pulp chamber. Once the dental decay reaches the pulp chamber, you’ll need a root canal to save your tooth.
Most people aren’t aware when they need composite fillings because cavities don’t cause any pain or discomfort until they reach the pulp chamber. As such, you must go for regular dental checkups — the dentist will identify the cavities at the early stages and recommend tooth-colored fillings. If you don’t go for dental checkups and cleanings at regular intervals, the cavity will continue spreading until you need root canals or even extractions.
Composite Fillings FAQs
What happens if I don’t get a filling?
If you don’t get a filling, the dental cavity will continue spreading and growing larger. Over time, the bacterial infection may reach the pulp chamber, making it too late for dental fillings. If dental decay is left untreated, you may even suffer from tooth loss.
When are dental fillings necessary?
Dental fillings are necessary when you have dental cavities. You can identify dental cavities as holes or black spots in your teeth. Sometimes, you can even feel cavities when you run your tongue across your teeth.
What are the benefits of composite resin fillings?
- They can be shaded and polished according to the color of your teeth.
- They are completely safe and contain no harmful chemicals.
- They bond easily with your teeth, so the dentist doesn’t have to remove excessive dental structures.
How long can a temporary filling last?
Temporary fillings generally last six to eight weeks before falling off. However, most people get permanent fillings long before the temporary fillings wear off.
How do you take care of composite fillings?
- Brush and floss at least twice a day.
- Limit sugary and sticky foods and beverages.
- Rinse regularly with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Don’t consume tobacco in any form.
Are dental fillings safe?
Dental fillings, especially composite resin fillings, are completely safe and free from harmful chemicals.
Your Composite Fillings Appointment
Sunny Dental is a state-of-the-art dental clinic specializing in minimally invasive and advanced techniques for dental restoration. We provide tooth-colored, composite fillings that ensure optimal safety, cosmetic beauty, and naturalness. Composite tooth fillings look indistinguishable from the natural tooth surface, making them ideal for the front teeth. Furthermore, using the cutting-edge Fotona laser ensures complete comfort during the procedure. Please schedule an appointment or call (305) 944-7706 to discuss your composite filling options in Sunny Isles Beach, FL.