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Tooth Restoration: Top Seven Resounding Benefits of Composite Resin Fillings
No one likes them, but dental cavities can happen even to the most diligent flossers and brushers. The good news is that cavities are easily repairable with tooth fillings in Seattle, Washington. A Dental & Denture provides composite fillings created from tooth-colored materials to ensure we repair your teeth conservatively and aesthetically. Whether you have tooth decay or minor damage, you can achieve your healthy, functional smile with dental fillings.
Benefits of composite fillings
Years ago, amalgam fillings were the only alternatives for tooth repair. Amalgams are created from a mixture of metals. They are excellent in treating tooth damage, but they don’t look natural and contain toxic substances harmful to your body.
Composite fillings are the modern way of treating tooth decay and damage. These restorations offer numerous benefits, including:
1. Aesthetics: Composite fillings are made from natural-looking materials. They can be colored to match the natural enamel, creating a natural, attractive appearance. Unlike metal fillings that stand out when you open your mouth, composite fillings are discreet. This way, they can repair front teeth where aesthetics matter.
2. Versatility: We don’t use composite fillings only to treat cavities. The dentist can also use tooth-colored fillings to repair cracked or chipped teeth. Additionally, composite fillings can address unwanted gaps, dark triangles on exposed roots, and tooth discoloration.
3. Minimally invasive: Unlike amalgams, we remove minimal tooth structure to place composite fillings. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth surface, allowing the dentist to remove only the decayed portion of the tooth. This bonding capability often makes it unnecessary to remove healthy enamel for the filling to be stable, as is required with metal fillings. Preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible prevents future fractures and cracks.
4. Safety: Amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury, which can harm the body. Composite fillings are created from safe, biocompatible materials. Composite resin materials are generally well-tolerated by the body and have been used in dentistry for several decades without significant health concerns. Modern composites don’t contain mercury, BPA, or other toxic substances.
5. Thermal resistance: Composite fillings don’t contract or expand despite the temperature changes. Why does this matter? This reduces the risk of small cracks or fractures forming around the filling. Also, this thermal stability ensures that the composite remains securely bonded to the tooth structure, reducing gaps where bacteria might enter and cause decay.
6. Long-lasting outcomes: Composite fillings are made from resilient materials strong enough to withstand everyday chewing and biting forces. They can last well over a decade, although this depends on the location of the filling and your oral hygiene. To get the most out of your dental fillings, brush and floss your teeth diligently and visit your dentist routinely for check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, wear a customized nightguard if you brux your teeth.
7. Easy to repair: If your filling becomes loose, chipped, or stained, your dentist can easily repair or replace it. Unlike treatments like dental crowns, which require reshaping the entire tooth and covering it with a custom-made cap, we can repair or replace composite fillings with minimal tooth modification.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (206) 445-0030 | Existing Patients: (206) 440-1500
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Do you need dental fillings?
Composite fillings are an affordable and minimally invasive solution for damaged teeth. Repair your tooth today by scheduling an appointment with A Dental & Denture. Call (206) 445-0030 to restore your healthy, functional smile.
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Angelica P. Summer, DPD, has been a Licensed Denturist in Seattle, Washington, since 1996. She has owned and operated A Dental and Denture in North Seattle since 1999. She completed her education at the University of the East and specializes in creating all types of dentures while you wait. Angelica is an active member of the Washington Denturist Association, National Denturist Association, and International Federation of Denturists.
Isabella Amar, DDS, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Math from the University of Washington and completed her doctorate from the UW School of Dentistry. During her academic career, she won Outstanding Scholastic Achievement and
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society recognitions. Her approach to dental care is to provide the most optimal quality of treatment, creating a gentle experience and comfortable environment by forming personal connections with her patients and following up to ensure long-lasting results. She is also fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Fawaz Hatem, BDS, MSD, is an Oral Medicine Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Baghdad, Iraq, and obtained a Master’s degree from the UW School of Dentistry and further training from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hatem has specialized training in Invisalign orthodontic treatment, sleep dentistry, teeth whitening, and administering Botox and dermal filler injections to enhance facial aesthetics and relieve TMJ symptoms. He is proficient in Arabic and English.
Dental Implant Specialist Kevin La, DDS, received his doctorate from UCLA School of Dentistry and his postgraduate qualification – an AEGD certificate – from the UPenn School of Dental Medicine. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is now a mentor for Associate Fellow Candidates. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry. The latter designation is the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Dr. La serves as a mentor in study clubs and implant training courses. He is now in the teaching faculty at the Pacific Implant Academy (PIA) and co-director for the PIA Implant Live Surgery Course in Tijuana, Mexico.
All providers have years of experience and expertise in their respective areas and are focused on continuing education to provide the best services for their patients. They aim to bring beautiful, healthy smiles to everyone in Seattle, WA.