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Posted on 12/30/2018 by Rho Family Dentistry |
Most of us have dental fillings in our mouth and depending on how long ago we had them installed, they may be made of a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury metal in a material called "amalgam”. On the other hand, some of us may have a tooth-colored material in our fillings called "composite”. If you have composite fillings, then most likely your dentist made that recommendation based on the location of the filling and the individual needs of your mouth. But what makes composite so unique, and what exactly is it comprised of? The Components That Make Up Composite FillingsWhen a natural appearance is required, your dentist may recommend a something that matches the existing color of your teeth. That material is called "composite” and is often recommended to help preserve the appearance of your smile. Composite fillings differ from amalgam fillings in many ways, most notably that they are not made up of a mixture of metals. Because of their composition, they are easily colored to match your existing teeth. When we mix up composite for your dental procedure, we'll start with a silica-glass material and blend it in with a plastic type resinous base. Once we have our composite filling mixture ready, we'll apply it directly to the area that needs repair. Because we're able to bond it directly to the tooth, often we do not need to drill down as much, allowing us to preserve more of your own natural tooth. This helps ensure the longevity of your tooth and your filling, plus it minimizes your exposure to any unpleasant drilling sounds. Once we place the composite filling in your mouth, we'll cure it in layers with a special blue light, allowing it to harden. Your filling will be strong and durable and fit in beautifully with the rest of your teeth. If you need dental work done, please call our office today to schedule an appointment with our highly trained and skilled staff. We will thoroughly assess your teeth and make educated recommendations to you. Whether you need a composite filling or just a cleaning and checkup, we'll help you get the most out of your smile! |