Dental Fillings for Cavity Restorations In
Dental Care
By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO
Technology in dentistry now offers attractive options
dental fillings for
cavity restorations in
dental care. Called composites, these new tooth-colored
dental fillings are
excellent choices for front teeth and other repairs that might be visible.
Composites duplicate the natural appearance of a tooth in restoring decayed
teeth or repairing a defect and giving you a more attractive mouth.
What Dental Care Material Is Used in the Composite
Filling?
Dental fillings composites are made from a mixture of microscopic plastic and ceramic resin
particles. Another type of tooth-colored dental fillings used in dental care are called a resin ionomer,
which releases fluoride useful for preventing tooth decay.
Besides Their Cosmetic Value, What Other Benefits
Do Composites Provide in
dental care?
The bonding process used in restoration provides strength to the tooth,
making it more structurally sound. It also seals the tooth, decreasing the
chance of sensitivity to hot and cold. Some composites made with materials
releasing fluoride are ideal for treating root decay, a condition when gums
recede, exposing tooth roots to more cavity-causing plaque. These
fluoride-releasing materials also are useful
dental fillings for decayed baby teeth.
What Is the Process for Dental Care Treatment?
Following removal of the decayed area, a mild acid solution is used to
prepare the tooth's surface for bonding and dental fillings. A bonding agent is then brushed over
the surface. Several layers of the composite are applied during the next dental
care process. For a natural
appearance, the dentist matches the color of the dental fillings composite to the tooth.
Then, it is chemically hardened or cured with a special light and finally
polished for a natural-looking finishing touch.
How Durable Are these Dental Fillings?
In a five-year clinical study of dental care, some of the resin materials demonstrated 100%
effectiveness for adhesion and retention. Like other types of
dental fillings, they may
require periodic replacement. While the material is very durable, they may not
perform quite as long as silver fillings or amalgams for their resistance to the
rigors of grinding and chewing.
Scheduling
dental care on a regular basis is an important part of good oral hygiene.
Your dentist will check your fillings each time to ensure their performance.
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