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Composite Restorations

A composite restoration, also commonly known to the public as a “white filling” are tooth coloured plastic mixtures filled with glass (silicone dioxide), which bond to the tooth surface. The ‘before’ intra oral dental photo, shows the occlusal (top) surface of a molar tooth where the dark brown fissure decay is visible. The ‘after’ intra oral photo shows the same tooth after being restored with a composite filling. The dentist places the composite in layers and a specialized curing light is used to harden each layer. Subsequently the composite is shaped and polished to prevent staining and early wear. Composite resin restorations tend to wear more in comparison to silver fillings in larger cavities; although they can hold up as well in small cavities and provide one possible treatment option where the emphasis is on cosmetic dentistry.