Composite Resin Fillings in St. George, UT

What Is a Composite Filling?

Composite fillings, also called composite resins or tooth-colored fillings, are a type of dental filling used when you have undergone a root canal procedure or treatment for a dental cavity. The filling protects your teeth from breakage by strengthening the natural tooth and providing added support. Composite fillings can withstand pressure and stress from chewing, reducing the risk of further teeth damage. At Plumb Dental, we offer composite fillings on front and back teeth. We can restore the health, strength, and beauty of your natural teeth with dental composite fillings. Call us today to schedule a consultation or request more information about the benefits of composite resin fillings in St. George, UT.

Comparing Composite Fillings to Other Types of Dental Fillings

There are a few different types of dental fillings available, and the one your dentist recommends will depend on a number of factors. Our dentist will consider your age, lifestyle habits, the condition of your teeth and gums, and your ability to commit to future oral and dental healthcare. Let’s take a look at the types of dental fillings available and how they compare to composite fillings:

Composite fillings – Composite fillings are made from a mixture of plastic resin and powdered glass. They can be customized to match the natural shade of your tooth, so they are very hard to detect. The composite material is most commonly used in fillings but can also be used for dental veneers, same-day dental crowns, inlays, and to restore chipped or broken teeth. They can last up to 10 years.
Amalgam fillings – Amalgam fillings are one of the oldest materials used for dental fillings. They are made from silver and can last up to 15 years. They are less expensive than other options, but they are very noticeable due to their silver or black They also expand and contract with hot and cold, which may cause fissures in your natural tooth.
Gold fillings – Gold fillings are the most expensive dental filling option and require two dental visits. They can last up to 20 years. They are very noticeable in the mouth.
Ceramic fillings – Ceramic fillings are made from a type of porcelain. They can last up to 15 years. They are expensive and require two dental visits.
Glass ionomer fillings – Glass ionomer fillings are made from a glass filler. They are tooth colored and customizable, so they are less obvious than gold or silver fillings. They are not as durable as other dental filling options.

Advantages of Composite Tooth Fillings

Choosing composite resin fillings over other types of dental fillings offers many advantages. While composite fillings are typically slightly more expensive, you may find that these benefits outweigh the cost:

Incredibly durable and long-lasting with proper care and maintenance.
Very natural-looking and almost indiscernible from the surrounding teeth.
The process can be completed in one visit.
Resistant to breakage and fracture.
Effective at repairing major and minor damage to teeth.
Low risk of complications or side effects.

Composite Dental Filling Procedure

The procedure for placing composite dental fillings can typically be completed in one visit to our office. Before we begin, we will examine your teeth and gums to assess your oral and dental health. We may take x-rays or digital images of your teeth. Next, we will take dental impressions and/or highly detailed 3D images of your teeth. Then, we will select the shade for your composite filling to ensure it matches your surrounding teeth. We will use a numbing agent to numb your tooth and the surrounding area and drill into your tooth to remove any decay or infection. After cleaning and drying your tooth, we will prepare your tooth for the placement of the filling. We may need to shave the tooth or remove some enamel. Then, we will etch and bond the tooth and layer the composite material into the hole. The composite material is applied in layers and will be cured or hardened with a special light between each layer. Finally, we will shape, contour, and polish your tooth to make it look as natural as possible.

Why Choose Plumb Dental for Dental Composite Fillings

At Plumb Dental, we work hard to establish strong, trusting relationships with our patients. We put our patients at the center of every decision we make, and our goal is to provide quality dental care and exceptional customer service to everyone. Our highly skilled, experienced team is committed to making our office a comfortable, welcoming environment. We have experience working with patients with dental anxiety and will do everything we can to make your visit safe and productive. We specialize in general and preventive dentistry services, including dental exams, teeth cleanings, and oral health screenings. We also offer cosmetic and restorative dental services, like teeth whitening, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, crowns, fillings, and dentures. We love working closely with our patients to help them meet their oral health goals and restore the beauty of their smile.

Schedule a Consultation for Composite Fillings

If you’re interested in a dental filling that looks like your surrounding natural teeth, call us today or contact us online. We can do an exam and evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental composite fillings in St. George, UT. Our cosmetic and restorative dentistry services can improve your smile, restore the health of your teeth and gums, and help you regain your confidence.