Composite fillings can enhance your smile’s appearance and restore your teeth’s natural beauty. In contrast to the traditional amalgam, these restorations are made of a tough resin material, which can be accurately matched to a patient’s natural color of teeth.
These aesthetic solutions can effectively repair dental caries, chipped teeth, and minor fractures while restoring the tooth’s structure without compromising its appearance. In addition to their cosmetic qualities, the composite fillings adhere to the structure of the teeth, thus giving extra support and protection against further decay.
Contact the Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry team to receive a high-quality dental service focused on functional restoration and aesthetic effect. Our qualified dental experts will help you determine whether composite fillings are the solution that suits your particular needs.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Also known as white or tooth-colored fillings, composite fillings are a standard recommendation when the dentist has to repair decayed, cracked, or broken teeth. Think of them as a versatile blend of plastic resin and fine glass or quartz particles. This special mix enables the dentist to easily shape the material to fit precisely around the contours of the cavity in your teeth. Once shaped to perfection, a special light hardens and cures the material, creating a durable restoration. One of the main advantages of composite fillings is that they are mercury-free. You will also find BPA-free variants available if you have specific health concerns.
Composite Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings
Choosing the right filling material impacts your smile’s health and aesthetics. You probably have heard of the debate around composite (white) and amalgam (silver) fillings, each with unique properties, tailored to specific dental needs. Although the two kinds are used to repair broken teeth, they have different compositions and functionality.
Aesthetics
The contrast is tremendous when you consider aesthetics. Composite fillings are specially made to match your natural tooth color, so they are almost invisible. This is why they are ideal for teeth that are visible when smiling. Conversely, amalgam fillings are metallic silver, which makes them more noticeable against natural teeth.
Tooth Preservation
In addition to appearance, the way your tooth is maintained is different. Composite fillings adhere to your tooth structure directly. Thus, your dentist will only cut off the decayed portion. This less invasive method saves more of your tooth and makes it stronger and longer-lasting.
On the other hand, amalgam fillings do not bond chemically. They use mechanical retention. This may require removing unnecessary healthy tooth structures to make undercuts to retain the filling in place, which may weaken the tooth over time.
Durability and Strength
Amalgam fillings have traditionally been stronger, particularly in large fillings in back teeth, with more chewing forces. The metallic nature of the filling is strong and resistant to wear. Although the composite technology has significantly improved, with excellent durability of small to medium fillings, substantial composite fillings in high-stress regions may not be as durable as amalgam and may need replacing earlier. However, this gap is still being narrowed down by further developments with newer composite materials that are stronger and more durable.
Safety Concerns and Material Composition
You may also worry about the safety of the dental filling materials. Amalgam fillings comprise approximately 50% mercury, a compound that concerns the population’s health. Other major health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), believe dental amalgam is a safe and effective restorative material. This view asserts that the mercury in amalgam is stable and causes little vapor.
However, if you do not want to be exposed to mercury, you can use composite fillings as a mercury-free alternative. Furthermore, the availability of BPA-free composite options also addresses concerns of possible chemical exposures and provides choices according to your preferences regarding your health.
Cost and Placement
In most cases, composite fillings cost slightly more than amalgam fillings, mainly because of the cost of the material and the more complex placement method involved. The special combination enables your dentist to easily mold the material to match the crevices of your tooth cavity. When molded into the proper shape, a special light is applied, which will harden and cure the material and make a lasting restoration.
A significant advantage of composite fillings is that they are mercury-free, so people prefer them to traditional amalgam fillings. Your dentist can also match the filling exactly with the color of your natural teeth, which results in a very natural and smooth appearance.
The Composite Filling Procedure
Understanding the composite filling process can help ease any anxiety about your dental visit. The process is usually simple and done so that it is comfortable and that your restoration will last a long time. The procedure involves the following steps:
Anesthetizing the Area
The process to restore your tooth starts by ensuring you are comfortable. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding area of the affected tooth. This ensures you will not feel pain during the procedure, just minor pressure. Your comfort is the priority. This preliminary procedure helps create a comfortable experience.
