Tooth-Colored Fillings

What are Composite Fillings?

Filling is one of the longest-used dentistry procedures. Until a certain period of time, different forms such as silver amalgam were used in filling treatment, but patients experienced aesthetic concerns due to this. Composite filling, also known as white filling, is a type of filling that has been used for an average of 50 years and is extremely frequently preferred due to its closeness to natural tooth color.

Composite filling treatment is applied to repair deteriorations in the tooth structure due to cavities, cracks, fractures or similar factors. It is an aesthetic treatment method that provides eye-catching results. Composite filling, which can be produced using various chemical components or ceramics, is also known as resin filling.

Composite filling treatment is among the most effective and modern methods that can be preferred to restore teeth or replace lost teeth due to aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. It stands out as a simple and non-invasive procedure that can be preferred for small or large corrections that come to the agenda to change the patient’s smile.

Thanks to composite filling treatment, it is possible to repair cavities in teeth and eliminate gaps between teeth. At the same time, composite filling treatment can be applied to treat fractures and cracks in the teeth. Composite filling treatment can also be applied to make the teeth have a better color and to change the shape of the teeth.

In addition to all these, composite fillings are an aesthetic alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. In people who have gum recession problems, a certain part of the tooth root can be protected by applying composite filling treatment. One of the most important benefits of composite filling treatment is that it strengthens the chewing and biting functions of the patient.

How Are Composite Fillings Made?

Before applying composite filling treatment, the patient undergoes a detailed oral and dental examination. Tooth losses and the shape of the tooth are evaluated. It is decided whether composite filling is the appropriate treatment method for the problem to be treated. If there is decay in the tooth to be treated with composite filling treatment, the decay is cleaned first. Although composite filling treatment is usually applied under local anesthesia, anesthesia may not be required in cases where superficial application will be made. After the necessary cleaning and touch-up procedures are performed, the tooth is completely ready for composite filling treatment.

Since composite is a sensitive material against oral fluids, it is necessary to clean the treatment area from blood and saliva before application. Some acid is applied to the tooth surface and the tooth surface is provided with a rough texture. In this way, the composite filling can adhere to the tooth much more easily.

After the tooth is cleaned of acid, an adhesive called “Bond” is applied and the composite adheres better. LED light is used to make the adhesive freeze better on the surface. The composite pieces placed on the tooth are hardened with the help of blue light and the filling is integrated with the tooth. After the composite filling combines with the teeth on a chemical basis, minor corrections and polishing processes are applied when necessary and the composite filling treatment is completed.

What are the Benefits of Composite Fillings?

Composite filling treatment plays an extremely important role in eliminating the aesthetic concerns of patients. Since the procedure time is short, it is possible to apply composite fillings to more than one tooth on the same day. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, composite fillings can be used on both front and back teeth.

During composite filling treatment, the filling material that will best match the patient’s natural tooth color is determined and used. In this way, natural and aesthetic results can be achieved. The materials used in composite filling treatment bond to the tooth strongly and smoothly thanks to their chemical structure. This is an important factor that eliminates the risk of decay at the point where the filling accumulates in the tooth, which can be seen in traditional amalgam fillings. Since the composite filling bonds very well to the tooth, it supports the dental tissues. It contributes to the prevention of tooth fracture and temperature sensitivity transmission.

If good care is applied and oral hygiene is taken care of, composite fillings can be used healthily and safely for approximately 10 to 15 years. Teeth grinding, clenching, nail biting or other problems can shorten the life of composite fillings.