A composite filling is a tooth colored filling that blends with the natural tooth color. Cosmetic Dentistry has made patients aware that they now have choices and these white restorations are rapidly taking the place of a traditional mercury filling. The old choice, mercury filling or silver filling, is ugly and contains mercury, a hazardous material. These metal restorations turn black and look terrible as they age. The new white materials are mercury free, look great and have no metals or toxic materials.

               Composite filling material is an important tool which a cosmetic dentist uses to restore a natural looking beautiful smile. The material can be used to restore parts of a tooth destroyed by tooth decay, to cosmetically improve a smile, to replace old dental amalgams, to close a tooth gap or to reshape mishaped teeth. It is truly wonderful! Composite bonding was the first dental procedure that Cosmetic Dentistry offered.

               Composite filling material uses tooth bonding to bond and seal to the tooth. This is a chemical adhesive bond which helps prevent anything from getting under the restoration and causing a cavity. However, the material must be properly and correctly placed or it can cause tooth sensitivity (hot, cold or biting) or kill a tooth. This is because it contracts when it hardens and is best layered into a tooth rather than placed all at once.

               When properly placed, composite filling material usually lasts about seven to ten years. It should not be used to replace more than half a tooth because it's not strong enough to bear the forces of chewing. In these cases, other restorative options, such as a dental crown, must be considered. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. If you are interested in cosmetic dental care and would like to schedule a free cosmetic consultation with Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky call 404-874-7428.