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Jun
Use Composite Fillings to Treat Decay Fast and Naturally
Besides dental exams and cleaning, cavity treatment is one of the most sought-after dental procedures. Early cavity treatment can help preserve your smile’s health and beauty. Composite dental fillings can effectively treat decay by bonding quickly with your teeth and closely matching the color of tooth enamel, providing a natural look. These FAQs from Mint Dental in Meridian, Idaho, provide detailed information on the advantages of composite dental fillings.
What are composite fillings made of?
Composite fillings are composed of a resin (plastic) material mixed with powdered glass, which makes a tooth-colored, putty-like mixture. One of the primary uses of composite fillings is cavity treatment. After removing the decay, Dr. Kevin Pulsipher will cover the affected area with a composite filling to protect your tooth from future infection and decay.
What are some advantages of treating decay with composite fillings?
Composite tooth-colored fillings blend in with the color of your natural teeth, making your cavity treatment more discreet. They don’t require as much drilling as gold, silver, or other fillings, which keeps more of your tooth structure intact. Composite restorations don’t contract or expand, making them less likely to come loose. They’re mercury and metal-free and won’t trigger metal allergies.
Composite fillings strengthen decayed teeth to prevent chipping and breakage by bonding directly with tooth enamel. They’re also effective at sealing out bacteria and debris to prevent future cavities.
How are composite fillings placed?
After removing the decay and cleaning your tooth, Dr. Pulsipher will apply a bonding liquid to help the resin material stick. He’ll layer the filling onto the space where decay was removed, curing each layer with a UV light to harden the filling. We’ll mold the filling to the contours of your tooth, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with your bite. Once the process is complete, we’ll polish your tooth to give it a smooth, natural appearance.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance and care. Factors like your diet, oral hygiene, the location and size of your filing and lifestyle habits can affect the lifespan of your filling.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (208) 900-4669 | Existing Patients: (208) 519-7713
How do I care for a composite filling?
You care for white fillings the same way you care for your teeth—brushing twice daily, flossing daily, eating healthily, and getting routine dental cleanings. As composite fillings aren’t stain-resistant, we recommend limiting your intake of foods and drinks that cause staining.
Can I replace my silver amalgam fillings with composite fillings?
Some people choose to replace silver fillings with white ones simply for esthetics, even if their silver fillings are in good shape. Once the amalgam fillings wear out, you can also request to replace them with composite restorations.
Where can I get composite dental fillings near me?
If you live in Meridian, ID, or surrounding cities, contact Dr. Pulsipher from Mint Dental at (208) 900-4669 for composite filling cavity treatment.
Dr. Kevin Pulsipher | Mint Dental
Dr. Kevin Pulsipher graduated from Brigham Young University (BA in Russian in 2013) and Midwestern University School of Dental Medicine (Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 2017). He served as a dentist in the US Army for four years before settling in the Treasure Valley.He is committed to continuous education and has spent over 100 hours each on implant and dental sleep medicine courses. He is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (Diplomate).
Providing premium care to patients is Dr. Pulsipher’s priority, and he has been doing this for seven years as a general dentist.
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