A composite filling is a tooth colored resin that is used to restore decayed, broken or worn front or back teeth. It is also a great way to replace unsightly or leaky old silver fillings. In fact, tooth colored composite fillings have become the most requested material for fillings in back teeth because, not only are they better looking, they also strengthen decayed teeth because they chemically bond directly to tooth structure instead of just filling a hole.
Benefits of composite resins:
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are done in one appointment. In some cases, no injection is needed, especially in front teeth. Old filling material and decay is removed, then the tooth surface is treated with a chemical bonding agent to allow the composite resin to adhere to it. A composite resin, or sometimes several resins, that match the color of the tooth is placed and hardened with a high-intensity light. After polishing, the tooth is ready for immediate use.