What are Composite Fillings?

Your dentist may have recommended composite fillings for your tooth. If you’re unfamiliar with composite fillings, you’ve come to the right place. Composite fillings are among today’s most used dental fillings for tooth cavities. It is a durable filling with the natural color of a tooth.

Here at Dr. Sarah Frahm’s clinic, we understand if you’re wondering why your dentist may suggest composite fillings than other dental fillings. This article discusses what it is, what makes it different, and its pros and cons. We even include the procedure so that you’ll know what to expect. By the time you finish reading this article, we hope to have given you confidence in your dental journey.

What is the Purpose of Composite Fillings

When you have a tooth cavity, your dentist will recommend dental fillings to fill it. There are a variety of dental fillings available. However, the ones that are rising in popularity are composite dental fillings.

Composite fillings are becoming a standard choice due to their aesthetics and durability. They are composed of plastic (acrylic) resin and powdered glass filler and can be customized to match the color of your teeth.

What is the Difference Between Composite Fillings and Normal Fillings

Composite fillings stand out from other dental fillings due to their tooth-like color and strength.

Amalgam fillings have been widely used as dental fillings since the 1800s. Eventually, composite fillings became more of a standard in the 1960s for their tooth-colored resin, which gives a natural appearance in the front and back teeth. Another type of dental filling, glass ionomer fillings, also have a tooth-colored appearance but are fairly weak against biting and chewing pressure. Instead, glass ionomer is usually used for baby teeth and in non-biting regions of the teeth.

Another tooth-colored dental filling is porcelain inlays. While porcelain inlays are durable and long-lasting, they are quite expensive to design and prepare, taking at least two dental visits.

What are the Pros of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings have a variety of advantages, from tooth color to durability. Here are some of them.

Color Customizable to Match Person’s Teeth

A key benefit of composite fillings is that the resin is customizable to match the shade of your tooth. This natural appearance ensures that these fillings can be used on both back and front teeth without being noticeable.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Composite fillings, known for their durability, are best for small to medium-sized cavities. Their composition is designed to resist fracturing from the daily stress of chewing and biting, ensuring a long-lasting solution. They can typically last for up to 10 years, according to Healthline.

Less Tooth Sensitivity

Temperature changes affect composite fillings less than amalgam fillings with metal components like silver. The metals in amalgam fillings contract when drinking or eating something cold and expand in hot.

After a composite filling procedure, mild tooth sensitivity is expected for a short time.

Retains and Restores Tooth Structure

Composite fillings require less space and less tooth drilling to accommodate filling implantation. Tooth drilling causes the tooth to lose more structure, but it is necessary to widen the space in the cavity to accommodate filling implantation. However, composite fillings only require light drilling to create a bonding surface while helping the tooth restore its structure.

Shorter Procedure

The composite filling procedure is shorter than other dental fillings because it has less tooth drilling and faster hardening. The composite filling hardens quickly due to the unique light that quickens their bonding time on the tooth.

Easily repairable

While composite fillings can last years, they will eventually wear out, fall off, or get accidentally cracked. Fortunately, the dentist can easily fix this by cleaning the affected area and re-bonding it with a new composite.

What are the Cons of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings cost more than amalgam fillings and do not last as long as the latter. They also require skill to dry the tooth and fill the cavity successfully. Furthermore, composite fillings are prone to stain and discoloration over time.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last

As mentioned above, composite filling can last up to 10 years. Many factors can affect its lifespan.

• The bigger the filling, the more area it is exposed to wear and tear.
• Teeth grinding in sleep or bruxism can also add to the stress the filling is exposed to.
• Eating and drinking foods and beverages that stain the teeth can lead to earlier discoloration.
• Eating hard foods increases the risk of cracking the composite fillings.

Lastly, with proper care and maintenance, a person can retain the integrity of the rest of the tooth with the help of its composite filling before it eventually wears out.

When Should You Get Your Composite Fillings Replaced

Here are the signs that you need to visit your dentist and check if your fillings need to be replaced:

• Teeth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.
• Composite filling breaking off.
• Sharp pain upon chewing.

Composite Filling Procedure

Here are the steps you can expect in a composite filling procedure.

1. 1. Your dentist matches the color of the composite fillings with your teeth.
   2. Local anesthesia is injected into the gum to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Some people may not be comfortable with injections, so your dentist will accommodate you with other options, such as applying a numbing cream to the gums first.
   3. The dentist drills away the decayed parts of your tooth.
   4. They sterilize and dry the tooth area where the filling will be bonded.
   5. The composite material is placed into the hole of your tooth layer by layer. Light is used to cure each layer and harden it quickly.
   6. The dentist then shapes the tooth to a comfortable bite, polishing away the excess.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Composite Fillings?

The truth is, compared to some of the other materials used in fillings, composite fillings can be more expensive. But because of their aesthetic appeal, biocompatibility, and low failure rate, composite continues to be a popular option for all of us who need fillings. Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans don’t cover the entire cost of composite fillings. But most benefits plans cover a portion of your care. Always check with your insurance company when in doubt.

If you are looking for a beautiful, radiant smile or are looking to replace old amalgam or metal fillings, we’re here for you. Dr. Frahm will discuss your options with you, and our holistic approach to dental care always keeps your long-term wellness in mind. Contact Dr. Frahm today at 831-372-8011. Our office is conveniently located at 660 Camino Aguajito #201 in Monterey, CA 93940.

Make an Appointment Today with Dr. Sarah Frahm

Composite fillings are durable and natural-looking. They can last for a good amount of years with care and maintenance. The procedure is quick, and accommodations can be made to make it as comfortable as possible.

At Dr. Frahm’s clinic, we provide a spa-like experience for dental appointments. From waiting in our office to being treated by our dentist, we ensure you come out with a confident smile. Make an appointment with us today.

Sources

1. 1. Larson, J. (2021, July 16). “What You Should Know About Composite Fillings.” Healthline. Retrieved from
      https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/composite-fillings
   2. MouthHealthy. (n.d.). “Composite Fillings.” Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/all-topics-a-z/composite-fillings
   3. Oral Health Foundation. (n.d.). “Different filling materials.” Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://www.dentalhealth.org/different-filling-materials
   4. Harding, J. (2023, April 15). “Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings: Which One Is Right for You?” Dentistry of West Bend. Retrieved from https://www.dentistryofwestbend.com/composite-vs-amalgam-fillings/#:~:text=Composite%20fillings%20use%20resin%20to,over%20time%2C%20which%20affects%20appearance.
   5. Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. (n.d.). “Everything You Need To Know About Composite Fillings.” Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://summitdentistryspokane.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-composite-fillings/
   6. White Flint Family Dental. “How Long Do Metal-Free Fillings Last?” Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://whiteflintfamilydental.com/blog/how-long-do-metal-free-fillings-last/#:~:text=Composite%20resin%20fillings%20typically%20last,time%20a%20filling%20will%20last.