At Estero Bay Dental in Estero, FL, we strive to provide the most natural result for all restorative procedures. For this reason we offer composite fillings because they are designed to be natural in appearance.  Dental restoratives, more commonly known as fillings, can be direct or indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays and onlays. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown.

Traditional fillings are most often made of silver amalgam. The strength and durability of silver amalgam makes it useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, typically in the back of the mouth.

Composite fillings blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people. Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth. They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth. Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile.

Advancements in dental technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for dentists to also use tooth-colored fillings on molars, which receive more wear than other teeth. Another advantage of composite fillings is they allow the dentist to preserve more of the natural tooth structure. This is because they chemically bond to the surface of your tooth like an adhesive.

What to Expect

During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. After the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

Composite fillings are cured with light to complete the process. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but if you have sensitivity that persists beyond a week, you should call us.