Composite Fillings

West LA » Composite Fillings

Though we all try to avoid cavities, they can sometimes occur despite our best efforts. Improper home care, such as not brushing frequently or efficiently, or lack of regular flossing can lead to cavities. Genetics can cause some people to be born with softer, weaker enamel. Teeth with deep grooves may also be prone to cavities. Whatever the reason, sometimes the plaque from food the bacteria from your own saliva can get caught on teeth or between teeth and begin to decay. When this happens, it is best to seek a filling right away, before the decay can spread to the tooth nerves, root, or gums. Cavities that are left to foster are the number one way to contract gum disease.

If one of our CCIND staff members detects a cavity in one of your teeth, either by visual evaluation or x-ray, they will set up an appointment for you to return and have the cavity or cavities filled. First, you will receive local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the area around the tooth. If you are nervous about either the drilling or the anesthetic injections, you can discuss your concerns with the CCIND staff, and together you will find a way to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Next, the cavity will be drilled, to remove all decay and to create a smooth place to inset the filling.

Two types of fillings are available: amalgam and composite. Composite fillings are the most popular today, because they can be colored to match your teeth exactly, so no fillings are visible. For frontal teeth, this is obviously the most appealing choice. Composite fillings have other benefits as well. For one thing, they do not contain any mercury, as amalgam fillings do. Though the debate over the safety of amalgam fillings has been debated for years, choosing composite fillings can eliminate the worry all together. Composite fillings also harden more quickly than amalgam fillings, so patients are free to eat as soon as they leave the dental office. Additionally, the material used to create composite fillings can be applied in very small amounts, so less drilling is required to create the hole necessary to apply the filling to the tooth.

There are several drawbacks to composite fillings that patients should consider before choosing them over amalgam fillings. As amalgam fillings are initially cheaper than composite fillings, insurance companies may or may not cover composite fillings as they would amalgam fillings. The need for amalgam fillings is considered reconstructive, while the need for the more aesthetically pleasing composite fillings is considered cosmetic. This can lead to a sharp increase in price when selecting composite fillings over amalgam.

The staff here at CCIND will be happy to discuss composite fillings with you. Please call for a consultation today.

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