Protect Your Teeth and Your Smile with Composite Fillings

The primary use of composite fillings is to treat cavities. However, Dr. Russo can use this same material for dental bonding, a cosmetic treatment that improves your smile’s appearance by repairing chips, dents, and cracks in your teeth, reshaping broken teeth, or closing small gaps in your smile.

The process of getting a composite filling starts with removing the decay and cleaning the area to be filled. Then, Dr. Russo will prep your tooth by applying a special solution to help the resin mixture stick. Once this solution is dry, we’ll apply the putty-like resin material to your tooth in layers, molding it carefully to preserve your bite. After each layer, we’ll dry the filling with a UV light to harden it in place. When the process is complete, we’ll polish your tooth to leave it smooth and shiny. A single cavity treatment may take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.

One of the biggest advantages of composite fillings is their aesthetics. Their white color blends in with your teeth to preserve your smile’s appearance. Composite fillings are also strong and enduring, providing years of protection against future decay. Composite fillings add extra strength to your tooth’s structure by bonding directly with your tooth enamel.

Silver amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can be hazardous to your health. Composite fillings are metal- and mercury-free. If you’re concerned about the health risks of exposure to mercury fillings, composite resin fillings may be a better choice for you.

With adequate care, a composite filling can last 10 years or longer. You can protect your fillings by avoiding hard and/or sticky foods, eliminating habits like chewing on ice, and using your teeth like tools. 

Dr. John Russo is your go-to dentist in Orlando, FL, for composite filling cavity treatment. To schedule an appointment, call (407) 470-1224.