Latest update March 29th, 2025 5:38 AM
DENTAL HEalth…COMPOSITE FILLINGS
By Dr. Neromini Fagu
When you need a filling, chances are your dentist will ask if you want a silver or tooth-coloured material. Most of us are familiar with the traditional silver or amalgam filling because it has been around a long time and has its distinctive colour. Composite resin fillings, better known as tooth-coloured or white fillings, are an option for many restorative treatments.
Composite fillings are used to restore teeth that have fractured or decayed, or to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth. They may also be used to cosmetically alter the size, colour and shape of teeth to mimic the natural appearance of tooth structure. They are made of glass filler particles encased in an acrylic resin matrix material. Trace metals of cobalt, gold and copper give colour to the glass while zirconium and titanium oxides add opacity.
The first system of bonding acrylic resin to dentine was developed by Oskar Haggar in 1949.
But, it was Michael Buonocore who in 1955 described an acid etch technique that increased the adhesion of acrylic dental fillings to enamel. The resin complex used in composite today was invented by Rafael Brown and became popular in the 1980’s when a light system was developed to harden the composite fillings.
TYPES OF COMPOSITE
There are different types of composites based on the size of the filler particles and the filler load. Micro-filled composites have small-sized particles and lower filler loads. This type of composite has high polishability and gives the translucency of enamel. It is used for restoring anterior teeth and cervical abfractions. It is not indicated for heavy-stressed areas which may lead to bulk fracture and marginal chipping.
Hybrid composites have larger particle sizes than micro-filled but the filler load is greater. This material has good handling characteristics and polishes well, but is unable to maintain a high gloss. The strength and versatility of hybrids allow their use in posterior and anterior regions as a universal composite.
Nano-filled composites are composed of zirconia/silica nanoparticles filled with silane, and have similar physical and mechanical properties to hybrid composites. Restorations have a better finish due to the material’s high gloss and polishability. The high load potential makes the material a good choice for both posterior and anterior applications.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITES
Composite filling materials offer a variety of advantages. They are aesthetically pleasing and closely match existing tooth colour and appearance, and are well suited for front and back teeth. The material chemically bonds to tooth structure and thus does not require the placement of mechanical retention grooves to keep the filling in place. The cavity preparation for placing composites is very conservative and less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed, as compared to amalgam preparations. Composite fillings can be used to correct chipped teeth, close gaps between teeth, and repair fractured and decayed teeth.
DISADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITES
Composite fillings can become stained over time and may need to be polished and/or replaced. They are more expensive than amalgam fillings and require longer chair time to complete. The placement of the filling is technique-sensitive and requires isolation from moisture and contamination during the procedure. Composites are not as strong and may not last as long as traditional amalgam fillings. Patients with a history of tooth grinding and strong bite patterns may wear composite fillings prematurely and may need to consider other restorative materials.
The type of filling material utilised will usually depend on the size and location of the cavity, patient history, cosmetic concerns, and cost. Your dentist will help you to decide which material is right for you. As with any dental restoration, composite fillings are not permanent and will need to be replaced at some point. However, with proper care and maintenance and regular dental check-ups, they should last many years.
For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
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