What is a composite filling (resin, white coloured ) ?

 

A composite  filling is a tooth coloured plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed tooth. composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the colour of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

 

How is composite filling done ?

 

After preparing the cavity dentist places the composite material in cavity with the help of titanium instruments layer by layer typically using a light specialised to harden each layer by providing the light at a specific wave length .when the process is finished ,the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth.the dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

 

What is the cost ?

 

Prices vary but composites can cost up to two times the price of silver filling.

 

What are the advantages of composites ?

Aesthetics are the main advantageof composites since dentists can blend the shade to create a colour nearly identical to that of actual tooth.composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulates the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

 

What are the disadvantages ?

 

After receiving a composite ,a patient may experience post operative sensitivity.also,the shade of the composite can changeslightly if the patient drinks tea,coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the colour from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth colour. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities , although they hold up as well in small cavities