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Dental fillings are the customary treatment for cavities. At the office of Franklin A. Landers, DDS, in Boynton Beach, Florida, we treat decay with composite resin fillings. Composite fillings offer optimal protection against future decay and can also renew your teeth like new ones. These FAQs provide greater insight into composite filling cavity treatments.
Composite fillings, aka white fillings, are dental restorations used to treat cavities. They’re composed of durable plastic resin mixed with powdered glass. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite resin restorations are metal—and mercury-free. In addition to treating decay, Dr. Landers can use these fillings as cosmetic dental bonding to repair minor tooth damage and improve the appearance of flawed teeth.
White fillings blend in more naturally with your smile, so people can’t tell you’ve had cavity treatment. The resin mixture bonds directly with your tooth enamel to seal out bacteria and decay, protecting your tooth from future cavities. Composite fillings strengthen your teeth to keep them from chipping or cracking with continued use. They require less drilling, which preserves more of your natural teeth and insulates your teeth against sensitivity.  Â
Dr. Landers will remove the decay and clean your tooth to prepare it for a filling. We’ll match the color of your filling to the exact shade of your tooth for a natural appearance. Then, we’ll apply the filling layers over the area where the decay was removed and mold it to your tooth’s shape. Each layer is hardened in place with the blue wavelength of visible light. When your tooth is filled, we’ll modify the filling to preserve your bite and polish your tooth to give it a smooth, shiny look.Â
That depends on the size of your cavity, its location, and the number of fillings you need. On average, a composite filling can take up to an hour or more to complete.
With good oral care, your filling can last as long as ten years. Good oral hygiene and routine dental visits can extend the lifespan of your filling. You’ll also want to avoid foods that can damage your fillings or put you at risk of future dental issues.Â
Dr. Landers may use temporary fillings to protect treated teeth until permanent restorations are put in place. In the case of a root canal, we may seal your tooth with a temporary filling until a crown is made. Sealing a tooth with a temporary filling can curtail pain or discomfort in a dental emergency, giving us time to thoroughly evaluate your condition and decide the best course of action for treatment.
Look no further than Dr. Franklin Landers at the office of Franklin A. Landers, D.D.S., F.A.G.D, in Boynton Beach, FL. Call us at (561) 770-6752 for all your dental care needs.