Composite Fillings
A composite filling, often referred to as a tooth-colored filling, can be used for repairing teeth damaged by tooth decay, teeth with cracks, or teeth with fractures. When your dentist gives you a composite filling, they remove the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and then use special materials to build a composite filling.
Dentists use several different filling materials to repair teeth. The most common fillings are silver amalgam, but composite fillings are becoming popular for many good reasons. All filling materials have specific pros and cons for patients to weigh. If you need a filling, we'll talk through your options for restoring your teeth.
We like to use composite fillings because they can be matched to your natural tooth color. This can be a major advantage if you're having work done on your front teeth or in other visible areas of the mouth.
Composite fillings will experience normal wear and tear and may eventually need replaced. Some patients may elect to have older amalgam fillings replaced with composite fillings.
Composite fillings are typically used to repair or improve:
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Teeth that are chipped
- Space between teeth
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Broken teeth
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Teeth that have experienced decay
How are composite fillings placed?
Fillings are typically completed in a single appointment. Although circumstances may vary, we'll usually apply local anesthetic, remove tooth decay or shape the tooth as needed, clean the space, and then we place the filling.
Many patients will experience some minor tooth sensitivity after a composite filling is placed, and this normally subsides after a few days. If you experience any drastic changes in sensitivity that don't seem to go away, please contact us to schedule a followup appointment.
Questions? Ready for an Appointment?
If you would like a consultation with our talented Turlock cosmetic dentists, please feel free to contact us or request an appointment online. We look forward to your visit!
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