Composite Fillings

Composite fillings work to treat dental decay with tooth-colored restorations, with no noticeable transition between your fillings and natural tooth tissue. At Smile Center of Knightsville in Summerville, South Carolina, Jeanine Gourdine, DMD, offers this cosmetic and restorative treatment as one of many personalized services. When you’re ready to learn more, call or click to schedule a visit.  

How can composite fillings improve my smile?

A filling is a treatment that removes decayed tooth tissue and “fills” a cavity with durable material. Fillings effectively seal off areas of decay, preserving healthy tooth structure. 

Metal amalgam fillings were once the industry standard. While they were an effective way to treat cavities, they left dark areas that were easily visible when people spoke or laughed. 

A composite filling is made of an acrylic resin reinforced with dental-grade powdered glass. They’re shaded to perfectly match your natural tooth tissue. Composite fillings can be placed on the front of your teeth or on the biting surfaces. In the hands of a skilled dentist, composite fillings restore dental decay without marring the appearance of your smile. 

What should I expect during composite fillings treatment?

When you come in for composite fillings, an injection of numbing medication ensures you remain comfortable throughout the visit. Your dentist then removes all traces of decay, creating a layer of healthy tooth tissue. 

Once your tooth is clean and dry, your dentist uses special materials to prepare the surface for optimal adhesion. They then begin applying the composite material in layers, allowing each layer to set before moving forward. 

A special light helps the composite material cure before your dentist shapes the restoration to create a smooth surface. A final polishing step creates an excellent finish that is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth tissue. 

If the filling was placed on the biting surface of a tooth, your dentist then checks to ensure that the restoration doesn’t interfere with a strong and healthy bite.  

Should I consider teeth whitening before composite fillings?

Your composite filling is shaded to match the color of the surrounding natural tooth tissue. Many people prefer to have professional teeth whitening before moving forward with composite fillings. This allows you to achieve a beautiful, bright smile before your dentist chooses the shade for your restoration. 

The process is simple and takes very little time. If you have questions about teeth whitening or composite fillings, booking a consultation is the best place to begin. 

You can set up a visit online in just a few clicks. You’re also welcome to reach out by phone to connect with a friendly member of the administrative staff regarding appointment availability.