Cavities are usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Once cavities start, they can’t be reversed. Without treatment, they will continue to spread, eroding your tooth’s enamel. Dental fillings put a stop to cavities to restore the health and usefulness of your tooth. At Rugby Dental Arts, we offer composite tooth filling services to residents of Charlottesville, Virginia, and neighboring cities.
How Composite Fillings Work to Restore Decayed Teeth
Composite tooth-colored dental fillings are composed of composite resin material – a mix of fine glass and plastic – that closely resembles the color of natural teeth. In addition to treating cavities, they can also be used as dental bonding for cosmetic reasons.
When treating a cavity, our team will start by drilling your tooth to remove decayed tissue and keep the infection from spreading. Next, he’ll roughen the surface of your tooth to help the composite resin material stick. He’ll then fill your tooth with a resin material to seal it from further infection and harden the resin with a blue light. Finally, he’ll polish your tooth to smooth out the filling so that it blends in with your natural teeth. The entire process can be completed in one dental visit. Once your tooth has been filled, it can continue to be used as usual. With proper care, your filling can last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced.
The Restorative Properties of Composite Fillings
Unlike silver amalgam fillings that contain a mixture of metals and mercury, composite fillings are mercury and metal-free, and biocompatible with your teeth. They’re safe and highly effective in stopping decay and restoring your tooth’s usefulness. Additional benefits include:
- The aesthetic appeal of a tooth-colored filling that blends in with your smile
- Less drilling before applying the filling, which helps preserve more of your tooth’s structure
- Bonds directly with your tooth to fortify its structure
- Durability to withstand the pressure of chewing and grinding
The next time you need cavity treatment, consider the benefits of composite fillings. To schedule tooth filling services, contact Rugby Dental Arts in Charlottesville, VA, at (434) 296-8034.
