Composite Filling

White Fillings

White fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from tooth-colored materials that restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth. Because they blend well with tooth enamel and don’t look like fillings, white fillings may be used to restore teeth in the front of the mouth.

A composite filling usually requires only one visit during which the tooth is prepared and restore. An advantage of composite fillings compared to other dental restorations is that less of the healthy part of a tooth must be removed to hold a composite filling in place. This is due to the ability to adhesively bond composite materials to teeth.

The procedure for a composite filling may take longer because after the decay is removed, the tooth must be kept totally isolated from saliva. The dentist carefully applies on adhesive followed by several thin layers of the tooth-colored composite. Once the filling is in place, it is chemically hardened (cured) for less than a minute with a special light.

Composites are preferable for obvious cosmetic reasons, but if the decayed area is large or is subject to heavy chewing pressure, the dentist may recommend another type of restoration.

Other types of white fillings include composite inlays as will as porcelain inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are used to restore teeth that are badly damaged by decay or wear. They may be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth when aesthetics are of concern.

First, the tooth is prepared by removing damaged tooth structure. The remaining tooth is shaped to receive the inlay or onlay. The dentist next makes an impression of the tooth, the opposing teeth and the bite. A model is prepared and from that model the inlay or onlay is custom made. At a subsequent visit, the inlay or onlay is checked for fit before the dentist cements it to the tooth. Inlays and onlays generally require two office visits.