What You Don’t Know About Composite Filling and the Most Important Reasons for Filling Failure!

Composite Fillings, Undoubtedly, you’ve heard of composite fillings in recent times as they have become widely popular among many dentists, considered one of their preferred options. In this article, we will answer all the questions running through your mind regarding composite fillings, their uses, and their most significant advantages and disadvantages. So follow us to learn all the latest information.

Composite Filling

Composite Filling

A composite filling is one of the cosmetic tooth fillings used in dental treatment and cosmetics. The dentist uses a resin-based compound mixed with silica and other chemical elements to fill cavities in teeth caused by decay. It works to repair chipped teeth and deformities and is specifically used in front teeth for its cosmetic appearance and charming smile. In the following paragraphs, we’ll learn more details about composite fillings and their use.

What is a Composite Filling?

Composite filling is one of the most commonly used types of fillings in recent times for treating decayed or broken teeth. Composite fillings are characterized by some advantages and disadvantages that should be well understood before placement. Composite fillings bond strongly to teeth, providing support and protection from breakage or dislodgement.

Composite fillings closely match the color of natural teeth, making them suitable for use in front teeth and visible portions of molars, giving the mouth a cosmetic appearance. Composite fillings can also be used to treat chipped, worn, or decayed front teeth. However, composite fillings require frequent retreatment, and their cost is often higher than other types of fillings.

Are Composite Fillings Strong?

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Composite fillings are one of the most popular fillings used by dentists, and many wonder if composite fillings are strong or not. Based on various research and studies, composite fillings are considered strong if placed on teeth properly and under suitable conditions. They also bond strongly to teeth, providing protection and support for affected teeth. One of the advantages of composite fillings is that they closely match the color of natural teeth, making them a preferred choice for many people seeking a cosmetic appearance.

What are Cosmetic Composite Fillings Made Of?

Cosmetic composite fillings consist of a mixture of resin (acrylic) material reinforced with fine glass powder. They are used in a variety of dental restoration and cosmetic procedures to repair broken teeth or restore missing portions, including:

• Veneers
• Traditional fillings
• Crowns

Best Types of Tooth Fillings

Many people suffer from tooth decay and need fillings that suit them. There are various types of tooth fillings with different properties and prices. Some of the best types of tooth fillings include platinum fillings, which are highly durable and long-lasting. Composite material fillings are strong and smaller in size compared to metal fillings, allowing less invasive dental treatment today. Glass ionomer and resin-modified fillings are the optimal choice for those seeking a cosmetic solution as they match the color of natural teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a dentist to determine the most suitable type based on your dental condition and lifestyle, which will help maintain healthy, strong teeth and a beautiful, attractive smile.

Types of Tooth Fillings and Their Prices

There is no doubt that there are more than one type of tooth fillings, some of which are excellent, while others have some drawbacks. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss each type and highlight its most important advantages and disadvantages, and you can decide which one is suitable for you:

• Ceramic fillings and glass fillings: Ceramic fillings are characterized by their color similar to natural teeth, which reflects their beauty and external appearance. However, they are more prone to breakage, making them a suitable choice for use in front tooth fillings. The same applies to glass fillings, which consist of adding some materials to glass, making them susceptible to breakage, but they suit the shape of teeth cosmetically. Their price can reach 2000 Egyptian pounds.
• Gold and silver fillings: Gold and silver fillings are among the oldest types of fillings used in the past before the emergence of the new fillings known today. They were characterized by their long lifespan exceeding 15 years but were expensive compared to other types of fillings, in addition to their color differing from that of natural teeth.
• Zirconia fillings: These are one of the best types of fillings available today due to their strength and ability to withstand various tooth functions. Additionally, the body is compatible with them, and they do not cause any sensitivity to their components. Their color is similar to that of natural teeth, but they are expensive, costing up to 3000 Egyptian pounds.
• Composite fillings: These are synthetic fillings consisting of several chemical elements that increase the material’s hardness and bond to teeth. They are characterized by having the same color as natural teeth, so they are used to repair defects in front teeth. However, they do not last for extended periods, not exceeding five years, and their cost ranges from 400 to 800 Egyptian pounds.
• Platinum fillings: This type of filling is one of the most commonly used for back teeth due to its low cost and high compressive strength. It is composed of more than one chemical element, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, which gives it strength. However, its color differs from that of natural teeth, which may not suit many people. Its price starts from 300 Egyptian pounds.

Can a Broken Molar Be Filled?

Some people wonder if a broken molar can be filled or not. Indeed, a broken molar can be filled and preserved, but some precautions must be taken.

The severity of the break should be determined. If the break is severe and affects the root, the tooth may need to be extracted. However, if the break is minor and does not affect the root condition, the dentist can fill the tooth and cover it with a porcelain or zirconium crown to protect it from breaking again.

It is essential to maintain good oral and dental hygiene, eat soft foods, and avoid sticky and hard foods to prevent affecting the broken tooth. Ultimately, it is advisable to consult a dentist in this regard to determine the appropriate procedures according to each patient’s condition and choose the best option.