Tooth Decay Removal
After successfully numbing the affected area, your dentist will move to the most crucial procedure stage: tooth decay removal. With a special dental drill, the dentist will carefully and effectively remove every bit of damaged or decayed tooth. This critical step will ensure that all compromised areas have been removed. This aims to establish a clean and healthy base upon which the new filling material can be firmly bonded without the infiltration of bacteria and decay.
Although the local anesthetic will ensure that you do not experience the pain, you may hear the distinctive sound of the drill. This is not unusual and is a part of this necessary procedure to restore the health and integrity of your tooth.
Isolating the Tooth
After carefully removing all the decay, the most important thing is ensuring the tooth is dry and free of saliva and moisture. Your dentist will use tools like a dental dam or cotton rolls. A dental dam, a thin latex or non-latex sheet, is gently positioned around the tooth and acts as a virtually sterile, dry environment. On the other hand, cotton rolls are strategically placed to drain off the moisture.
The surface must remain 100% dry, since the composite resin that is the substance used in white fillings does not bond correctly with your natural tooth structure unless the surface is completely and thoroughly dry. Saliva or wetness contamination at this point may undermine the adhesion and result in complications with the filling in the future. This careful isolation is the key to a long-term and successful restoration.
Etching and Bonding
Two critical preparatory steps are carefully carried out to ensure a lasting attachment between the composite material and your tooth. Initially, the enamel is exposed to acidic gel on the tooth’s surface. This process, which is referred to as etching, is critical since it slightly roughens up the microscopic surface of your tooth enamel, forming millions of tiny holes and unevenness. These micro-channels are necessary because they create the optimum texture for the next bonding agent to penetrate and hold firmly.
After the etching gel has been used, it is washed away well, and the tooth surface is once again dried very carefully. After this, a bonding agent, a liquid adhesive similar to a thin varnish, is carefully applied. This agent is a significant primer penetrating the etched microscopic pores. When cured, it creates a durable and strong bond and chemically bonds the composite resin to your natural tooth structure, making the restoration strong, smooth, and long-lasting.
Application of Composite
The composite resin, a tooth-colored, putty-like substance, is now placed over the prepared tooth. Your dentist will add the composite in thin layers, carefully shaping each layer to replicate your tooth’s natural contours and anatomy. This layering technique allows precise shaping and thorough hardening of each layer.
UV Light Curing
Your dentist will use a UV or LED light to cure each composite layer. The curing light activates the resin, hardening it quickly and securing it. You may see a bright blue light, but it is harmless.
Shaping and Polishing
Your dentist will change the filling after all the composite layers have been placed and hardened. They will shape and polish the filling using different tools to ensure it fits your natural tooth and does not disturb your bite.
Furthermore, the filling is polished to a smooth finish, giving it a natural shine and making it less prone to plaque buildup. This finishing makes it look good and feel good enough to bite.
Main Advantages of Using Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are also an option in dental restoration and have numerous benefits beyond tooth repair. These advantages are quite beneficial to your oral health and the general appearance of your smile, thus making it an extremely popular choice.
Aesthetic Appeal
One of the main benefits is their aesthetic appeal. In contrast to the old silver amalgam fillings, the composite resin can be matched to a specific shade of your natural teeth. The filling can be perfectly camouflaged, making it virtually unnoticeable. This property is advantageous when filling the front teeth or any tooth that becomes visible when you smile, as it can create a natural-looking filling that enhances your smile.
Preserves Healthy Tooth Structure
In addition, composite fillings provide a more conservative preparation of your tooth. With a composite resin filling, your dentist only drills the decayed or damaged part of your tooth, which preserves more of your existing healthy tooth. This less drilling approach is critical to the long-term health of your tooth since the more your natural tooth structure remains intact, the stronger and more resistant it becomes to future problems.
Versatility Beyond Cavity Filling
The applicability of the composite material is impressive. Cosmetic bonding can also be done using composite resin. This means that chips, cracks, and even minor gaps between the teeth can be efficiently fixed or sealed, improving appearance and avoiding the need for crowns or veneers. This flexibility makes composite a preferred choice for both restorative and cosmetic procedures.
Enhanced Tooth Strength
Furthermore, the composite fillings make the tooth stronger. The composite material is bonded to the tooth structure, supporting the other weakened parts. This direct bonding assists in strengthening the tooth, which may decrease the chances of subsequent fracture or damage. The filling is not merely a hole filler. It is an inseparable part of your tooth and helps to make it structurally sound.
