How are composite resin fillings different from amalgam fillings?
Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. Tooth fillings colored to look like a natural tooth are known as Composite Resin Dental Fillings. They are made of a plastic dental resin. Composite Resin Dental Fillings are strong, durable and make for a very natural looking tooth. Many dental insurance plans cover their use.
How are composite resin fillings accomplished?
After all the decay has been removed the resulting cavity is cleaned. Then, a special dental material is then used to open up the pores of your tooth's dentin and roughens up the surface of the exposed enamel. This achieves better and stronger bond. The bond resin is applied to stick the composite to your tooth. This material is made of the same dental resin as the composite however it is much more fluid. This layer is then hardened and cured with a very bright light.
Composite resin fillings are then placed and hardened in place with dental curing light. This allows the filling to set immediately. After the filling is adjusted to your bite, it's polished and the procedure is finished.
If such a filling is not going to be enough to protect your damaged tooth, or if your tooth enamel is thin and will easily fracture, or if your tooth has had a root canal that weakened your tooth condition, your tooth may require additional protection such as a crown.