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If you’ve been told you have a cavity, your dentist will probably recommend composite filling cavity treatment. Composite resin fillings are the go-to treatment for cavities today due to their natural, tooth-colored appearance. But they have much more to offer than just aesthetics. By answering your questions about composite fillings, Dr. Jennifer Wahlen and the team at Wahlen Dentistry in Perry, Utah, can help you decide if it’s the proper cavity treatment for you.Â
A composite filling is a putty-like mixture of composite resin material and powdered glass that’s used to treat cavities. These fillings are quite popular due to their tooth-colored appearance which keeps them hidden when you smile. Composite fillings are also metal- and mercury-free, making them a better choice for people with metal allergies.
Composite resin fillings are mostly used to treat cavities. However, the resin material can also serve other purposes. Dr. Wahlen can use this same material to repair worn tooth enamel, fix chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, or rebuild a broken tooth in a process called dental bonding.
Composite fillings effectively restore decayed teeth and protect them from further infection. The resin material bonds directly with your tooth enamel to seal out plaque and debris that can cause cavities. With continued use, the filling also reinforces your tooth to protect it from damage.
But beautiful esthetics are probably what most people love most about these tooth-colored fillings. Dr. Wahlen and the team can match the resin mixture to the color of your natural teeth to make your filling invisible. When you smile, all people will see are beautiful, white teeth—no metal to mar your smile’s beauty.
Most treatments can be completed in one dental visit, often in less than an hour. The resin material is applied in layers and molded to conform to the shape of your tooth. Each layer is cured with a UV light to harden. When your filling is complete, we’ll smooth out any rough edges and polish your teeth to give them a natural gleam.Â
After the filling has hardened, it’s safe for you to eat. However, it’s best to wait until the numbing effects of the anesthesia have worn off before sitting down to a full meal.Â
That depends on your oral hygiene, eating habits, and lifestyle habits. By taking good care of your teeth – brushing twice daily, flossing, and seeing your dentist for biannual cleanings – composite resin fillings can last, on average, 7-10 years.
At Wahlen Dentistry, we offer composite filling tooth decay treatment to our patients in Perry, UT, and nearby communities, including Brigham City, Ogden, and Willard. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Jennifer Wahlen and the team at (435) 246-4602.