A composite filling is a tooth-coloured resin and glass mixture used to restore decayed or broken teeth. By using enamel and dentin bonding techniques, white fillings restore teeth that have become damaged as a result of tooth decay or injury. White fillings are used as an alternative to amalgam (silver) fillings, which are aesthetically poor and contain mercury.

Benefits of Composite Fillings:

Although dentists may choose composite resin for aesthetic purposes, composite fillings have additional benefits. In composite fillings, less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of older types of fillings. This preserves the existing tooth structure for years to come. Composites can also be “bonded” or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing a more conservative repair to the tooth. Generally, it takes longer to place a composite filling as it requires the tooth to stay dry and clean during the procedure.

Steps in a composite resin dental filling:

The tooth or teeth to be filed are Isolated from saliva to keep it dry.
The infected part of the tooth is removed by a drill or air abrasion.
A composite resin is placed in layers over the opening.
A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin material.
After the tooth is filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a real tooth.