When in comes to dental fillings, patients have several options beyond the traditional silver or other metallic fillings. One of the most commonly used fillings are Composite Fillings, which are made of a combination of quartz or glass and a resin. For many patients, composite fillings are often the best options for many of their fillings.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings form a chemical bond with the tooth. This strong connection increases the structural integrity of the tooth; for large cavities, this added strength can help a tooth resist chipping or cracking from chewing. Further, this bonding allows the dentist to place the filling with less drilling compared to amalgam fillings, allowing patients to retain more of their healthy tooth material.
Additionally, composite fillings can be made to be nearly the same color as the tooth itself, greatly improving the aesthetic appearance of the filling. For fillings visible while the patient is smiling, this can be a deciding factor when choosing between amalgam and composite fillings.
Because of their unobtrusive appearance, their structural advantages and their reasonable cost, composites are the first choice for many dentists. While they may not be appropriate for all fillings, composite fillings should generally be considered before other options.
If you have any questions about dental fillings or you need to schedule an appointment to get a cavity filled, call our office at (417) 777-8654.