The Pros And Cons Of Composite Fillings

Posted on: 19 March 2015

Composite fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, allow you to repair a decayed tooth or one that is damaged. This is one of many dental filling materials available, and one of the most popular. Before you decide on this type of dental filling, it helps to know more about the benefits and drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of composite fillings.

Pro: They Are Tooth-Colored

One of the best benefits of getting composite fillings is that they are tooth-colored. Your dentist will mix the composite material so that it matches your natural tooth color. When used to treat a cavity or cracked tooth, it provides a seamless result, so it blends in naturally with the tooth being treated. The aesthetic benefit is far better than silver or gold fillings with their shiny, metal appearance.

Con: Composite Fillings Can be More Expensive

Unfortunately, while you have a better-looking filling, you are also paying more for it. Composite filling materials and the work involved are more expensive than getting some of the other types of fillings. Also consider the fact that some insurance policies will only cover silver amalgam fillings, so you may need to pay out-of-pocket for tooth-colored fillings.

Pro: Less of the Tooth Structure is Removed

Metal fillings often require more of your tooth to be removed in order to make room for the filling material. With composite fillings, however, they are bonded to any part of your tooth, so you don't lose any of your tooth structure. This provides more stability of the tooth and prevents you from losing some of the natural tooth structure, which is not reversible.

Con: The Procedure Takes Longer

With composite fillings, the procedure is going to take longer. The dentist begins by preparing your tooth with any filing that needs to be done, though it is minimal. Your tooth also needs to be cleaned thoroughly. They will then prepare the filing material and make sure it matches your natural tooth color. It is then applied to the tooth and left to dry and cure. This process takes longer than drilling for a metal filling.

Pro: It Takes Just One Dental Visit

While composite fillings do take a little longer to complete, they can still be done in a single visit. Some fillings, like gold fillings, will take more than one visit. You probably want this done as soon as possible, so the fact that you are in and out in one visit can be a great benefit to you.

If you have further questions, speak to an expert like Kyle J Frisinger DMD.

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