Steps for a Composite Filling

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• The first step involves the dentist administering local anesthesia to the patient.
• The dentist removes the damaged portion of the teeth caused by decay or breakage using a specialized drilling tool or laser, making the process more precise and uniform.
• During the procedure, the dentist uses a suction device to keep the tooth area dry to achieve the best results.
• Once the dentist ensures the area for the filling is completely clean and free of bacteria or damaged parts, they begin applying the composite resin material in layers, curing each layer with a laser beam to ensure the filling’s stability and durability.
• The final step involves the dentist removing any excess filling material and polishing and smoothing the surface, which may also be done using a laser.

Causes of Composite Filling Failure

Composite fillings may fail due to the following reasons:

• Inappropriate acid-etching duration: If the dentin is exposed to phosphoric acid for more than 12 to 20 seconds, the enamel and dentin cannot withstand the phosphoric acid at the same level, causing problems if the etching time exceeds 20 to 30 seconds.
• Tooth tissue contamination: Contamination of the tooth tissue with blood or saliva requires re-etching for 5 seconds.
• Desiccation of dentin or tooth material: It is essential to clean the tooth surface after creating a cavity, but excessive cleaning after phosphoric acid rinsing prevents the monomer material from penetrating the tooth surface, making its bonding to the dentin difficult and potentially causing pain if pressure is applied to the composite filling during chewing.

Uses of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are used for more than one purpose, which we will explain as follows:

• Restoration of back teeth: The type of composite used for restoring back teeth is known as packable composite. Its main advantage is that it can withstand the occlusal forces, making it a suitable choice for restoring back teeth as it has the same strength as amalgam fillings.
• Restoration of front teeth: Composite fillings are used to fill gaps between front teeth, restore chips and cracks, and fill cavities. There is a type of composite used for restoring front teeth called microfilled composite, which is characterized by its small particle size, allowing for better polishing.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

• Cosmetic appearance: Composite fillings have the same color as natural teeth, making them a suitable choice for front teeth or visible portions of molars for a more cosmetic and harmonious appearance.
• Preservation of a larger portion of the tooth: In some cases, the dentist may need to remove a large portion of the tooth to place an amalgam or other filling for treating decay. In contrast, composite fillings require removing only a small portion of the tooth enamel while preserving the tooth structure.
• Bonding to the tooth structure: The use of composite fillings is not limited to tooth decay but also works to protect teeth from breakage and filling dislodgement. They bond strongly to the tooth structure, providing support and protection while treating chipped or worn teeth.

Disadvantages of Composite Fillings

• Cost: One of the main disadvantages of composite fillings is their high cost, which can be double that of amalgam fillings, making them unsuitable for many people.
• Longer installation time: Composite fillings may take longer to install than other types of fillings, typically more than 20 minutes, which is longer than amalgam fillings. It may require multiple visits to the dentist to complete the procedure, unlike other fillings that can be completed in a single visit.
• Lack of longevity: It is generally accepted that composite fillings do not last as long as amalgam fillings, with a lifespan of up to five years, while amalgam and other fillings can last between 10 and 15 years.

Who are the Candidates for Laser Composite Fillings?

• Composite laser fillings are highly suitable for individuals whose decay has not reached the pulp area, as the chemical materials in composite fillings can cause more pain for the patient in cases of pulp decay.
• This type of filling is suitable for patients who refuse to lose more parts of the affected tooth during the preparation for the filling.
• For individuals suffering from damage, breakage, or decay in their front teeth or visible portions of their teeth, composite fillings would be the most suitable option.
• For those seeking a cosmetic appearance, composite laser fillings allow choosing a color closely matching their natural teeth. For more information on laser fillings and their cost, click here.

Who are the Candidates for Laser Composite Fillings?

Cost of Composite Fillings

The cost of composite fillings used for front teeth ranges from 200 to 400 Egyptian pounds. The price largely depends on several factors that directly affect the cost, including:

• The number and location of teeth the patient wants to be filled.
• The dentist’s experience, competence, skill, and number of successful operations performed in this field.
• The reputation, level, and hygiene and sterilization standards of the medical center.
• The overall condition of the teeth to be filled and whether they require additional procedures along with the filling process.

What Will Happen If I Don’t Treat My Tooth Decay?

Treating tooth decay is one of the most important steps that everyone should pay attention to in order to maintain their teeth for as long as possible and enjoy a harmonious appearance, beautiful smile, and cosmetic look. Failure to treat tooth decay is highly detrimental due to the larger cavities and holes it causes, resulting in severe pain. It can also lead to infections and other complications that may ultimately result in tooth loss. To learn more about tooth decay problems, click here.

Top Dental Centers and Dentists Recommended for Light-Cured Fillings

There are many dental centers and clinics in Egypt specializing in light-cured fillings that provide excellent results and outstanding service. We recommend one of the best medical centers that offers excellent service at affordable prices, The Dental Center. This center has a team of the best specialized dentists for performing fillings. The center is committed to closely monitoring patients and using the latest equipment to ensure the best possible results.