Composite Dental Fillings
Fountain Valley, CA
When most people think about cavities, they tend to think of children. While children tend to be more prone to cavities, they are not the only ones who are susceptible. Cavities affect millions of people, children and adults alike, and are the result of tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when the acids produced by plaque and bacteria, as well as acids from certain foods and drinks, erode the protective enamel layer of your teeth. This erosion leads to weak spots or decay. Eventually, enough erosion happens that a small pit, or cavity, forms. At Bijan Family Dental Practice, we can treat cavities with composite fillings.
Why Is Cavity Treatment Important?
Cavities create a hiding place for bacteria, where they can continue to produce acids that continue to harm your teeth. Over time, they grow bigger and bigger, compromising the structural integrity of the affected teeth and putting your oral health at risk. This is why regular dental exams are so important. As cavities grow larger, they can grow into the inner layers of the teeth, providing a direct path for bacteria to get inside. There, bacteria multiply and attack your pulp, causing a painful infection.
Composite Fillings
We offer composite fillings as an alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. These fillings use composite resin to treat cavities. In addition to restoring the health of your mouth, composite fillings also restore the appearance of your teeth. The material, made up of a mixture of fine glass, plastic, and other materials, is tooth-colored. It blends in perfectly with the color of your tooth enamel, providing a seamless restoration. While not as strong as amalgam, the composite resin can stand up to daily wear and tear better if it’s the initial filling placed as the preparation is minimally invasive compared to an amalgam. Additionally, the material is free from all metals, and it does not contain any mercury.
Getting Your Composite Filling
The process for getting a composite filling is fairly simple, taking a single visit and about 30 minutes to complete. We start by cleaning the tooth and drilling out the decay. Next, an acid etch is applied to the cavity which creates a rough surface to enhance the bond between the composite resin and your tooth. After the tooth is washed and dried, we then apply bonding agent and finally the composite material to the cavity. It is cured using a special light and then polished to a smooth finish.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
There are several benefits to composite fillings:
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The material is tooth-colored, so it blends in beautifully with your natural tooth structure. This makes them an ideal aesthetic solution for cavities affecting teeth at the front of your mouth.
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The material can stand up to normal daily use.
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Composite resin bonds with the tooth, meaning that we do not need to drill away as much of your natural tooth structure.
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Composite resin does not contain any metals, nor does it contain any mercury. |
Composite fillings are essential for restoring the health of your tooth and its appearance. Call Bijan Family Dental Practice at (714) 421-4494 today to find out more and schedule your appointment.
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