Composite Fillings in Fort Lauderdale

Most people develop at least one cavity during their lifetime. Getting a filling today is vastly different from years past. Modern technology has made it a virtually pain-free experience. Nancy Rotroff, DDS, MAGD, and Gerard Wasselle, DMD, of Excellence in Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offer composite fillings that perfectly match your tooth color and provide a completely natural-looking restoration. For the best dental care and tooth restoration, call the office to book an appointment today

What are composite fillings?

Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored, composite resin. This resin is strong and durable. Composite fillings are a durable treatment option for small to medium cavities and usually result in less of the tooth structure being removed than the old amalgam fillings. Because composite fillings blend so well with your natural teeth, they are well suited for treating front teeth or highly visible teeth.

What is the procedure for a composite filling?

First, a numbing gel is placed on your gums. Next, a local anesthetic is injected to numb the tooth and area around it. Dr. Rotroff and Dr. Wasselle use a noiseless electric handpiece to remove decay. The area is thoroughly cleaned to remove all bacteria. Your dentist then applies the composite material in layers, using a special light to harden it. They then shape and trim excess composite material and polish your brand new tooth.

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding, or dental bonding, is a procedure your cosmetic dentist uses to repair and restore teeth with minor damage or wear.  Teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken or worn down can be restored with composite bonding.   Dental bonding can also be used to enhance the color of a tooth that has become discolored, close a gap (diastema) between teeth and even lengthen teeth.  Your cosmetic dentist matches the color of your natural teeth perfectly.  If patients are not happy with the current shade of their teeth, your dentist may recommend whitening your teeth prior to bonding. 

What are the advantages of composite fillings?

There are several advantages of composite fillings:

• Appearance: The best cosmetic dentists use composite material to match the color of your fillings to your natural teeth.
• Strong Bonding: Composite fillings become part of your existing tooth; they bond to the tooth, making it strong.
• Multi-tasking: Composite fillings also repair the resulting chips and cracks which are part of normal wear and tear on your teeth.
• Less invasive: With composites, Dr. Rotroff and Dr. Wasselle may be able to remove less of the original tooth to eliminate the decay and fill the tooth.
• Long-lasting. Composite fillings last 7 to 10 years or more depending on the oral hygiene habits of the patient.

Despite the many advantages of composite fillings, your Fort Lauderdale dentist wants you to remember that the best filling is no filling at all! Making and keeping your preventative care appointments, your dental exams, and cleanings, is the most effective method for keeping your teeth healthy. Excellence in Dentistry is one of the most trusted dental care providers in Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale by the Sea. We are always here to help you with both prevention and repair. Whether you need a composite filling — or just want to avoid getting a filling in the first place —call our office on E. Commercial Boulevard to schedule your appointment today.