Composite Fillings in Buffalo, NY
Williamsville Dentist Providing Affordable Composite Fillings Throughout WNY
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored material that blends a durable resin with fine glass particles. This combination gives them strength while allowing them to match the natural look of your teeth. Because of this balance of appearance and durability, composite fillings are the most common choice for repairing cavities.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend a different material called glass ionomer. While it is not as strong or long-lasting as composite in areas that handle heavy biting, it releases fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. This makes it a useful option for certain situations, especially in areas with less pressure or for patients who are more prone to cavities.
It is important to note that, even though fillings do not have the same chemical structure as enamel, they can weaken and degenerate just as actual teeth can. Biting hard, inedible substances such as ice and plastic is particularly effective in reducing the strength and endurance of fillings, so it is critical that individuals who have fillings properly maintain these additions to their mouths through proper oral hygiene.
Brushing with toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash will help your teeth and fillings last as long as possible, and receiving dental cleanings and fluoride treatments during appointments with your dentist can help stave off threatening conditions and infections. Fillings are intended to allow wearers to continue as many of their hobbies and daily duties as possible, so while care should be taken to prolong the life of filings, few to no major changes to diet and everyday activities are needed.
Once you and your dentist decide that you are a strong candidate for a filling, your dentist will select a resin or another material that most closely matches the color of your teeth. Then, your tooth will be cleaned, and any degraded area will be removed. Your dentist will apply the filling material to your tooth and mold it into the proper shape before it hardens.
The procedure is typically quick to complete and both simple and noninvasive in its scope. The days immediately after the installation of a filling may be somewhat uncomfortable—you will have to become accustomed to chewing with a new addition to your mouth—so take caution as you ease back into eating, drinking, and recreation.
Most fillings are made now from composite, synthetic resin. There are many companies that manufacture this material, and because of its popularity, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, we use composite resin as a filling material in all our dental procedures. There has been much debate about the safety and usefulness of mercury amalgam fillings, another trendy option. There is no scientific consensus on the matter, but nevertheless, our office has not used amalgam mercury fillings in over 10 years.
Fillings vary according to the size of the cavity. If you have a large cavity, we will administer local anesthesia, drill out the cavity, place a dentine bonding agent in the space, insert the white filling, and harden the filling with light. This procedure is typically straightforward. The cost of a filling depends on how many tooth surfaces it covers.
If you have questions about composite fillings or would like to schedule a regular check-up, please contact our Buffalo dental office and schedule an appointment today.