Oct
Cavity treatment is one of the most common procedures dentists perform. At Dr. Edward Liu Sedation and Implant Dentistry, we treat decay with composite dental fillings. Composite tooth-colored fillings give your smile a more natural, attractive appearance. They also provide adequate protection against cavities. In this post, your Holt, Michigan dentist, Dr. Edward Liu, answers your questions about composite fillings and the role they play in treating cavities.
Composite fillings are restorations made of composite resin reinforced with quartz or glass particles. This makes a putty-like, tooth-colored mixture mainly used to treat cavities.Â
The same composite resin mixture that’s used to treat decay can be used as cosmetic bonding to repair small chips or cracks in your teeth or rebuild a broken tooth. Dr. Liu may also use bonding to conceal stains on your teeth or close small tooth gaps that make your smile less appealing.  Â
Treatment times vary depending on the size and location of the cavity to be treated. Generally, composite fillings can be completed in less than an hour. After removing the decay, Dr. Liu will apply the resin material to your tooth in layers, molding it carefully to conform to the shape of your tooth. The filling is dried with a UV light to cement it in place. When the last layer is applied and dried, we’ll modify the filling, if necessary, to improve your bite and polish your tooth to complete your treatment.
Applying a composite filling requires less drilling as the mixture bonds directly with your tooth. Your tooth stays stronger as less structure is removed. Composite fillings insulate your teeth, making them less sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. However, the main advantage of composite tooth cavity filling is its tooth-colored appearance, which makes your treatment more discreet. The filling stays hidden when you smile and won’t ruin your smile’s appearance.Â
Composite fillings aren’t stain-resistant, so they may darken over time due to your consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks. Composite fillings also tend to wear down quicker than amalgam fillings and may need more frequent replacement. With good oral care, however, your filling can last up to 10 years.
Over time, the filling will degrade from daily wear and tear. However, you can damage the filling prematurely by chewing on ice, eating hard or sticky foods, or using your teeth like tools. Fortunately, in many circumstances, composite fillings can be repaired to save you the expense of redoing your entire treatment.
Holt, MI, residents can turn to Dr. Edward Liu from Dr. Edward Liu Sedation and Implant Dentistry for composite filling cavity treatment. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (517) 777-8878.
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Give yourself the gift of a bright smile. Schedule an appointment at Dr. Edward Liu General & Implant Dentistry today.