When it comes to chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth, composite fillings are a great way to restore a tooth's strength and aesthetic.
With 30 years of experience in the area, Dr. Chew provides composite dental fillings to patients in Fremont, CA. Learn more about our services here or reach out to set up an appointment!
What is a Composite Filling?
Dental fillings are a cosmetic dentistry procedure mainly used to treat cavities, but can also be a solution for minor tooth damage such as cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. Traditionally, dental fillings were amalgam, which is a mixture of metals such as silver, mercury, copper, and zinc. These metal fillings are easily noticeable depending on where they were placed, which could make it obvious you had dental work done.
Composite fillings are made using resin and match the color of your teeth. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings look completely natural. If you need fillings on more visible areas of your teeth or prefer a natural look, composite fillings are the best choice!
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Studies have shown composite fillings last an average of about seven years. They could last longer depending on a few different factors such as your dental hygiene, eating habits, and how serious your tooth decay was. For example, smaller fillings tend to last around ten years.
While composite fillings are appealing because of their natural appearance, they don't last nearly as long as amalgam fillings, which have an average lifespan of about 15 years.
Are Composite Fillings Expensive?
Composite fillings do tend to be a bit more expensive than amalgam fillings, though the final cost depends on your insurance coverage. If you're worried about cost, rest assured that the Chew Dental staff will sit down with you to discuss all of your options and help you determine the most affordable treatment!
How Are Composite Fillings Placed?
It usually only takes one dental appointment to get composite fillings! Here's how the process works:
Decay removal - We'll numb your tooth and the surrounding area so Dr. Chew can go in and remove tooth decay. We'll thoroughly clean your tooth and prepare it for the filling.
Composite resin is placed - The next step is to place the composite filling on your tooth, covering up the area where we removed the decay and fixing any chips or cracks. We'll cure the resin after each layer, ensuring it properly bonds to your tooth.
Shaping and polishing - We'll shape the composite resin into a perfect fit, then polish it so it looks just like your natural tooth! This restores your tooth's initial shape and function.
Composite Fillings in Fremont, CA
Think you might be a candidate for composite fillings? Contact us or book an appointment today! We'd be happy to help you figure out if fillings are right for you!