Lafayette, Colorado

White Composite Fillings

 

We can replace old, broken down metal fillings that detract from your smile using composite material.  These fillings look natural because shades are selected to match the color of your teeth.  These restorations are kind to your opposing dentition and wear like natural enamel. These restorations don’t crack teeth like silver fillings because they don’t contain mercury. These restorations are bonded to your teeth as opposed to being pack into your teeth like amalgam (silver) fillings.

 

Composite is a filling material that is a mixture of a resin medium with a quartz or glass filler which is what makes a tooth colored filling.  Composites are placed in one appointment.  The new composite filling is placed after the decay is removed and is bonded to the tooth.  These fillings are durable and wear like natural teeth.

Acid from the plaque dissolves enamel causing a cavity which can spread to the dentin.  If left untreated, the cavity enlarges until it reaches the pulp, which becomes infected.  Tooth decay (cavity or caries) can develop on any surface of any tooth.  Cavities grow.  They are much easier and less expensive to treat when they are small.  A tooth may have a cavity even though is not causing any discomfort, however the tooth is still deteriorating.  If left untreated the tooth will abscess and required root canal treatment in order to be saved. 

The size of a filling depends on the number of surfaces to be restored.                                         

Keeping your regular dental check-ups and cleanings (at least twice a year) is the best way to ensure that your dental restorations last as long as possible.