Composite Fillings to Repair a Broken Tooth

Pediatric dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as composite fillings. These dental fillings can both restore a tooth and prevent the increased chance of gaps in the smile or shifting teeth that usually follows a tooth extraction. They can also provide a natural-looking restoration when compared with other filling materials, resulting in a healthy, uniform smile.

About composite fillings

As the name suggests, composite fillings contain a mix of materials that pediatric dentists can use to either fill cavities or repair broken and chipped teeth. The composite resin includes a variety of ingredients, including:

• Silica glass
• Resin
• Plastic

When mixed, composite resin closely matches the color of tooth enamel (the tooth’s outermost layer). This gives the repaired tooth a more natural appearance when compared to amalgam fillings made of gold, silver, or mercury. Therefore, it can help in both restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. In fact, composite resin is versatile enough to repair damage from various oral health issues, giving pediatric dentists and their patients more choices when attempting to save a tooth.

Restore chipped and broken teeth

Chipped teeth

A chipped tooth can bring discomfort and detract from a smile if the tooth in question is visible. This type of damage can also weaken the rest of the enamel and cause further issues over time. It also brings an increased chance of tooth decay.

To repair a chipped tooth using a composite filling, a pediatric dentist will treat the edge of the chip so the resin adheres to the tooth completely. Next, they will shape and polish it, making it appear as though it is part of the natural tooth. The dentist will then harden the resin with an ultraviolet lighting tool, completing the repair. Composite fillings can last for years with proper care.

Broken teeth

Biting down on hard candy, chewing ice, and sports injuries can break teeth. Fortunately, pediatric dentists may repair broken teeth with composite fillings. These restorations are especially helpful when the broken tooth has jagged edges that may affect the tongue or leave sores on the insides of the mouth.

Rather than extracting a broken tooth, the dentist will fill the area with composite resin, then shape it to help it blend in. They will also match the shade of the rest of the damaged tooth.

Advantages of composite fillings

The most notable advantage of composite fillings is that they blend in with the other teeth seamlessly. When done correctly, most people will not even notice the tooth-colored filling. The benefits of uniform color among the teeth include increased confidence when smiling, talking, and laughing.

However, natural-looking chipped or broken tooth repair is not the only advantage. The bonding ability of the resin can also make a repair simpler, helping children (and adults) with dental anxiety feel more comfortable. Further, composite fillings only require occasional dental inspections and cleanings. Pediatric dentists can perform these during regular teeth cleanings.