Dental caries

Evidently, the features and color of composite fillings blend in with the natural color of one´s own teeth.

The dentist can achieve an esthetically satisfying result for a patient´s smile because the shade is similar to one´s own teeth.

According to the level of tooth damage caused and the áreas affected, we can classify the reconstruccions as esthetic reconstructions.

When they affect front teeth the restoration can be mesial, distal or occlusal or the typical Class IV reconstruction that affects the edges of the incisors.

Composite fillings have the disadvantage that they are less resistant and so their duration is shorter than amalgam fillings, because the adhesive fixing contracts during polymerization so it is not recommended for excessively big fillings or teeth that have had root canal treatments which require further protection.

In teeth that have undergone root canal treatments the dentist would normally recommend a dental onlay , this way ensuring the durability of the back teeth.

Also the placement of a composite filling is more time consuming and much harder for the dentist.

This is because for an absolute perfect adherance the caries would have to be completely clean and dry.

Ultimately, the composite filling has gained ground because of its aesthetic value and biocompatibility.

Dental caries affect all types of patients, although they are more common in children and older patients.

They form because of acumulated  bacterial acids which attack the enamel.

In the majority of cases this is because of poor dental hygiene and sugar.

If the caries is not so advanced, then a dental filling is the best option.

Stopping the dental caries is crucial as if not dealt with at an early stage could lead to tooth loss.

It consists of eliminating the caries to avoid further damage and the destruction of the internal tooth tissue.

This is normally done in one session and requires local anesthesia.

First we clean the damaged tissue, and then the cavity is filled with a specific material.

In realation to the material used we can distinguish between different types of fillings.

In the case of reconstructions after root canal treatments we would recommend porcelain onlays.

These are similar to resin and composite although they are made of porcelain and are considered much higher quality.

This material is much more durable in comparison with other types of materials.

If the caries is very advanced, then fillings will not stop the damage already caused to the tooth structure.