Sarasota Dentist Composite Fillings - Sarasota cosmetic and family dentistry

Composite Fillings

The clear alternative to traditional mercury fillings.

The Problem:

• Decay on a portion of any tooth
• Desire to replace old-fashioned mercury (silver) fillings
• Desire to maintain a white, beautiful smile

The Solution:

A composite filling is a tooth colored restorative material. After tooth decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned, this tooth colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is natural in appearance.

Advantages:

Composite fillings are more than just attractive. They are environmentally non-toxic because they use no mercury. They are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They protect the tooth from fracturing because they don't require the severe "undercut" (removal of healthy supportive underlying tooth structure) that a traditional mercury filling requires. The composite material bonds to the dentin and reinforces the tooth structure. Composite materials do not expand and contract as much as metal alloy (silver fillings). This expansion and contraction can further weaken teeth and contribute to cracks in teeth. These cracks often lead to cusp fractures/broken teeth. Composite bonded fillings bond to and reinforce the tooth. They create a very strong seal that helps lock out bacteria and protect your teeth. The color of the composite filling is chosen to match or enhance your teeth for a beautiful and natural looking smile.