White Composite Restorations in Alhambra

What are composite restorations?

The composite restorations that are used in Dr. Andrew Mutch’s clinic are composite fillings. They are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composite or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to midsize restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth. Composites can also be “bonded” or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repaired tooth.

What are the advantages of using composite restorations?

Composite restorations are used to repair cracked or chipped teeth because they very closely resemble the appearance and composition of natural teeth, making them hardly noticeable when used for this type of restoration. Also because they are very compatible with the natural composition of the teeth, they are able to form strong chemical bonds that eliminate the need for any other dental structures to help keep them in place. Composite restorations also harden instantly and, when they do, they are strong enough to withstand the constant force and pressure inside the patient’s mouth.

How are composite restorations applied onto the teeth?

To use as a dental filling, composite restorations are placed inside a cavity created by the dentist in the affected tooth. To do this, the tooth will be put under local anesthesia to lessen discomfort as the dentist drills through the enamel to gain access to the dentin layer where all traces of the infection will be removed. The cavity will be clean, and a dental primer will be applied to open up its pores prior to the application of the bonding agent. The composite resin restoration would be placed inside the tooth and impacted into the cavity to make sure that the entire hole is filled. After the filling has hardened, it will be filed down to the appropriate size, based on the patient’s bite.

Request an appointment, or contact the office of Dr. Andrew Mutch.