Dental fillings with composite
In order to rebuild tooth substance that has been destroyed by caries, for example, the dentist needs suitable materials. Composite is a material with which teeth can be filled. Dentists generally only use plastic on the front teeth, including the canines. Ceramic inlays are used as fillings in the side teeth.
- Gentle, pain-free and modern treatment procedure
- Early detection and prevention concept
- Family practice for 40 years, now in its 2nd generation
Composite fillings - optimal solution in the anterior region
If caries has been diagnosed, the patient needs a filling as a suitable replacement for the destroyed tooth substance.
Caries primarily develops in the interdental space directly below the point of contact with its neighbor. Carious defects can also develop on existing dentures or fillings.
This is caused by poor oral hygiene or defects in existing fillings.
There are various options available to the dentist:
- Composite fillings for the front teeth
- Ceramic inlays for posterior teeth
“In order to guarantee the patient a functionally perfect restoration, many high-quality steps are required. This also includes the selection of the filling material. At DR. HAGER / Zahnärzte we are focused on long-lasting restorations. We don’t want patients to have to worry about their restorations in the years to come. That’s why we advocate restorations that provide beautiful teeth without composite fillings or amalgam and instead use the natural product ceramic. Our quality for your satisfaction with healthy teeth.”
Dominik Hager
Composite fillings for the front teeth
Dentists distinguish between suitable fillings for the front teeth and fillings for the side teeth.
Composite fillings are used on the front teeth and provide a tooth-colored replacement for smaller, carious defects. These modern composites are inserted into the caries-free cavity of the tooth in a plastic form (cream-like) after removal of the destroyed tooth substance and then cured with the help of a UV light lamp.
The tooth is first brushed with an adhesive (bonding and acid-etching technique) to create a suitable surface for the composite. The now hardened material forms a chemical bond with the natural layers of the tooth. This process is quick, takes some time and remains stable for a long time. Patients receive a restoration in the natural tooth color, which is usually completed in just one appointment (30-60 minutes).
Plastic form as a replacement for small carious defects on the anterior teeth
A UV lamp hardens the applied substance
Ceramic inlays are the right choice for posterior teeth
The reasons for ceramic fillings are not only caries, but also fractures of the tooth crown or the desire to replace old amalgam fillings, for example.
Amalgam fillings have been criticized for 30 years now. Points of criticism include the environmental impact of mercury, allergy risks and the aesthetically unappealing dark fillings.
Ceramic inlays have been developed to withstand the high pressure in the posterior region, while at the same time offering high esthetics and being biologically neutral for humans.
Plastic is not the right choice for posterior teeth. Ceramic inlays provide better protection from so-called secondary caries as plastic fillings. Secondary caries means that bacteria can settle in the gap between the filling and the natural tooth and begin to destroy it again. The dentist then has to treat the tooth again and remove further, once healthy tooth substance. This means that the originally inexpensive treatment with a plastic filling becomes an expensive option in the long term.
fewer and fewer dentists are using plastic in the posterior region
Aesthetically pleasing at first, major disadvantages in terms of durability and impermeability
Dentists often still use plastic fillings in the posterior region. In our opinion, this is no longer in keeping with the times.If the tooth-colored composite filling is initially a good solution aesthetically, the longevity and quality of the plastic is then all the more disappointing. Scientific articles and studies show that composite fillings last just under 7 years. In this day and age of modern dentistry, this is no longer sufficient. The disadvantages of composite fillings, especially in the posterior region, are the caries-prone marginal gap and the strength of the material.
Shrinkage due to hardening allows bacteria to enter the resulting gap
If the plastic soft filling material is inserted and then hardened, shrinkage occurs. Dentists call this shrinkage polymerization shrinkage. Even with high-quality composites, it amounts to a hair’s breadth for an average filling size.
To reduce shrinkage, an attempt is made to place the material in individual layers and harden each layer immediately. However, as the filling hardens, it pulls away from the tooth walls, especially in deep and uncontrollable areas, creating a hidden micro-gap.
The bacteria enter this micro-gap and can now work undisturbed on the next caries, as it is impossible to remove them when brushing your teeth.
A solid ceramic body adapted to the defect is inserted in a bacteria-proof manner and everything is highly esthetic
If composites have to deal with the major problem of recurring caries, the natural material ceramic is the best possible treatment for carious defects in the posterior region. This material consists entirely of natural products. Although the treatment may seem more expensive, it is a far more sustainable solution in the long term.
During the first appointment, the caries is removed and the resulting cavity (“hole”) is scanned using a 3D scanner. Patients are given a temporary restoration for the one-week production break. The porcelain body (“Cerec® inlay”) is ground out of a block with high precision in the dental laboratory and then firmly bonded to the tooth at the second appointment.
These so-called ceramic inlays are much higher quality and more durable than any alternatives. Be it fillings with amalgam, gold inlays or composites.
Treatment procedure for a composite filling
Examination and advice
All teeth are inspected, including the entire oral cavity are inspected. With the help of X-ray images and the innovative software, the DR. HAGER | dentists can create an exact analysis. If a filling is required, the extent and position of the defect and the vitality of the tooth are examined in order to select the correct filling material. A schedule with guaranteed fixed costs is then drawn up with the patient. Appointments can be booked afterwards or sometimes even carried out directly.
Composite fillings are generally only used in the anterior region. When used correctly (time-consuming), they are gentle on the teeth and aesthetically pleasing. However, some compromises must be made in terms of sustainability, as the material darkens over time and becomes less dense.
Local anesthesia and caries removal
To ensure that the treatment is pain-free, the affected tooth and the surrounding area are numbed with a local anesthetic. You will not feel any pain during the entire treatment.
The dentist removes the caries or damaged parts of the tooth. This is done very carefully and precisely in order to preserve as much healthy tooth substance as possible.
Applying the composite filling
After cleaning the tooth, a special gel is applied to the tooth surface, which ensures that the plastic filling adheres optimally.
The composite filling is applied in several layers. Each layer is cured with a special lamp so that the filling becomes firm and resistant.
After the filling has been applied and hardened, the dentist shapes it so that it fits your bite perfectly. This means that you will not feel any changes when you chew.
Finally, the filling is polished so that it is smooth and looks like a natural tooth.
The time required is between 30-60 minutes.
We look forward to seeing you!
Are you looking for advice and professional treatment? Would you like to know which dental filling is right for you? We will be happy to advise you and help you further.
and the entire Dr Hager team
Frequently asked questions about composite fillings
What are the advantages of composite fillings?
- Fast treatment
- cheaper at first
What are the disadvantages of composite fillings?
- Leaks due to shrinkage
- heavy wear
- Existing edge gap
- color unsatisfactory in the long term due to brown edge gap allergizing
What are the advantages of ceramic inlays?
- tooth-colored
- dense without shrinkage
- Wear values just like tooth enamel
- stabilizes cracks, prevents tooth fractures
- temperature resistant
- Biocompatible without estrogens, solvents, allergens
What are the disadvantages of ceramic inlays?
- more time-consuming for the practitioner
- Longer treatment duration
- One-off higher costs
