Carl Stepp 
If your tooth is affected by dental caries, your dentist will probably recommend that you get a filling or restoration to get rid of the infection and prevent further damage. There are several types of fillings, and composite fillings are the most popular among them.
NE Philadelphia dental office offers composite fillings that are gaining momentum due to their combination of aesthetics and durability.
Understanding composite fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored dental products that aid in restoring the tooth structure lost due to caries, cracks, or fractures. Since they can be closely matched to your natural teeth, they are aesthetically best suited for use in front teeth and other visible areas of the mouth.
A composite filling is a mixture of plastic (acrylic) resin that is reinforced with a powdered glass filler.
Indications for composite fillings
Composite fillings are increasingly popular among dentists for the following reasons:
- To restore chipped teeth
- To close the space (diastema) between two teeth
- To repair cracked or broken teeth
- To fill decayed teeth
- To restore teeth worn out due to attrition or masticatory forces
Benefits of composite fillings
Composite fillings are emerging as one of the widely used dental restorations due to the following benefits:
- Good durability
- Natural appearance (tooth-colored)
- Fracture resistant
- Procedure completed in a single visit
- Can be used to fix minor flaws to major damage
Composite filling as an aesthetic procedure
The process of getting a composite filling is fairly straightforward and can be completed in one visit.
- Your dentist will first select the shade of the composite according to the color of your natural teeth.
- You will be given an anesthesia shot to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area.
- The tooth will be air dried and the decay will be excavated to prepare the tooth for filling.
- The dentist will etch and bond the tooth.
- The composite material will be layered carefully and after each layer, the cement will be cured to set it.
- If the decay is present close to the nerves then a special medication would be placed before restoring it with composite filling. This provides added protection.
- The restored tooth will be shaped and polished.
- Your dentist will check your bite for any high points to make sure you are comfortable with the restoration.
Summary
A composite filling may satisfy your desire of having a tooth-colored restoration that is aesthetically appealing and does not detract from your smile. Additionally, it prevents further tooth decay from weakening your tooth. It offers an excellent combination of aesthetics and durability to enhance your smile.
