Do you have a cavity? Are you in pain every time you eat or drink something cold or hot? If so, composite fillings may be the solution for you! Composite fillings are made to blend with the natural tooth color, which is why they are also sometimes called “tooth colored fillings.” They are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities. Composite fillings not only protect your teeth from further damage, but they can also help to strengthen them. In this blog post, we will discuss how composite fillings strengthen teeth and how they are placed.
What is a composite filling?
Composite fillings are made from a material called composite resin. This plastic (acrylic) resin is mixed with powdered glass to give it strength and durability. The mixture is primarily used for its ability to blend with the natural color of teeth. However, composite fillings are also used for their ability to strengthen the teeth.
How Composite Fillings Strengthen Teeth:
Composite fillings have a unique bonding process that helps to make them stronger than other types of fillings. For starters, composite resin is one of the only dental materials that can bond directly to the tooth without the need for dental adhesives or cements. This means that less modifications need to be made to the natural tooth structure in order to place a composite filling. By preserving more of the healthy tooth structure, this also preserves the tooth’s natural strength.
Another way that composite fillings help to strengthen teeth is by protecting against tooth sensitivity. When a tooth is exposed to extreme temperatures (hot or cold), the inner nerve can become irritated and inflamed. This can cause a sharp pain that can be quite debilitating. However, composite fillings help to insulate the tooth from these extreme temperatures. This means that you are less likely to experience sensitivity after having a composite filling placed.
Composite fillings can also be repaired if they become damaged. If a composite filling becomes chipped or cracked, it can be fixed by adding more composite resin. This makes the repair process quick and easy, and it also prevents the need for further tooth modifications that can weaken the tooth.
Finally, composite fillings are versatile. They can be used to fill in small cavities or to repair large areas of damage. They can also be used to change the shape or color of teeth. This makes them a great option for people who want to improve their smile.
Placing a Composite Filling
Composite fillings are placed by a dentist. First, the tooth is prepared by roughening up the surface and cleaning out any decay. Then, the composite resin is placed in the empty cavity and shaped. The filling material is then hardened with a special dental curing light. Once it has hardened, the filling will be molded and polished. The final result is invisible and will blend in with the natural tooth color.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we discussed what composite fillings are made of and how they help to strengthen teeth. We also explained how composite fillings are placed. Composite fillings are a great option for people who want to improve their smile and protect their teeth from further damage. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about composite fillings and how they can help to strengthen your teeth. Don’t forget to talk to your dentist about whether or not composite fillings are right for you. Thanks for reading!
Dr. Admar holds dual certificates — a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2010 from India and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2014 from Canada. He is now a full time practicing dentist in Kamloops where he provides a variety of services, including emergency dentistry. Dr. Admar spends hundreds of hours in continued dental education to stay up to date in cosmetic and implant dentistry and he has achieved several advanced qualifications.
