Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are tooth-colored to blend in with the remaining natural part of the tooth. The term composite refers to the actual filling material which is a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium.

Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when Dr. Snodgrass prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than with of an amalgam.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

In addition, composites are "bonded", or attached by adhesive to the tooth. This often allows for a more conservative repair for the tooth. Composite fillings require that the tooth be kept clean and dry during the entire filling process and they are subject to stain and discoloration over time. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite.

Composite filling material is also commonly used to repair front teeth that have chipped or worn. Where possible, aesthetic bonding of composite material to front teeth is generally much less expensive than veneers or crowns. However, bonding typically does not last as long as veneers or crowns.

Reasons For Composite Fillings

•	Restoring small to medium sized cavities.
•	Restoring a cavity on an anterior (front) tooth.
•	Restoring a chipped anterior (front) tooth.

What does getting a composite filling involve?

First, your Vancouver dentist will answer any questions you have and then will apply anesthetic to the tooth requiring the composite filling.

Then Dr. Snodgrass will thoroughly remove the decay that is present and prepare the tooth to successfully bond with the composite filling material. A blue light will be used to turn the composite material from soft to hard and durable.

The tooth may be sensitive for a little while, but if it persists for a week or more it is important to call our office so we can examine to tooth and determine if additional treatment is needed.

Office hours

Monday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: By appointment only

Location

4305 NE Thurston Way, Suite A
Vancouver, WA 98662-6655

Contact

Office: (360) 514-9212

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