Composite White Fillings
A composite filling is a tooth-coloured filling material that is made by a unique non-toxic blend of plastic resin and powdered glass. By utilising these dental-grade, high-quality materials, they are matched to the colour of your natural teeth, making them less visible than metal fillings.
Composites are strong and durable, making them a good choice for teeth that experience a lot of wear and tear, especially in the front teeth. The composite filling material is durable and has sufficient strength to resist chewing forces. Hence, it can be used for back teeth as well.
Do I need composite white fillings?
Patients typically require composite white fillings if they have:
- A cavity on the tooth, specifically affecting the appearance of the front teeth
- Sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages
- A previous broken or lost filling that requires a replacement
- A sharp or severe toothache
- A cracked or broken tooth
The best and easiest way to find out if you need a composite filling is to visit your dentist routinely. A dentist will be able to assess your teeth and determine if composite white fillings are the best option for you.
What are alternatives to composite white fillings?
- Glass Ionomer Fillings – Glass ionomer fillings are a type of dental filling made of a glass and polymer material. This type of filling is often used to fill in small cavities and to prevent further decay. Glass ionomer fillings are also used to protect teeth against further damage.
- Silver Amalgam Fillings – Silver amalgam fillings are a type of dental filling that is made of a combination of silver, mercury, and other metals.
- Ceramic Fillings – Ceramic fillings are a type of dental filling made of ceramic material. They are a slightly more expensive alternative to composite white fillings.
Composite White Fillings in Macquarie
If you’ve been putting off the dentist for a while or are ready to book your routine visit with us, contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out which treatment is right for you.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our state-of-the-art Macquarie practice.
Composite White Fillings FAQs
The answer to this question is dependent on various personal factors. You will likely need to speak with your dentist directly in order to get a better understanding of when it is safe to resume your normal eating habits.
Generally speaking, however, it is advised to wait at least 24 hours after having a white dental filling placed before eating anything solid.
Mercury fillings are no longer used in dentistry as they are known to be harmful to your health. Dentists now use composite resin fillings, which are made of plastic and glass particles, to fill in the gaps in your teeth.
Generally speaking, white fillings should last anywhere from five to ten years.
However, the lifespan of a white filling on a front tooth can depend on a number of factors, such as the patient’s oral hygiene habits, how often the filling is cleaned and whether or not it is subject to grinding or clenching.
General dentistry involves diagnostic and preventative services for your teeth and overall oral health. Our philosophy is that prevention is better than a cure.
Our aim is to provide our patients with the best cosmetic dental results possible. We utilise the latest modern technological advances in dentistry to ensure that our patients receive unparalleled care.
The Macquarie Dental team ensures patients with existing or arising dental issues are given a thorough treatment plan to achieve the best possible results for their long term oral health.
The Macquarie Dental team takes an educational approach when catering to children, to ensure the whole family feels fully informed about any dental issues that we’ve expressed concern about.