Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth, including children’s teeth. Pediatric dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked, or chipped tooth.
When placing composite fillings, pediatric dentists place the material in layers. Then, after each layer, the dentist hardens the material with a curing light. The curing light is a blue light that sends specific wavelengths to the material triggering hardening. Parents and guardians may choose composite fillings for their children for various reasons. The following section explores these reasons.
One of the significant differences between amalgam and composite resin fillings is the bonding method. Amalgam fillings do not bond to the natural tooth. Instead, the pediatric dentist places the fillings with mechanical undercuts. For composite fillings, professionals prepare the tooth and add a bonding agent. The filling material hardens and bonds to the tooth. Additionally, the dentist matches the material's color to the young patient's teeth to retain a natural appearance.
With amalgam fillings, the pediatric dentist has to remove a portion of the healthy tooth in addition to the decayed portion. After removing so much of the natural tooth, the structure becomes weaker. With composite fillings, young patients do not have to undergo as much drilling. They can retain more of the natural tooth, resulting in a stronger outcome.
Metal fillings are an alternative to composite resin. While a child’s natural teeth protect the nerve from temperature, the metal conducts heat and cold. When a patient bites into hot or cold food, it increases sensitivity. Composite, on the other hand, insulates the teeth. While a young patient's teeth may feel sensitive shortly after the procedure, they may experience less sensitivity in the future.
Generally, parents and guardians will want the pediatric dentist to finish their child’s filling procedure as quickly as possible. Metal fillings can take about an hour to set and do not reach full strength until 24 hours after the procedure. On the other hand, composite fillings take less than one minute to cure and harden, allowing kids to return to their daily routines.
Sometimes, dental fillings begin to degrade. This may happen due to natural wear, tooth trauma, or excessive grinding. Pediatric dentists can fix composite fillings quickly when a child’s fillings start to deteriorate, cleaning the area and repairing the filling. In addition, pediatric dentists can remove metal fillings and replace them with composite resin.
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Pediatric dentists use composite fillings for various reasons. Often, they recommend composite resin for fillings on visible teeth or to fix chipped or mishappen teeth. Compared to other filling types, composite resin matches the color of the natural tooth, enhances the tooth's strength, and reduces sensitivity. If your child needs a filling, call our office to learn more about the benefits of composite resin fillings.
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