Composite Fillings

Composite resin is a plastic and glass mixture used for fillings and to restore damaged or disfigured teeth. Composite can be shaded to match the tooth, giving it an aesthetic advantage over other filling materials. Composite fillings also bond to the tooth and support the remaining tooth structure, helping to protect it against further damage.

The decision whether or not to use composite resin in tooth fillings is usually based on the location of the tooth. Composite may not be the best option for teeth on which the patient bites down hard.

Composite fillings are made by cleaning all the decayed material from the cavity, then placing a bonding agent inside. The composite is then added in layers, with the dentist using a special light to harden each layer as it’s applied. When the filling is complete, the dentist shapes and polishes the composite to match the original shape of the tooth.