Fillings

What are composite resin fillings?

Dental fillings are familiar to most people. This is a common treatment for tooth decay/cavities which don’t severely damage the tooth (but will, if left untreated). Dr. Kinn offers composite resin fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made from a plastic dental resin and are colored to match the look of your natural tooth.

Who is a candidate for composite resin fillings?

If you have a cavity in a tooth, broken fillings, or amalgam fillings, this type of dental filling is well worth discussing with Dr. Kinn. Amalgam fillings can easily be removed and replaced with far more attractive colored fillings.

How are composite resin fillings different from amalgam fillings?

Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. In the past, the silver-colored amalgam type of fillings were the most common type available, but tooth-colored composite resin fillings blend in with the natural portion of the tooth and are still strong and durable, making for a very natural-looking smile. Many dental insurance plans cover their use.

What does getting a tooth-colored filling involve?

Dr. Kinn will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area, and then remove the decayed portions of the tooth. This can be done with traditional tools, or more modern ones like micro air abrasion, or a dental laser. With a composite filling, Dr. Kinn can preserve more of the natural tooth as the composite resin can be bonded to the tooth in thin layers. If your tooth’s decayed area is close to a nerve, a special liner will be used to protect the nerve.

A special dental material is then used to open up the pores of your tooth’s dentin and roughen up the surface of the exposed enamel. This achieves a better and stronger bond. The resin is applied in thin layers, slowly building up to form the complete filling, with a special dental light being used to harden each layer before the next is applied.

Once your filling is completed, Dr. Kinn will use a special paper—articulating paper—to adjust the height of your dental filling, in order to ensure that your bite remains correct. Your tooth is then polished.

If you are suffering from any discomfort or feel as though you may need a filling, make an appointment with Dr. Kinn, and his office will determine the best course of action.