Composite Fillings: What They Are & When They Are Used

Composite Fillings: What They Are & When They Are Used

Composite Fillings: What They Are & When They Are Used

Composite Fillings: What They Are & When They Are Used

September 1, 2021

Boss Dental Care

Feeling clueless about composite fillings? You’ve probably heard about this dental treatment procedure from your friends or colleagues. It is pretty popular out there for its aesthetics and durability. So, it’s natural that you may have a lot of questions about it.

What does it do? How safe is it? Does it hurt? When is it applicable?

A good understanding of this dental restoration treatment will resolve most of your unanswered questions. Let’s look at what composite fillings are and when you might need them.

 

What Are Composite Fillings?


When you develop a dental cavity, your dentist will take out the decayed material from the affected tooth. Next, they will use fillings to seal or plug up the area previously occupied by the decaying matter. Fractured, decayed, or broken teeth are also restored using fillers.


In past years, fillings were made from a silver-colored material that was pretty much noticeable. Over the years, new alternatives have cropped up, including composite fillings.


Microscopic plastic and powdered glass blend to form composite fillings. They appear like the natural color of your tooth. This means that they blend naturally with your teeth and remain virtually invisible. It is for this reason that they have become a popular dental treatment option.

 

When Do You Need a Filling?


Here are some telltale signs that you may need a composite filling:

  • Cracked or Broken Teeth

Chipped or fractured teeth may be a painful ordeal and leaves you with an unattractive smile. This may happen during a collision or accident, or when you bite down on hard foods or items. Composite fillings are softly molded to plug up cracks and substitute chips.

  • Tooth Cavity

If you develop a tooth cavity, your dentist will likely advise you to have a composite filling immediately. This will help avoid further spread of infection and seal the affected tooth. Your tooth has a better outcome when the cavity is treated early. The treatment will probably be less invasive. So having routine dental checkups is a good investment.


You are likely to develop a cavity when you experience the following warning signs:

  • A hole or dark spot in your tooth.
  • Persistent toothache.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and sugary foods.
  • Tooth stain.

 

  • Tooth Decay Problems


Poor dental hygiene leads to tooth decay. The decay will eat away your teeth, causing cavities. Without dental intervention, decay will spread from the tooth to the roots and gumline. Your dentist will remove the decay and introduce a composite filling. This will not only stop the decay but also prevent further spread.


 

Restore Your Beautiful Smile


If you have teeth cracks, chips, or decays, you will likely smile less often. Call Boss Dental Care at 361-245-5400 to schedule an appointment or learn more about composite fillings and how they can restore your beautiful smile. Our office is in Corpus Christi, Texas, close to the junction of Everhart and Staples.

Corpus Christi Dentist