The Science Behind Composite Fillings: How They Work?
When it comes to dental restorations, composite fillings have become increasingly popular over the years. These tooth-coloured restorations are made from a combination of plastic and glass particles and are used to restore decayed or damaged teeth. Consider a certified professional dentist in westminster for composite Filling treatment if you are facing an issue. But how exactly do composite fillings work? In this article, we'll explore the science behind composite fillings and how they are used to repair teeth.
Understanding the Importance of Composite Fillings
To understand how composite fillings work, it's important to first understand the structure of a tooth.
A tooth is made up of three layers, the outer enamel layer, the inner dentin layer, and the pulp at the centre of the tooth. When decay or damage occurs, it can penetrate the enamel layer and reach the dentin layer, which can cause pain and sensitivity. If left untreated, the decay can continue to spread and eventually reach the pulp, which can lead to a painful infection.
This is where composite fillings come in. Composite fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. The process involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and replacing it with a composite filling material.
Composite fillings work by bonding to the tooth structure. This bonding process is made possible through the use of a dental adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the tooth, and then the composite filling material is placed on top of it. The adhesive forms a chemical bond with the tooth, which helps to hold the filling in place.
The composite filling material itself is made from a combination of plastic and glass particles. The plastic provides the filling with its flexibility and durability, while the glass particles give it its tooth-like appearance. The glass particles are also used to help create a natural-looking translucency, which helps the filling blend in with the surrounding teeth.
Benefits of Composite Fillings You Need to Know
One of the benefits of composite fillings is that they can be colour-matched to the surrounding teeth. This means that they are virtually invisible once they are placed in the mouth. This is in contrast to traditional amalgam fillings, which are made from a combination of metals and have a dark silver appearance.
Another benefit of composite fillings is that they require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings. This is because composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, whereas amalgam fillings require the removal of healthy tooth structures to create a mechanical lock.
Composite fillings are also less prone to expansion and contraction in response to temperature changes. This means that they are less likely to cause cracks in the tooth structure over time, which can be a problem with amalgam fillings.
However, there are some limitations to composite fillings. They are not as strong as amalgam fillings and may not be suitable for larger restorations or areas of the mouth where there is a lot of chewing pressure. They may also be more prone to staining and discolouration over time, which can affect their appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, composite fillings are a popular and effective way to restore damaged teeth. They work by bonding directly to the tooth structure and are made from a combination of plastic and glass particles. They offer a natural-looking and virtually invisible restoration option and require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings. While they may not be suitable for all restorations, composite fillings are a great choice for many patients. If You want a perfect composite fillings treatment, then consider KS Dental, which is a certified professional Expert serving for years with their result-oriented dental services.