7 Benefits of Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are becoming increasingly popular when it comes to repairing the damage caused by tooth decay and cavities. The primary reason is that resin filling more closely resembles the color of the natural tooth, which means it can be used to fill cavities in the front and back teeth. The second reason is that they do not contain any mercury, which may cause long-term health effects due to the off-gassing of the mercury over time.
Advantages of Composite Resin
Dentists and individuals often choose composite resin fillings for a multitude of reasons, including the fact that it is tooth colored and can fix a variety of cosmetic issues, including cracks and chips. They can also be successfully used on both the front and back teeth.
1. Do not require as much drilling as other types of fillings.
If you are familiar with amalgam fillings, you know that in order to place the filling a significant portion of your natural tooth has to be removed along with the decayed sections of the tooth. This can lead to an overall weakness of the tooth structure. Composite fillings, on the other hand, require much less tooth to be removed, and once the filling has bonded to the natural tooth, it results in a stronger overall tooth, this is one of the many benefits of composite resin fillings.
2. Bonds to your existing tooth.
Another major benefit of composite resin fillings is that they bond to your original tooth. Composite resin fillings generally come in two types, onlays and overlays. These are custom-crafted in a lab. Once they arrive at our dentist’s office, your tooth will be prepared and a bonding agent will be put into the tooth. Lastly, the only will be inserted. The onlay then hardens and bonds to the natural tooth, which helps provide added strength.
3. Harden within a few seconds.
After the filling is placed in your tooth, a specific type of light is placed in your mouth and positioned over the filling. This helps shorten the length of time it takes the bonding agent to harden. Usually, the filling is completely cured and hardened in less than a minute.
4. Can be used to fix chips and cracks.
Composite resins can also be used to fix chips and cracks in your teeth. The quick bonding, durable and tooth-colored appearance of composite resin fillings make them ideal for repairing chips and cracks in the visible teeth. They can even be used to create resin veneers, which can help give your teeth a whiter appearance.
5. Fewer instances of tooth sensitivity.
When compared to amalgam fillings, composite resins result in fewer instances of tooth sensitivity. This is because the resin helps insulate the tooth against hot and cold temperatures. However, it is important to note that there may be some mild tooth sensitivity immediately following the insertion of the filling.
6. Can be repaired.
If you have composite fillings, they can be repaired if they start to degrade. This means that if our dentist notices a degradation in the structure of the filling or the filling is accidentally damaged by excessive chewing or teeth grinding, our dentist can clean the area and repair the filling.
7. Can be used to replace your old amalgam fillings.
If you are worried about the possible health effects of your old amalgam fillings, our dentist in West Melbourne can remove your old metal fillings and replace them with a composite resin filling. This will remove the mercury from inside your mouth and give your teeth a brighter appearance.
Composite Resin Fillings at Artistic Touch Dentistry
Our Melbourne Florida dentist, Dr. Brazdo, offers tooth-colored composite fillings for tooth restoration from tooth decay, cavities, chips and cracks, and to replace old amalgam fillings. Our tooth-colored resins contain fluoride, which helps prevent future cavities in filled teeth.
To learn more about our composite resin fillings or to schedule an appointment, call us at 321-724-1400.