A Healthier Smile with Composite Dental Fillings

More than likely, you will find yourself in need of a filling at some point in your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 90% of adults have had a cavity and 1 in 4 adults have cavities that are untreated. Dental cavities are tiny permanent holes in the surface of the teeth that when left untreated, can progress into severe pain, infections, and potentially tooth loss. At Smile Today Dental in Glenview, Illinois, we offer tooth-colored composite dental fillings to treat cavities safely and effectively. These white fillings blend in seamlessly with the tooth for a natural-looking smile. 

Placement of white fillings

The process for placing white dental fillings is simple and quick. We offer effective local anesthetic solutions to ensure that you are comfortable during the entire procedure. 

Once the area is completely numb, we need to prepare the tooth for the filling by removing the areas of decayed tissue and eliminating the bacteria to prevent future infection. We then apply the composite filling material to the tooth, shaping and hardening with a special UV light in layers to preserve the natural bite. This process is continued in layers until we are satisfied with the comfort and precision of the filling.  

Benefits of white fillings

Composite resin fillings are a truly conservative dental treatment. Years ago, a material called dental amalgam was used in the fillings. This metal mixture required more alteration to the natural tooth structure than is required by composite. Furthermore, the amalgam would expand and contract with temperature changes which can eventually lead to cracks or fractures. On the other hand, white fillings bond directly to the tooth, strengthening the natural structure after a cavity.

Other benefits of white fillings include:

• They blend in naturally, looking virtually invisible in the tooth
• Hardens quickly, usually within less than a minute
• Less sensitivity than amalgam fillings
• Material can be used to fix cracks and chips as well
• They can be repaired if they start to degrade

Prevention is the best treatment

While composite fillings are a safe, conservative option for fillings, we always want to help our patients do everything they can to prevent cavities from occurring in the first place. Simple steps like brushing and flossing daily, maintaining routine dental visits, and avoiding sugary foods and beverages as much as possible all go a long way in keeping your teeth healthy and preventing tooth decay. 

Composite dental fillings from Smile Today Dental

If you are curious about composite dental fillings, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We are committed to providing our patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their dental health.

We are more than happy to answer any questions and explain your options so you can choose a service that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. If you are currently suffering from tooth pain and think that you might have a cavity, the best thing you can do is to schedule an appointment as soon as possible with Dr. Evelyn Kidonakis at Smile Today Dental, Glenview, IL. Just give us a call at 847-440-3331.