The Different Filling Types
A successful filling procedure and minimal complications depend primarily on one key factor: the ability and expertise of your dentist. A highly skilled dentist will use the needed precision to execute the procedure and help you choose the most appropriate filling material. This shared decision-making process enables you to engage in a positive discussion with your dental expert to learn the details of each alternative.
White Tooth-Colored Fillings (Composite)
They are the aesthetic standard in modern dentistry. The composites have a mixture of resin and glass. Thus, they can be perfectly blended with the natural color of your tooth. They are most appropriate on visible teeth, that is, your front teeth and premolars, and small- to medium-sized cavities.
However, placing composite fillings is a technique-sensitive procedure, and proper placement is essential for their long-term success. Furthermore, the composite fillings may stain after some time, especially with frequent coffee, tea, or red wine consumption.
Silver-Color Fillings (Amalgam)
Amalgam fillings are known for their long-lasting durability, especially in high-pressure areas. They are made of an alloy of metals like silver, tin, copper, and mercury and are known to be strong and durable. These fillings are most suitable for large cavities on back molars, as they have high chewing forces and durability, which is a significant concern.
The significant risk to be addressed with amalgam is that they usually require a greater amount of healthy tooth structure to be removed than composites to guarantee mechanical retention. Moreover, they are not aesthetically pleasing and can be spotted easily due to their silver color.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
In some cases, glass ionomer fillings may be used in specific situations requiring fluoride release or minimal pressure. The characteristic feature of these fillings is that they release fluoride, which can help prevent additional decay of the tooth tissue.
They can be used most effectively in fillings close to the gumline or on tooth roots, where resistance to decay is important, and as temporary fillings or in children’s teeth. They are not particularly strong or wear-resistant and are not usually used on chewing surfaces where they would have to resist any significant force.
Cast Gold (Gold Fillings)
The most durable restorative material is gold fillings, cast gold inlays, or onlays. These fillings can last decades since gold is incredibly durable, biocompatible, and corrosion-resistant. They are most suitable when the patient is more concerned with the durability of his/her back teeth than anything else. The main drawback of gold fillings is their high cost. Also, gold fillings are typically completed over several appointments and custom-made in a dental laboratory, increasing the treatment time and complexity.
Cost of Composite Filling
The financial aspect of dental care is essential in your decision-making process, particularly when it comes to composite fillings. While an exact estimate requires a dental exam, the average composite filling cost typically ranges from $150 to $450 per tooth. This is an estimated figure, and the real price may differ.
Several factors directly affect the ultimate cost of obtaining a composite filling. These include:
- Cavity size—A large or deep cavity uses more material and takes longer to place, naturally costing more
- The position of the tooth in your mouth — Molars, which are harder to access and may require more complex shaping, may be more costly than fillings on front teeth
- Your geographic location — Dental fees vary by region, with costs typically being higher in major urban areas.
- Your out-of-pocket expenses—This will directly depend on your dental insurance coverage.
As far as insurance considerations are concerned, many dental plans cover composite fillings, particularly when there is a placement on front teeth, given that aesthetics is a key consideration. However, in the case of back teeth, there is a possibility that some insurance programs will cover only composite fillings at the same rate as amalgam (silver) fillings.
You may be responsible for the cost difference between composite and amalgam fillings. To ensure you understand what you should pay out of pocket, ask your dentist’s office to provide a pre-treatment estimate, and then personally confirm this coverage with your insurance company.
Find a Dentist Near Me
With their combination of durability and aesthetics, composite fillings offer a phenomenal solution that restores your tooth’s health while blending seamlessly with your smile. In addition to their aesthetic value, these tooth-colored fillings add to the strength and functionality of your teeth, keep your teeth free of decay, and safeguard your oral health in the long run.
When you decide to have composite fillings, you invest in a healthier, more confident smile. Whether you require a filling or should just have a checkup, do not wait. Call Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry today, and we will help you determine whether composite fillings are appropriate. Take the first step toward preserving your beautiful smile. Contact us at 818-878-7300 to schedule your next appointment.