Dentist Who Specializes in Composite Fillings in Nearby Walnut Creek, CA Discusses the Procedure with patients
You are going in for your first filling. Your dentist has told you that you are to receive a composite dental filling. What is that? Getting a filling can be a daunting task if you are not sure what to expect. There are many unanswered questions patients have when getting a filling that we are going to discuss here. But if you’d like to learn more about getting a filling and are in the Walnut Creek, CA area, Dr. Troy A. Schmedding, DDS at the team at Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek, welcome you and would love to discuss the dental filling procedure with you.
What is a Composite Filling?
Avoiding becoming too technical, composite fillings are done using a resin material that is the shade of teeth. The composite consists of a resin and a filler. This composite can be used for many things besides fillings depending on the composition of the material. Think of it like porridge, where the filler is the oats, and the resin is the milk. The more resin (milk) you add to the filler, the thinner it becomes. This versatility allows you to use thick composite when strength is needed or a thinner liquid for use on front teeth. This composite is used to fill the cavity in your tooth once all decay has been removed.
Receiving a Filling
Your dentist has completed your examination. Any necessary x-rays have been taken, and then you are told you need a filling. So, what now? In most cases, a filling will not be performed the same day and you will need to schedule an appointment to come back in and receive it. Depending on the size of the filling, you might or might not require anesthetic. Here are the stages in getting a filling:
Step 1 – All decay is removed from the tooth, and a cavity shape is formed properly, so it is ready to be filled.
Step 2 – Etch (think, tooth shampoo) is applied to the area for cleaning and then rinsed off.
Step 3 – A bond layer is applied, which acts as an undercoat to increase the sticking strength of the composite filling material to your tooth.
Step 4 – Composite layers are applied. After each layer, a special light is used to harden and set the material.
Step 5 – Once the filling is complete, the tooth is polished and finished to make it shine and blend in with your other teeth.
If you need an examination or feel like you may have a cavity and are in the Walnut Creek, CA area, Dr. Troy A. Schmedding, DDS at the team at Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek, welcome you into their office. To schedule an appointment, please call (925) 956-4266.
