Composite Fillings Rockledge, FL

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings, commonly known as “tooth-colored fillings,” are used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. This modern dental material provides a more natural-looking alternative to metal (amalgam) dental restorations, making it a preferred choice for many patients. The process involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and filling it with a composite material that matches the shade of your natural teeth.

At our dental office, we offer composite fillings as the most popular option for restoring teeth. However, some patients may prefer amalgam fillings due to cost or personal preference. If you’re not a candidate for composite fillings or wish to explore other options, we will discuss the best treatment plan for your needs during your appointment.

Why Choose Composite Fillings Over Metal Fillings?

There are many reasons why composite fillings have become the preferred choice for our Rockledge, FL restorative dentist:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Composite dental restorations are virtually invisible because they match the color of your teeth. This is particularly important for visible teeth, such as those in the front of your mouth, where appearance matters most.
• Safer Materials: Composite fillings are made from a durable, biocompatible resin material that is free from mercury, which is a concern with traditional metal fillings. For patients who want a healthier, safer option, composite fillings are the ideal choice.
• Less Invasive: Unlike metal restorations that require more drilling and removal of healthy tooth structure, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, requiring less drilling and preserving more of your natural tooth. This bonding process strengthens the tooth, reducing the risk of future breakage or chipping.

The Dental Filling Process

At Signature Smile Family Dentistry, the composite filling procedure is typically completed in a single visit. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Hilary Prill, will first numb the affected area to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Using advanced dental instruments, Dr. Prill will carefully remove any decayed or damaged parts of the tooth. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and prepped to receive the composite filling.

If the decay is near the tooth’s nerve, a special protective layer may be applied to safeguard the nerve from future irritation. The composite material is then placed into the cleaned cavity in layers, with each layer being cured or hardened using a special light. Once the filling is fully in place, Dr. Prill will shape and polish it to match the natural contours of your tooth, ensuring that it looks and feels just like your original tooth.

If you have multiple cavities or need several fillings, Dr. Prill will customize your treatment plan to ensure your comfort. We may complete several fillings in one visit, or space them out over multiple appointments based on your needs. For instance, we aim to avoid numbing more than one or two areas of your mouth at a time to enhance your comfort.

Benefits of Composite Fillings in Rockledge, Florida

Composite fillings offer several advantages that make them an excellent choice for cavity treatment and tooth restoration:

• Natural Look: One of the primary reasons patients prefer composite dental restorations is their ability to blend in with their natural teeth. Unlike metal fillings, which can be highly visible, composite fillings are matched to the color of the tooth, making them ideal for front teeth and other visible areas.
• Durability: Composite fillings are designed to last. They are resistant to wear and can handle the forces of biting and chewing, just like natural teeth. With proper care, composite fillings can last for many years.
• Single Visit Treatment: In most cases, composite fillings can be placed in just one appointment, allowing you to leave the office with your tooth fully restored. This convenience especially appeals to busy patients who want efficient, high-quality care.
• Fracture Resistance: The bonding process used with composite fillings actually helps strengthen the tooth, making it more resistant to future fractures and damage. This is an important advantage over metal fillings, which can weaken the tooth over time.
• Versatility: Composite dental restorations aren’t just for cavities. They can also be used to repair chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. The material is highly adaptable, allowing Dr. Prill to restore both minor and more significant damage with ease.

When to Choose a Dental Crown or Implant Over a Filling

A dental filling may not be enough to repair a decayed tooth in the following situations, requiring either a dental crown or a dental implant:

When a Dental Crown is Needed:

• Extensive Decay: When a large portion of the tooth is affected by decay and there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left to support a filling. In these cases, a crown can restore the tooth’s shape, function, and strength.
• Weakened Tooth Structure: If a tooth has been weakened by multiple fillings or extensive decay, it may not be strong enough to withstand chewing forces. A crown helps reinforce the tooth and prevent it from fracturing.
• Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, the tooth becomes brittle and fragile because the nerve and pulp are removed. A crown is necessary to protect the tooth from breaking and restore its function.
• Large Existing Fillings: If an existing filling is large and the tooth structure surrounding it is compromised, a crown may be needed for better support and durability.
• Cracked or Fractured Tooth: If a tooth has a crack or fracture, especially one that cannot be fixed with a filling, a crown is often used to hold the tooth together and restore its function.

When a Dental Implant is Needed:

• Severe Decay Beyond Repair: If the tooth is so severely decayed that it cannot be restored with a filling or crown, or if the decay has affected the tooth’s root, it may need to be extracted. In this case, a dental implant is placed to replace the missing tooth.
• Severe Infection or Abscess: If the tooth has a deep infection that cannot be treated with a root canal, or if the infection has spread to the tooth’s root and surrounding structures, the tooth may need to be extracted. A dental implant can replace the extracted tooth.
• Tooth Loss: If the tooth is lost due to decay, trauma, or another reason, and it’s not feasible to place a crown or save the tooth, a dental implant can replace it, offering a durable and natural-looking solution.
• Failed Root Canal: If a root canal treatment fails and the tooth becomes re-infected or damaged beyond repair, a dental implant may be necessary to replace the tooth, especially if the root structure cannot support a crown.
• Extensive Root Damage: If the tooth’s root is so damaged (due to decay or trauma) that it’s not viable for treatment with a filling or crown, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with an implant.
• Fracture Below the Gum Line: If a tooth fractures below the gum line, it often cannot be saved with a crown or filling. Extraction is necessary, and a dental implant is used to restore the missing tooth.

Financing and Insurance Options

At Signature Smile Family Dentistry in Rockledge, FL we believe that high-quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. We accept most major dental insurance plans and are happy to work with you to maximize your benefits. For those without insurance, we offer flexible payment options, including CareCredit® financing.

In addition, we provide an annual Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance. For a one-time fee of $360, the plan includes two dental exams, two teeth cleanings, two x-rays, and two fluoride treatments, with a $30 copay for exams. Any additional services are discounted by 15%, and the plan remains active for one full year. We also offer a new patient special for only $109, which includes x-rays, a comprehensive dental exam an oral cancer screening, and more.

Contact Our Restorative Dentist Today!

If you need composite fillings or any other dental care, contact Signature Smile Family Dentistry today at (321) 633-4020 or fill out our online contact form. We proudly serve patients from Rockledge, Florida, and surrounding areas. Let us help you restore your smile and confidence with our advanced dental treatments!