Composite Fillings in Martinsburg, WV
Composite Fillings for Long Lasting Tooth Repair in Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg Smiles offers composite dental fillings in Martinsburg, WV, for patients who want to avoid the appearance of dark metal fillings. Composite dental fillings are durable, modern restorations that repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. They are fabricated from a mix of resin and glass particles and custom-tinted to match your surrounding teeth. Call now to schedule a consultation and find out if this type of dental filling is right for you.
What Are Composite Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth-colored dental fillings that are used to fill in cavities, cracks, or chips in teeth and to restore the structure, function, strength, and appearance of teeth. They are made from resin that is reinforced with finely ground glass or quartz. They mimic the strength of your natural teeth. They are also metal-free and custom-dyed to match your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly and provide a natural appearance.
Benefits of Natural-Looking Dental Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are one of the most durable dental fillings available. They are used in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry procedures as they offer a balance of structural support, tooth preservation, and cosmetic appeal. Some of the biggest benefits are:
- Seamless, natural-looking color matching
- Superior stain resistance
- Improved confidence in your smile
- Enhanced tooth strength and durability
- Reduced tooth sensitivity
- Design requires minimal removal of tooth enamel or structure
- Metal-free and mercury-free
How Composite Fillings Are Placed
We can typically place composite fillings in a single appointment. However, each tooth requires around 20 to 60 minutes. Here is a closer look at the process of getting composite dental fillings:
- Comprehensive dental exam, x-rays, and dental impressions
- Dental cleaning
- Shade matching and treatment planning
- Numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic
- Drilling into the tooth to remove decay, bacteria, and any areas of damage
- Applying an etching gel to improve adhesion of the dental bonding material
- Placing the bonding material on the tooth in layers, carefully sculpting each layer to create a symmetrical, natural-looking appearance
- Curing each layer with a specialized UV light to harden the resin
- Performing a bite check
- Trimming and perfecting the results
- Polishing and cleaning the tooth
What to Expect After Getting a Composite Filling
It’s important to know how to care for your teeth after getting a composite dental filling. If your mouth is numb from anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent accidentally burning your lips, cheeks, or tongue. You may also experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks for a few days, so it can be helpful to avoid temperature extremes until the sensitivity subsides. To care for your fillings and your teeth in the long term, we recommend that you:
- Brush twice per day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once per day with a water flosser, an interdental brush, or dental floss.
- Wear a nightguard and/or sportsguard if recommended.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools.
- Visit us every six months for a dental exam and teeth cleaning, or if any concerns arise.
Why Choose Martinsburg Smiles
At Martinsburg Smiles, our friendly dentists prioritize patient health and comfort, focusing on forming longstanding relationships so that we can offer highly individualized care. Our affordable dental care includes routine and general dentistry for patients of all ages, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry services. We also offer emergency dental care and can provide same-day treatment for urgent needs like tooth pain, decay, dental cavities, and infection. Our modern dental office integrates state-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques, including no-drill early cavity solutions and personalized preventive dental care.
Make an Appointment for Composite Dental Fillings
If you notice damage to a tooth or any signs or symptoms of a dental cavity, visit us right away for dental care. We can prevent further damage to your tooth and offer restorative options, helping you avoid the need for a root canal or tooth extraction. Call now or contact us online to discuss composite dental fillings in Martinsburg, WV.
FAQs About Composite Cavity Fillings
You may need a dental filling if you have a persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages, pain when biting down or putting pressure on a tooth, tooth discoloration, or visible holes or cracks.
Tooth-colored fillings are used to repair structural damage to a tooth. They can repair dental cavities, chipped, broken, or cracked teeth, and can be used for cosmetic enhancements like closing gaps between teeth or altering the shape and size of teeth.
With proper care and regular dental checkups, composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, although some may last longer depending on their size, location, and the patient’s oral habits.
Yes, composite fillings are biocompatible, and metal-free and mercury-free, making them a safe choice.
Metal fillings are made from a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are highly visible and can darken or turn black over time. These fillings do not bond to the tooth and can break apart or fall off. The metal can expand and contract when exposed to extreme temperatures, causing cracks or damage to the tooth or allowing bacteria to infiltrate. However, they do hold up well to chewing pressure. Conversely, composite fillings are made from resin mixed with glass or quartz and are dyed to match the exact shade of your tooth so they are invisible. They bond to the tooth structure and reinforce and strengthen the tooth. They can withstand heavy chewing and don’t react to temperature changes.