1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Cosmetic Dentistry
  4. Composite Fillings

Composite Fillings

Composite Fillings in Eagan, MN

Replace amalgam fillings or fill minor cavities with composite fillings.

Do you need a cavity filling?

At Now Care Dental, we specialize in emergency dental care. We are a mercury-free practice and solely provide composite dental fillings. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), composite resins or tooth-colored fillings are resistant to fracture, can withstand the stress of chewing, and blend well with your natural teeth.

Composite teeth fillings

Composite dental fillings are resin onlays which bond to the teeth creating a tight fit to the natural tooth. Since the resin contains fluoride, our dental fillings can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums.

In addition, porcelain inlays and tooth-colored restorations create teeth fillings that are not only unnoticeable, but also add strength to weakened teeth thanks to new bonding technologies.

Dental filling procedure

Silver fillings, which contain mercury and can corrode and stain teeth, can safely be replaced with stronger composite dental fillings in just two appointments – restoring them to a natural look and feel.

At your first appointment, we will remove the old filling, make an impression of your teeth and place a temporary onlay on the tooth. During your follow-up appointment:

  • Your temporary onlay is removed.
  • Conditioning gel is placed on your tooth.
  • Bonding cement and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
  • The tooth is then polished.
  • Schedule your dental filling today

To make an appointment for a composite dental filling procedure at our Eagan, MN office — call Now Care Dental at (651) 686-6800. Answering services are available 24/7. Clinic hours are 10am to 8pm, seven days a week.

FAQ

What is a composite resin (white filling)?

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

Following preparation, the composite is placed in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the composite is shaped to fit the tooth. It is then polished the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

It takes about 10-20 minutes longer to place a composite than a silver filling. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity. The larger the size, the longer it will take.

Prices vary, but composites average about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to improve their coverage of composites.

Esthetics are the main advantage, since we can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if you drink tea, coffee or other staining foods. We can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if you are particularly concerned about tooth color. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities.

Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years, which is comparable to silver fillings except in very large restorations, where silver fillings last longer than composites.

Call (651) 686-6800 to schedule an appointment or complete our appointment request form.