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Restore Your Smile at North East Dental Arts
If you have a cavity or tooth decay, composite dental fillings offer a natural, durable solution to restore your smile. At North East Dental Arts, we proudly provide tooth-colored composite resin fillings to patients in North East, Erie, Ripley, Findley Lake, and surrounding areas.
With their natural appearance and superior bonding capabilities, composite fillings are a preferred choice for repairing decayed or damaged teeth. To schedule your appointment, call our North East, PA dental office today at (814) 725-4700.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are made from a blend of composite resin and finely ground glass particles. This composite material bonds directly to the tooth, restoring strength while maintaining a natural appearance. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings contain no mercury and are ideal for both front teeth and back teeth.
Uses for composite fillings include:
- Repairing cavities and tooth decay
- Restoring cracked, chipped, or worn teeth
- Closing small gaps between teeth (diastemas)
- Enhancing the appearance of discolored teeth
The Benefits of Composite Dental Fillings
Composite fillings offer several advantages over traditional metal fillings:
- Natural Look: Composite resin matches the color of your natural teeth, creating an invisible restoration.
- Minimally Invasive: Less tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings.
- Strong & Durable: The bonded material reinforces the tooth structure, ensuring long-term durability.
- Safe & Mercury-Free: Composite fillings are free from mercury and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
- Prevents Further Decay: Composite fillings seal tightly to the tooth, reducing the chance of decay spreading.
The Composite Dental Fillings Process
At North East Dental Arts, we make the composite filling process quick, comfortable, and efficient:
- Consultation & Exam: Dr. Dina Nuhfer will evaluate your tooth and determine if a composite filling is the best solution.
- Preparation: Your North East dentist will gently clean the affected tooth and carefully remove any decayed areas to prepare for the filling.
- Bonding: Your dentist will apply the composite material in layers, shaping it to match your tooth, and harden it using a specialized curing light.
- Finishing Touches: Dr. Nuhfer will polish the filling for a smooth, natural appearance and proper bite alignment.
Caring for Your Composite Filling
Caring for your composite dental filling is essential to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips from our North East dentist to ensure your fillings stay strong:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent decay and maintain the health of your restoration.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage your fillings and cause them to wear down more quickly.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your dental filling and prevent further damage.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups can help detect any issues with your fillings before they become more serious.
Are You a Candidate for Composite Fillings?
Most patients with cavities or minor tooth damage are excellent candidates for composite fillings. However, patients with significant decay or severely weakened teeth may benefit more from alternative treatments, such as:
- Dental Crowns: For teeth with extensive decay or fractures.
- Inlays/Onlays: Custom restorations for larger cavities.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the tooth decay has spread to the pulp.
Dr. Nuhfer will discuss your options and create a treatment plan that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do composite dental fillings last?
Composite dental fillings can last up to 10 years with proper care. However, this timeframe can also vary based on factors such as your dietary habits and whether or not you grind your teeth. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to ensure your restoration lasts and have them replaced as needed.
Are composite fillings safe?
Yes, composite fillings are safe and have been used for decades to restore teeth. They’re much less prone to causing problems than amalgam fillings, which can cause staining of surrounding teeth, galvanic shock, and allergic reactions.
Are composite fillings as strong as metal fillings?
Yes! Composite resin fillings provide excellent durability and bond directly to the tooth, reinforcing its strength.
Will my insurance cover composite fillings?
Most dental insurance plans cover composite dental fillings, but it’s best to check with your provider to determine your coverage. You can also talk to your dentist about in-house financing options to help reduce any costs.
Choose North East Dental Arts for Composite Fillings
At North East Dental Arts, we combine modern dental techniques with a commitment to patient comfort. Dr. Nuhfer and our caring team are dedicated to restoring your oral health and enhancing your smile with high-quality, tooth-colored fillings.
Schedule your appointment today! Call (814) 725-4700 to get started. We proudly serve patients in North East, Erie, Ripley, Findley Lake, and neighboring communities.