Composite Dental Fillings
Repair Teeth with Composite Dental Fillings in Kenmore, WA
Schedule an appointment at Kenmore Dental by calling 425-485-0588 to treat cavities and chips with discrete composite fillings.
At Kenmore Dental, we offer our patients composite dental fillings as they provide more natural results when compared to other options. We use them to repair teeth damaged by tooth decay or an injury that caused fractures and chips. It’s a routine treatment performed in-office that restores tooth function and appearance.
What Are Composite Dental Fillings?
Composite dental fillings are a malleable resin material made to match the color of natural teeth. When treating cavities, we first remove all areas that have decayed before restoring the tooth with a composite dental filling. Composite resin can also repair teeth that have been chipped or fractured by bonding the resin to the damaged tooth and shaping it to blend in with surrounding teeth.
What Can Composite Dental Fillings in Kenmore, WA Treat?
Our team at Kenmore Dental use composite fillings to treat various conditions, including:
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Chipping
- Fractures
- Worn teeth
Composite dental fillings can only repair mild damage, as it requires a reasonable amount of healthy tooth structure to be successful. Teeth that are severely damaged may need a crown or complete replacement.
How is the Dental Procedure Performed?
After an examination where we determine a dental filling is the best treatment option, we will review the process with you and answer any questions. We then apply an anesthetic to the damaged tooth, ensuring our patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. If a cavity or tooth decay is present, we carefully remove it and prepare the tooth for the filling.
The composite material is then applied to the tooth and shaped to match the shape and bite of your natural tooth. It’s a relatively quick process and takes less than 30 minutes for each tooth.
What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
After receiving composite dental fillings in Kenmore, WA, the restored teeth may feel sensitive immediately after the procedure. However, you should be able to adjust in a day or two and eat and drink as usual. The filling material is strong enough to leave you with a fully functional bite and allow you to return to regular activity.
Once you’ve adjusted to the composite dental fillings, you will care for them the same way you would natural teeth. We recommend brushing twice a day and flossing daily. If you have significant decay, we might recommend a fluoride treatment to prevent further deterioration.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Most dental composite fillings last for at least five years and last up to ten years. After that, it varies depending on where in the mouth the filling is located, your dental care routine, and whether you have a habit of chewing on inedible items like your nails or pencils.
Dental Amalgam Vs. Composite Fillings: What’s The Difference?
Traditional amalgam fillings also treat tooth decay, cavities, and minor damage. They differ from composite fillings as they’re metal and stand out more than modern tooth-colored fillings. However, amalgam fillings have enough disadvantages that dentists rarely use them anymore.
Drawbacks of amalgam fillings include:
- Loosen over time
- Requires removal of more tooth structure
- May contain dangerous levels of mercury
Since there are health concerns linked to amalgam fillings containing mercury, many patients choose to replace them with composite material.
Schedule an Appointment With Kenmore Dental
If you have a chipped tooth or are experiencing tooth decay, schedule an appointment for restorative treatment at Kenmore Dental today. Our team can apply composite dental fillings in Kenmore, WA, to improve the functionality and appearance of your teeth. So call us now at 425-485-0588 and transform your smile today!
