Fillings

Composite resin is made of a mixture of plastic and glass. It is made to blend in seamlessly with the color of your natural teeth.

We begin by first matching the color of the composite resin to your natural teeth. Once we have a color match, we begin working on the affected tooth. All decay must be removed, so we numb the area using a local anesthetic prior to beginning. Once the decay is removed, the tooth is cleaned, dried, and prepped for the composite filling. The tooth gets bonded and etched to provide an ideal surface for the resin to attach. Then, we work to carefully layer the resin in the cavity, letting each layer set prior to beginning a new layer. Once the cavity is filled, we will carefully shape, contour and polish the resin to ensure a proper bite.

With proper care, your composite resin filling can last for up to 10 years. There are certain factors that can affect its lifespan, including:

• The size of the filling – small fillings have a longer lifespan that large cavities
• The location of the filling – back molars undergo a lot of pressure each day, so the forces of biting, chewing, and clenching the teeth can shorten the lifespan
• The food and drink you consume – Acidic and sugary foods can wear down the enamel faster and shorten the lifespan of your filling
• Your oral hygiene routine – if you take proper care of your smile, you can ensure the longest life for your filling