Fillings

Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative.The major advantage of composite fillings is that they have a range of colors that mimics the color of an original tooth. Due to the increased strength of modern composite material, they can now also be used in the back teeth.

The Filling Procedures

During first visit, dentist removes any remaining decay. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist places the composite into the tooth where it binds to the original surface. Indirect restorations need to be custom-made at an off-site dental lab and two visits to the dentist are required. Once the dental office receives the custom inlays, the patient returns to the dentist's office, where the inlays will be bonded into place. Individual inlays are not only composite materials; they are often made of porcelain. Composite fillings typically last three to twelve years, depending on the location of the restoration, an individual's occlusion (or bite), and one's home care. Indirect porcelain inlays do not stain as easily as direct composites.