The main advantage of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal, as they look natural in the mouth. Modern materials mean they have properties comparable to durable and long-lasting silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful.
Composite fillings are becoming increasingly popular. Less of the tooth needs to be removed before placement of the filling, and they can restore decayed, chipped or broken teeth with no mercury or other metals involved at all.
We numb the affected area using a local anaesthetic, and carefully remove the decayed part of your tooth before cleaning it thoroughly.
We apply an acidic gel to your tooth, which creates tiny holes to allow the composite material to bond to it and create an effective repair. This gel is then washed away and your tooth is thoroughly dried.
We carefully colour match the composite material to the shade of your natural tooth, and apply it in layers, gradually building up the shape. We can mould the composite so it fits perfectly in your tooth cavity and feels comfortable.
We harden the composite material using a UV light and give it a professional polish so it looks and feels like a natural part of your tooth.
Many people opt for a white filling over the more traditional silver amalgam for aesthetic reasons, as the silver stands out a lot more in the mouth. A white dental filling has many of the same strong and durable qualities as amalgam and contains no metal.
If you have silver amalgam fillings and would like a more aesthetic alternative, we can change them to white composite. We remove the entire silver filling, clean your tooth, and apply the composite to the tooth cavity for a natural-looking repair.
Yes, a composite dental filling can be easily repaired if it becomes damaged. As the composite is applied in layers and can bond to itself, we can add more material to cover the damage to your filling. In some cases, we may opt to remove the whole filling and replace it, but this still can be achieved in a single appointment.
The best way to look after your white filling is to simply treat it as part of your natural tooth. Brush and floss twice a day to prevent decay from forming and visit your dentist for regular check-up appointments.
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