What is a composite filling?
A composite filling is a tooth colored material that when bonded to the tooth restores the form of the tooth and seals the tooth to prevent further damage. This material is extremely biocompatible.
Actual patient of Dr. Sellinger
Why a composite filling?
A filling or a cavity is done when a tooth has decay or an old filling needs to be replaced due to leakage or recurrent decay.
Advantages of composite fillings over Amalgam (silver fillings)
The greatest advantage of composite fillings is the fact that they are made completely of non-toxic materials that are biocompatible in the mouth. Composite fillings are much more aesthetic and once completed they look like natural teeth. Silver fillings do not bond to teeth, which means that healthy tooth structure is often removed to ensure that the filling is retained in the tooth. Composite filling actually bond to teeth which allows Dr. Sellinger to only remove tooth structure that has decay.
During treatment for a composite filling
This procedure is completed in one visit. The length of treatment varies based on how many filling are done and the complexity. Typically a single filling can be completed in 30-45 min.
Treatment
Dr. Sellinger will anesthetize the tooth to be worked on. Next the decay or old filling is removed from the tooth. Than a tooth colored filling is placed in the cavity and the filling is sculpted to duplicate the anatomy of the original tooth. The filling is hardened with a curing light.
In cases where the decay is deep a liner is placed in the cavity before the filling is placed. The liner is placed to protect the nerve. If the decay or recurrent decay is worse it may affect the nerve and in this case a root canal may be necessary to restore the tooth.
After treatment
In some cases depending on how deep the cavity was, you may experience some post- operative sensitivity. This may be experienced while drinking cold beverages and in some cases breathing in cold air. This sensitivity should not persist more than a few days and is alleviated with an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil. If the sensitivity persists more than a few days your doctor should be notified and an evaluation of the area should be done.
