Composite fillings – also known as tooth-coloured fillings – are dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people. Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth. They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth. Due to their bonding nature Composite fillings may allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings

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Did you know…

In 2017 Worldwide environmental concerns over mercury pollution led to The European Parliament voting to:

• Reduce (“phase down”) the use of dental amalgam (metal fillings) with the proposal of stopping (“phasing out”) out by 2030.

Tooth coloured “composite” fillings may be used as an alternative to amalgam fillings.

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Frequently asked questions

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Am  I a candidate for tooth coloured fillings?

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If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-coloured filling. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you.

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What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?

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During your visit, your gums and teeth will usually be anesthetized with a local aesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-coloured filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.

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 What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?

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Composite fillings are cured with light at your dentist’s. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment.

 

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