Composite Fillings
Your radiant smile matters to us, too!
Whether you’re hoping to replace an old amalgam, silver-colored filling, or need an existing cavity filled, composite fillings may be the best option for your mouth.
Composite Fillings at Alpine Dental Health
Here is a quick overview of the procedure that will make you feel more comfortable about the entire process, whether a composite filling is in the cards for you now or in the future. If you have additional questions, request an appointment today.
What is a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are used to restore a tooth after it has become infected with a cavity. These tooth-colored filling options allow our dentists to remove decay and replace the missing tooth portion with a realistic filling.
This treatment can be used on both the front and back of teeth and is the optimal choice for patients hoping to have a natural-looking smile. Created in various tooth shades, our dentists can color-match the filling to your precise tooth color.
What to Expect During a Composite Filling Procedure
Usually, smaller cavities are discovered during your bi-yearly dental cleaning and oral exam. In some cases, especially with larger cavities, symptoms may signal a problem and include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or a hole or chip in the affected tooth. In either case, prompt attention to the decayed tooth is essential to maintaining optimal oral health.
After physical and x-ray confirmation of the size and location of a cavity, our team of dentists will work on removing the decay and replacing the missing area with a natural-looking composite filling.
Like its counterpart, amalgam fillings, composite fillings generally last 7 to 10 years based on a patient’s level of daily oral care and regular hygiene visits.
Generally, there are five steps involved in a tooth-colored filling.
5 Steps of a Composite Filling
1. Localized anesthesia administered as necessary.
2. The decayed area is isolated and removed.
3. The affected area is then rinsed, dried, and bonded before adding the composite filling.
4. Composite filling is added to the area in increments and light-cured between each layer.
5. Polishing is performed to ensure the newly filled tooth fits appropriately into your mouth and is adjusted to your unique bite.
In cases where amalgam fillings are being replaced with composite, the amalgam material is removed during step two.
Cost of Fillings
Pricing for tooth-colored fillings differs based on the needs of each patient, but don’t let cost stand in the way of your best smile. We like to catch any problems early when they are easier and less expensive to treat. We are here to create a treatment plan that works for you.
We have a variety of payment options for different needs and budgets, including our own Smile Plan for anyone without dental insurance.
Restore Your Smile with Alpine Dental Health
If you’re hoping to replace old fillings with composite, are experiencing a change in your oral health, or just have questions about the process, our friendly and experienced team at Alpine Dental Health is here for you!
At Alpine Dental Health, we believe transparency is vital when it comes to building long-term patient-dentist relationships.
We recognize that knowing what to expect from your procedure helps alleviate any apprehension you may have leading up to your visit. We care for you and want you to feel comfortable and confident in your oral health journey with us.