Composite
At Red Bank Smiles, Dr. Benjamin Klayman and his team specialize in high-quality restorative dental care. This includes repairing cavities caused by tooth decay. There are several different ways to treat cavities, but the most common option is to use composite fillings. For more information about how we treat cavities or to schedule an appointment, contact our Red Bank, NJ office by calling 732-741-1052.
What are Composite Fillings?
Cavities occur when plaque, or bacteria, destroys the tooth enamel. As the enamel erodes, a hole in the tooth is formed. It’s important to remove the decay and fill in that hole as soon as possible to prevent further damage from happening. While we can’t get the original tooth enamel back, we can use the next best thing: fillings.
Fillings can be made from a few different materials, including metal (amalgam or gold) or white plastic, which is also called composite or resin. People tend to prefer these fillings because they have a natural-looking tooth color that won’t be noticeable. They’re also very durable to withstand chewing throughout the years because they bond the tooth together, rather than shoving a metal wedge into a hole.
What to Expect
Composite fillings may be recommended for small- to mid-sized cavities. The procedure is completed during a single appointment and varies in time based on the size of the hole, though 1 averaged sized hole usually takes no more than 20 minutes. The team ensures that any discomfort is minimized, and we utilize local anesthesia to help minimize pain. Here’s a step-by-step look at how a composite dental filling is performed:
- The area near the tooth is numbed if the hole is too big
- The dentist will remove all decay from the tooth
- The tooth is prepared for the filling to ensure a stronger bond
- The filling is then applied in layers
- Once the filling hardens, the dentist then smoothes and polishes it
The team at Red Bank Smiles takes great care to make sure the composite filling is formed properly so that you can still bite and chew normally. From start to finish, our goal is to give you the best dental care experience possible.
Schedule a Composite Filling in Red Bank, NJ
If you have a toothache or are due for a cleaning, schedule an appointment at Red Bank Smiles. We’ll be happy to evaluate your teeth and recommend a treatment plan that works best for you. Book your next visit online or contact our office today.
