White Composite Fillings

in Roswell & Alpharetta, GA

Revamp Your Smile with Modern Dental Fillings

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your smile because of unsightly metal fillings? Are your metal fillings causing pain and sensitivity? At Northbridge Dental, we offer a modern solution to traditional dental fillings – white composite fillings.

Our experienced Roswell and Alpharetta general dentists use the latest techniques to provide seamless, natural-looking results that blend in with your teeth. Keep reading to explore the benefits of white composite fillings and how they can improve the appearance and health of your smile.

What Are White Composite Fillings?

White composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a popular alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings. They are made of resin consisting of glass and quartz and are designed to match your natural teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are created by applying layers of the composite resin to the affected tooth and curing it with a special light. This process can be completed in a single dental appointment, and the result is a durable filling that blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

Benefits of White Composite Fillings

Traditional metal fillings like silver (amalgam) and gold have been a part of dentistry since China, 659 AD. However, these metal fillings come with a number of distinct drawbacks that have made them an outdated means of restoring a tooth. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology have led to the development of natural-looking white composite fillings. Benefits of white composite fillings include the following:

Customizable: Both gold and silver fillings are highly noticeable and, over time, darker silver fillings can stain the enamel of your natural tooth. Composite fillings are shaped, colored, and molded to look exactly like your natural teeth.
Insulated: If you have multiple fillings of differing metal composition, they can generate an electrical charge that shocks the inside of your mouth, known as galvanic shock. White composite fillings won’t generate an electric current and shock your mouth like metal fillings.
Temperature Resistant: Metal fillings expand and contract in reaction to hot and cold. This puts pressure on your teeth, causing pain and sensitivity. Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings don’t expand or contract when they come into contact with hot and cold. This puts less stress on your tooth, reducing pain and sensitivity.
Don’t Contain Mercury: Silver fillings are often made with a small amount of mercury, which may cause harm over time. White composite fillings are made of quartz and glass-based resin so unlike silver fillings, they don’t leak toxic mercury.
Less Harmful to Enamel: Gold and silver fillings require more of your natural tooth to be removed, making it less durable. White composite fillings require less of the natural tooth to be removed than metal fillings. This means the tooth will be more durable and longer-lasting.
Easy to install & Quick To Set: Composite fillings are easy to install and cured with a handheld blue light, meaning you won’t have to wait hours for them to fully set. You can leave our Alpharetta or Roswell office and immediately enjoy your favorite foods again.

The White Composite Fillings Process

Receiving your customized composite fillings is a simple process that only takes about two visits to our Alpharetta or Roswell offices. Here’s what to expect.

Initial Consultation

At your initial consultation with your general dentist, they’ll thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your dental goals with you. Gathering this information will help them determine your candidacy for white composite fillings.

Your initial consultation is a good time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. Once your general dentist has determined that you’re a good candidate, we’ll schedule your next appointment.

Preparation

Prior to placement, we’ll numb your tooth and the surrounding area with a local anesthetic and ensure that it’s working properly before continuing with the procedure. Then, your general dentist will clean out any decayed, damaged, or infected material from your tooth to make room for the composite filling.

Placing Your Composite Fillings

Your general dentist will fill the space left behind by applying the resin in layers, using blue light to harden each layer. The resin will be smoothed and polished so it blends in seamlessly with your natural teeth. From there, your smile will be fully restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my white composite fillings permanently protect my tooth from decay?

Fillings can protect teeth from decay, but they are not a permanent solution. The lifespan of a filling depends on factors such as filling material, oral hygiene, and diet. Over time, fillings can wear down or break, and bacteria can accumulate, leading to new decay.

Good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups are important to maintain the longevity of fillings. Your dentist may also recommend replacing old fillings showing signs of wear or decay to ensure continued tooth protection.

How long do white composite fillings last?

On average, composite fillings can last between 5 and 7 years, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 10 years or more. However, the exact lifespan of white composite fillings depends on various factors, such as the size and location of the filling, the patient’s oral hygiene habits and diet, and the technique used by the dentist.

Composite fillings tend to wear down or break faster than other types of fillings, and they may need to be replaced sooner. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help detect any issues with the fillings early and prolong their lifespan.

Do white composite fillings hurt?

Installing white composite fillings will not hurt. We’ll administer local anesthetic and ensure it’s working properly before any potentially painful dental procedure takes place. After your procedure, some pain and sensitivity are normal but usually fades after a few days. You should be able to easily manage any lingering pain with over-the-counter medication.

Do white composite fillings change color?

Improper dental hygiene and exposure to dark-colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, dark berries, and red wine can lead to stained fillings. To avoid staining your white composite fillings, you should rinse between meals, especially after eating or drinking dark-colored foods and beverages. It would also be best if you avoid foods and drinks that can stain your fillings while maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental exams.

Enjoy The Oral Health Benefits of Discreet, White Composite Fillings

Protect your teeth and preserve your natural smile with white composite fillings from Northbridge Dental. Our fillings insulate against shock and sensitivity while maintaining a natural, beautiful appearance. To learn more about how white composite fillings can strengthen and beautify your smile, call our Alpharetta office at (678) 319-0210 or our Roswell office at (678) 352-9890. You can also fill out our online contact form and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Let us help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile today!