Restore Your Natural Smile with Advanced Dental Restorations
If you’re dealing with tooth decay or damaged teeth, composite dental fillings offer a modern solution to restore your smile without compromising aesthetics. At Petrie Advanced Dental, we specialize in composite resin fillings (tooth-colored fillings) that provide safe, effective, and natural-looking restorations for patients throughout the Tacoma area.
Are you ready to improve your oral health with state-of-the-art dental restorations? Contact our Tacoma dental office today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your dental filling consultation.
What Are Composite Resin Fillings?
Composite fillings represent the latest advancement in restorative materials designed to repair decayed or damaged teeth. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, these modern dental filling materials consist of a mixture of plastic (resin) and powdered glass filler that bonds directly to your natural tooth structure, creating a strong and durable restoration that’s virtually indistinguishable from your surrounding tooth structure.
Common uses for composite resin restorations:
- Repairing cavities and treating tooth decay
- Restoring chipped or worn teeth
- Closing small gaps between teeth (diastemas)
- Enhancing the appearance of anterior teeth (front teeth)
- Replacing old amalgam restorations with tooth-colored material
The Advantages of Modern Composite Dental Fillings
Composite fillings offer several advantages, such as:
- Natural Appearance: Closely matched to your existing teeth, making them ideal for both anterior and posterior teeth
- Color Customization: We can blend multiple shades to perfectly match your natural tooth color
- Tooth-Sparing Preparation: Requires less removal of sound tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings
- Superior Bonding: Adheres directly to tooth structure, creating a tight seal that helps prevent further tooth decay
- Mercury-Free Material: Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite restorations contain no mercury, eliminating potential health risks that numerous public health agencies have identified
- Enhanced Durability: Modern composite resin materials offer improved mechanical properties for posterior composite restorations
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for very small restorations to substantial dental restorations
- Immediate Results: Light curing unit allows for immediate hardening, so you can eat and drink normally right after your appointment
Are You a Candidate for Composite Dental Fillings?
Most patients in Tacoma and surrounding communities (Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place) qualify for composite resin fillings. However, Dr. Arvind Petrie will evaluate several factors during your consultation:
- Extent of tooth decay (extensive dental caries may require alternative treatments)
- Location of the restoration (posterior teeth vs. front teeth)
- Bite alignment and whether you grind your teeth
- Previous dental work and oral health history
In some cases, patients with extremely large cavities may benefit from indirect fillings or other types of fillings created in our dental laboratory.
The Composite Filling Procedure at Petrie Advanced Dental
Initial Consultation & Examination
During your first visit, Dr. Petrie will thoroughly examine your teeth, discuss your options, and determine if composite dental fillings are appropriate for your specific needs. We use advanced diagnostic techniques to detect even early signs of dental caries.
Preparation & Local Anesthesia
Before beginning the filling procedure, we ensure your comfort by administering local anesthesia if necessary. Our Tacoma dentist will then carefully remove any decayed material while preserving as much sound tooth structure as possible—a hallmark of modern adhesive dentistry.
Placement of Composite Material
Using precise techniques, we:
- 1. Apply the composite resin material in layers
- 2. Shape each layer to match your natural tooth contours
- 3. Harden each layer with our specialized light-curing unit
- 4. Polish the final restoration to create a smooth, natural finish that feels comfortable in your mouth
The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour in our comfortable dental chair, depending on the number and size of restorations needed.
Maintaining Your Composite Resin Restorations
To ensure the longevity of your composite fillings:
- Practice diligent oral hygiene, brush twice daily and floss to maintain overall oral health
- Attend regular checkups every six months with Dr. Petrie to monitor your dental restorations
- Consider a night guard if you grind your teeth to protect both your natural tooth structure and restorations
- Limit consumption of foods and beverages that can stain composite material
- Address any issues promptly if you notice any changes in your fillings, contact us immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do modern composite resin fillings last?
Today’s advanced composite materials can last eight to 12 years with proper care. The longevity depends on the location of the filling, your oral hygiene practices, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Regular dental checkups help ensure your restorations remain in optimal condition.
How do composite resin fillings compare to traditional amalgam fillings?
While both effectively treat cavities, composite fillings offer significant advantages:
- No risk of galvanic shock or metal allergies sometimes associated with amalgam restorations
- Better aesthetics (tooth-colored vs. silver appearance)
- Preservation of more natural tooth structure
- No mercury content
- Direct bonding to the tooth structure, which can strengthen the remaining tooth
Will my insurance cover tooth-colored composite fillings?
Most dental insurance plans now cover composite fillings for all teeth, recognizing their benefits over traditional materials. The dental office staff will verify your coverage before treatment and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs. They may also offer convenient financing options to make these superior restorations accessible to all our Tacoma-area patients.
Are composite fillings suitable for children’s permanent teeth?
Absolutely! Composite restorations are excellent for children’s permanent teeth. They require less removal of tooth structure during preparation, which is especially beneficial for younger patients with developing dentition.
Experience Great Dental Care with Composite Fillings in Tacoma
At Petrie Advanced Dental, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of restorative materials and techniques. Dr. Petrie regularly pursues continuing education to provide you with the most advanced dental restorations available.
Our patients throughout Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place trust us for comfortable, aesthetic dental care that prioritizes both form and function.
Are you ready to replace old fillings or address new cavities with modern composite restorations? Call us today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your appointment and experience the difference that quality dental care can make for your smile and confidence.
