For human beings, teeth are of paramount importance in terms of aesthetics and hygiene, and of course to chew food. Teeth restoration is a lifelong dream for all. For all tooth restoration activities, composite resin is the most reliable material. 

Composite fillings carry a more natural appearance than other tooth material options. The dentist can customize the material to match the shade of the patient's teeth, and no one can recognize the recent tooth fillings. The tooth color material combines acrylic (plastic) resin seasoned with a powdered glass filler. Dentists use these composite resin materials for a wide range of dental restorations, such as

●    Fillings
●    Inlays
●    Veneers
●    Crowns

Dentists also frequently utilize composite resin material to repair or restore segments of chipped or broken teeth. 

Various Materials Used for Tooth Filling

The family dentist may offer multiple choices in terms of filling materials. The following details will showcase some popular options.

1. Glass Ionomer Cement 

GIC or Glass ionomer cement relates to a self-adhesive tooth restorative material. Chemically, it combines fluoro-aluminosilicate glass powder and polyacrylic acid liquid. It constitutes a broad spectrum of pediatric and restorative dentistry usage and displays a potent anti-cariogenic action.

Glass ionomer cement filling materials comprise a glass filter. Like composite resin teeth filling, glass cement looks like a natural tooth color, and the dentist may shade it to blend with the patient’s teeth. Consequently, this material is less intrusive than an amalgam (silver) teeth filling. 

Glass ionomer dental cement substances also discharge fluoride, virtually removing the chance of forming a new cavity after fresh dental treatment. However, the dentist may suggest replacing the glass cement after a certain time as the cavity filling is transitory.

2. Amalgam (Silver)

Amalgam cavity-filling treatment is the most common medium in dentistry and still prevails in several parts of the world. The after-effects are long-lasting and may stretch for as long as 15 years. The cost of dental installation is also reasonable compared to other dental restorations.

However, the popularity of amalgam material is decreasing daily as its application does not display natural tooth color.

3. Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic filling materials contain porcelain, which is long-lasting, with an expected life span of 15 years or more. Further, you may require several visits to the dental clinic before satisfying yourself.

4. Cavity Fillings with Gold

This type of dental filling is too expensive for patients in general, and you will never get a natural tooth color. Still, you may find it durable and sit pretty for over 20 years after the dental treatment. 

Durability of Composite Resin Teeth Filling

In general, composite fillings are durable but for a reasonable time, ranging from 5 to 7 years, as per trusted sources. However, if the patient follows a proper maintenance schedule, the composite resin teeth filling may last up to ten years. 

Safety Aspect of Composite Filling

Some people in the dental domain have raised doubts over the safety of composite teeth filling. They suspect that the composite resin materials could be cytotoxic. It means they might injure cells in the tissues surrounding the treatment area of composite filling. However, these concerns are assumptions; more research is necessary to affirm these claims. The best way for dentists is to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions about guidelines regarding light intensity and curing time and keep the material away from the patient’s skin. 

Benefits of Composite Resin Teeth Filling

Here are some selective benefits of composite teeth fillings:

●    Natural tooth-colored appearance
●    Long-lasting
●    Single visit at the dental clinic
●    There is no possibility of dental fracture or damage
●    Removes minor defects and significant damages
●    Minimal temperature sensitivity after non-invasive treatment

Drawbacks of Composite Resin Teeth Filling

With ample benefits, composite resin teeth have a few drawbacks, as discussed in this section. 

●    Short-term effectiveness compared to amalgam, gold, or ceramic teeth fillings
●    Expensive treatment procedures compared to other filling processes and materials
●    Demands long sitting sessions with the dentist due to layers
●    The drying process takes time before the placement of the material

Composite Teeth Filling Procedures

The non-invasive process of composite filling undertaken by your dentist is straightforward, and he can finish the treatment in a single visit, session by session. The following are some essential steps regarding the filling procedure:

1. Shade Selection

The dentist will select the composite shade to fill the affected area. An expert dentist will perform the matchmaking initially before the patient’s teeth and mouth dry out. Otherwise, it might affect the shine and brightness of the teeth. Dentists use rubber or dental dams (thin square sheets) to isolate the operative site from the remaining mouth area. These dental dams contain a hole in the middle, and dentists use a dental clamp to separate the infected area.

2. Anesthesia

The dentist will inject a numbing agent (local anesthesia) to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. 

3. Drilling

Then, the drilling process begins. The dentist will drill into the patient's tooth enamel and remove the damaged tooth particles.

4. Cleaning and Drying

The dental surgeon will then clean and dry the oral area and prepare the affected tooth for necessary composite filling. If there is substantial damage, it might necessitate tooth shaving.

5. Etching and Bonding

The dentist will etch and bond the affected tooth in the next step.

6. The Layering Operation

The surgeon will now begin the layering operation. He will layer the composite resin material into the mouth cavity. He will use a light to curate the composite material and wait for it to set completely. The dentist will use the light because the composite filling gets distributed in layers, and the light helps cure each layer before shifting to the next.

7. Shaping, Contouring and Polishing

These are the final touches. However, the dentist must carefully perform these activities for quality treatment. 

8. The ‘Bite’ Process

Ultimately, the patient will go through the ‘bite’ process and suggest satisfactory results.

Conclusion

A composite dental treatment is the outcome of contemporary dental research and development. It has truly revolutionized the sphere of dental treatment. Dental patients now feel confident to face any situation with a broad smile. 

At GC America, the company has the products and solutions for composite teeth fillings to deliver excellent outcomes. Their products suit dentists, dental hygienists, and dental technicians. With an impressive track record, this company has thrived in the industry for over 100 years and keeps its bar high to serve only the best products to its customers.