If you have a cavity, you may want to talk our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Lowry about a composite, or tooth-colored filling to brighten your smile. If your cavity is visible to other people and is small enough, a composite filling may serve you well.
Composite fillings are made from powdered glass and an acrylic resin. They are popular because the composite bonds directly with the surface of the tooth, and moreover, it can be shaded to match the color of your tooth, which will make it unnoticeable to other people.
The technology behind composite fillings continues to improve and they are becoming stronger, but they are not as strong as other fillings. For that reason, your dentist may use a composite filling for a smaller cavity that is visible to other people, and is not in a tooth that receives a great deal of pressure when you bite or chew. Composite fillings take longer to place than other fillings, since the tooth needs to kept dry during the process, and the filling is placed in layers. Each layer must be cured by a special light before the next layer is applied.
Composite fillings are stain-resistant, but are not impervious to staining. Dark-colored foods and drinks will discolor the fillings, a problem which will have to be corrected by your dentist. No filling lasts forever, and you will need to continue to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day; and see your dentist for your routine cleanings and exams.
If you have a cavity that you think may benefit from a composite filling and you live in the Riverside, California area, call 951-263-7001 today to schedule an appointment.