Exploring Composite Dental Fillings

Composite fillings are a popular dental restoration material used to repair cavities and restore teeth to their natural appearance and function. This blog will provide an in-depth overview of what are composite dental fillings, exploring types of composite dental fillings, the procedure involved, advantages of composite dental filling and disadvantages of composite dental filling, and a guide to different brands. It aims to help readers understand the importance of composite dental fillings in dental care and make informed choices based on their dental needs.

What are Composite Dental fillings?

Composite resins, also known as tooth-colored fillings, offer excellent durability and fracture resistance for small to mid-sized fillings that must endure the moderate pressure of daily chewing. Suitable for both front and back teeth, these fillings are ideal for those who prefer a more natural look.

While composites are more expensive than amalgam fillings, their aesthetic appeal has made them a popular choice. However, no filling is permanent. Studies suggest that composite fillings might be less durable, requiring more frequent replacements than amalgam. Additionally, placing a composite filling generally takes longer as the tooth must be kept clean and dry during the procedure.

In today's appearance-conscious society, the preference for fillings that blend with natural tooth colour has led to an increased use of composites over amalgam or gold fillings.

Different types of Composite dental fillings?

Macrofills were the first composites introduced to the market, featuring large particles ranging from 10 to 50 micrometers. These composites offered excellent strength but had poor aesthetics and were difficult to finish and polish due to the large particle size, which caused visible flaking from the resin matrix. Although macrofill composites are not widely used today, some older restorations may still be encountered in dental practices.

Microfills, introduced in the late 1970s following macrofills, contain particles under 100 nanometers. These composites significantly improved polishability and aesthetics but were not strong enough to withstand the compressive forces in posterior teeth. Examples of microfill composites on the market include Heliomolar from Ivoclar Vivadent and Renamel from Cosmedent.

Hybrids, micro hybrids, and nanohybrids are composites that combine the strength of macrofills with the polishability of microfills. They contain a mixture of particles between 10 and 50 micrometers, along with 40-nanometer particles. Examples of nano-hybrids include Tetric EvoCeram and IPS Empress Direct from Ivoclar Vivadent and Herculite Ultra from Kerr. Herculite XRV from Kerr is an example of a microhybrid composite.

Nanocomposites represent the latest generation of composites, with particles as small as 20 nanometers. Patented by 3M ESPE, nanocomposites like Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal feature nanoclusters, where smaller particles group together to function as larger ones. This results in increased strength, wear resistance, and excellent polishability.

Composite dental fillings procedure:

While the exact procedure can vary depending on the material and type of composite dental filling, the general steps are as follows:

1. The dentist will numb the affected tooth with local anesthesia.
2. They will then remove the damaged or decayed tissue using specialized medical instruments.
3. The cavity is filled with the chosen composite dental filling material.
4. If a resin composite dental filling is used, a dental curing light hardens the material.
5. The composite dental filling is polished and smoothed to remove any rough edges.
6. Finally, the dentist checks your bite to ensure it feels normal.

Advantages of Composite Dental Filling:

Durable: They are strong and withstand the pressures of chewing.

Natural Appearance: Their tooth-coloured nature ensures a seamless, natural look.

Quick Procedure: Typically, they can be completed in just one visit.

Fracture Resistance: Composite dental fillings are designed to resist breaking under stress.

Versatility: They are suitable for both minor cosmetic repairs and more extensive damage.

Minimal Sensitivity: Any temperature sensitivity post-procedure is usually brief.

Disadvantages of Composite Dental Filling:

Shorter Lifespan: They typically don't last as long as amalgam fillings.

Higher Cost: They are generally more expensive than amalgam.

Longer Procedure: Application can take more time due to the layering process.

Dry Environment Required: Teeth must be kept very dry during placement.

Different Brands of Composite dental filling on Medikabazaar:

Titanium Gold Composite Filling: A durable, gold-coloured composite dental filling made with titanium for enhanced strength and longevity.

Polodent Plastic Composite Filling Instrument: A high-quality instrument designed for precise application and shaping of composite dental fillings.

Topdent Plastic Composite Filling Instrument: An ergonomic tool tailored for smooth and accurate composite filling placement.

Dr. Steve Teflon Coated Composite Filling Instrument: A teflon-coated instrument that ensures non-stick application and easy handling of composite materials.

Composite dental fillings offer a durable, aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring teeth. While they may require a longer application process and can be more expensive than other options, their natural appearance and versatility make them a popular choice for both minor and extensive dental repairs.

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