01
Oct
Are Composite Tooth Colored Fillings Your Best Choice for Cavity Treatment?
Treating decay is a common task in dentistry, and most dentists today choose composite fillings to get the job done. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composites are mercury and metal free, making them a healthier choice for people with metal allergies. Composites are also tooth-colored, making them more cosmetically pleasing. At the office of Travis A. Bell DDS, we offer composite cosmetic dental fillings to our Greensboro, North Carolina patients. Your questions about composite fillings are answered here.
What is a composite filling made of?
Composite fillings are a blend of resin material and powdered glass. They contain no metal alloys or mercury, which is quite common in amalgam fillings. Composites are known for their white coloring, which can be matched to the shade of your teeth so that the filling blends in naturally. When you smile, people can hardly tell you’ve had cavity treatment.
What’s the procedure for getting a composite filling?
Dr. Bell starts by removing the decayed part of your tooth. Then he’ll put a special solution on your tooth to help the filling stick. Next, he’ll prepare the filling mixture and apply it to your tooth, covering the area where decay was removed. He’ll apply the filling in layers and dry each layer with a UV light to harden it in place. When the last layer is applied, we’ll shape your tooth to look natural, adjust your bite and polish your tooth to give it a shiny finish.
Is the process painful?
No, getting a filling isn’t painful as we’ll numb your mouth before we start to keep you comfortable and pain-free for the entire procedure. Afterward, when the anesthesia wears off, your mouth may be slightly sore, but that only lasts a day or two.
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Why should I choose composite fillings over silver amalgam?
Although both fillings treat cavities to restore decayed teeth, composites have significant advantages over amalgam fillings, one of the main ones being their tooth-colored appearance, which won’t ruin your smile! Composite fillings don’t need a lot of drilling, as the filling bonds directly with your tooth enamel to protect you from future cavities. Your tooth stays stronger as less healthy tooth structure is removed. Composite fillings can also be used as bonding to repair small chips and scratches in your teeth, shore up a worn tooth or close small tooth gaps to improve your smile’s appearance. Â
How long do composites last?
With proper care, today’s composites can last 7 to 10 years, depending on the location of your filling and how your tooth is used. You can protect your filling from premature damage by not biting down on hard objects or foods or using your teeth as tools.
Where can I go for a composite cosmetic tooth filling near me?
If you live in or near Greensboro, NC, you can come to the office of Travis A Bell DDS PLLC for a consultation with a member of our team, including Dr. Travis A. Bell, Dr. Janna C. Matko, and Dr. Margaret C. Szott, to discuss composite filling cavity treatment and all your dental care needs. Simply contact us at (336) 297-6956 to schedule an appointment for your treatment.
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Dr. Travis A. Bell
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Dr. Travis A. Bell, DDS, is a trusted dentist in Greensboro, committed to transforming lives through exceptional dental care. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and Elon University, Dr. Bell combines clinical excellence with a compassionate, relationship-driven approach. He leads a Spear Education Chapter and is an active member of the ADA, NCDS, and Guilford County Dental Society (Past President). Honored with the Dental Economics Rising Star Award and multiple academic distinctions, Dr. Bell stays at the forefront of general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry through ongoing advanced training.
Dr. Janna C. Matko
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Dr. Janna C. Matko, DDS is an experienced dentist with over 18 years of experience serving the Greensboro community. A graduate with honors from the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, she combines clinical excellence with a genuine commitment to patient care. As an adjunct faculty member at UNC, Dr. Matko mentors future dental professionals while staying current with the latest advancements through continued education and active involvement in the ADA, NCDS, and Guilford County Dental Society.
Should you ever need additional information about our practice, we are always available to answer your questions. Let us care for your entire family! We look forward to meeting you.
