Providing Tooth Colored Composite Fillings in Philadelphia, PA

Got cavities? Or perhaps you have a crack or fracture in a tooth that affects your smile. Unfortunately, you aren’t the only one. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 90% of adults between 20 and 64 have cavities in their permanent teeth. Further, approximately 80% of individuals over 40 have chips or cracks in their teeth.

Composite fillings are typically used to treat several dental conditions. Here at Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence, we are the number one provider of dental restorations and composite fillings in Philadelphia, PA. To save your teeth, you’ll need to seek help right away. Call us today at 215-352-5447 to book an appointment.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings consist of dental cement made from composite resins and a mixture of substances designed to strengthen the teeth. This restorative material is commonly used to repair teeth damaged by decay, fractures, and cracks.

Composite fillings are a great alternative to amalgam fillings. For years, there has been a lot of controversy around amalgam fillings because they contain mercury, silver, and zinc, which significantly weaken the teeth over time.

Composite resin is safer and naturally bonds to the tooth, creating a natural appearance. Additionally, since composite resin bonds to the enamel, the dentist only needs to remove a small portion of the tooth structure.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

Composite fillings don’t always last as long as other types of fillings. The average life span of composite fillings is approximately five to seven years, depending on essential factors, such as:

Location in the mouth: Composite resin fillings can fill cavities, cracks, and fractures in the front and back teeth. The location of the fillings can determine how long they last. For example, composite fillings placed in the back of the mouth can last longer than fillings used on the top molars or between the teeth. However, the top molars are subject to more wear and tear, which is why composite fillings placed on them require replacement quickly.

Oral hygiene: A patient’s oral hygiene can also determine how long composite fillings last. Most patients don’t know that composite resin adheres better to healthy enamel. You can keep your enamel healthy by brushing your teeth regularly and flossing daily to reduce bacteria and prevent decay.

Diet: Composite fillings are durable enough that you can eat and drink normally. However, certain foods can accelerate the wear or damage of composite fillings. Excessive amounts of sugary foods and drinks can cause cavities. Hard candies, nuts, rice, dried fruits, and other foods with hard textures can stress the fillings and cause them to wear faster.

Poor dental habits: Do you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth while asleep? Teeth clenching and grinding can damage the composite fillings in your teeth, especially if you don’t wear a mouthguard. In addition, regular drinking and smoking can also cause your dental fillings to fail.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

Most dentists recommend composite fillings for restoring teeth, whether you have cavities or some other type of tooth damage. Composite resin fillings offer a plethora of benefits, including:

Less tooth sensitivity

The composite resin is the ideal filling material for individuals with weak enamel and tooth sensitivity issues. Resin insulates the teeth, thereby reducing sensitivity. After placing a composite resin filling, your teeth will need a few days to adjust to the changes. However, after a couple of weeks, patients notice a significant improvement in insensitivity.

Natural Looking

Composite resin is the most aesthetically pleasing dental filling material. In addition, the resin can be customized to mimic the natural color of your teeth for a seamless blend. For that reason, they are often called composite tooth-colored fillings.

Fast and easy procedure

Composite filling procedures are quick and easy tooth restoration treatments as the resin hardens under a special curing light within minutes. Patients can get their cavities or chipped or fractured teeth fixed during one session when the dentist uses composite fillings.

Get Quality Composite Fillings in Philadelphia, PA, Today

Here at Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence, we have been using composite resin fillings to restore all kinds of dental problems for years. As experts in dental care, we help our patients improve their oral health and transform their smiles. Find out whether you are a good candidate for composite fillings today. Give us a call at 215-352-5447 to schedule a consultation and learn more about getting composite fillings in Philadelphia, PA.