Composite fillings are a popular choice of restorative dentistry used by an Orange Park general dentist due to their aesthetic value and functionality. If you’re considering getting a composite filling in Orange Park, knowing the steps will help you feel at ease and understand what to expect from the treatment. This article will cover the composite filling process from consultation to after-treatment care in detail. 

First Visit and Examination

The first step in getting a composite tooth filling is booking an appointment with your Orange Park dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will assess your teeth and overall oral health. The dentist visually evaluates your teeth to diagnose cavities, cracks, or other damages. X-ray procedures may be used to identify the extent of decay and check for issues that can’t be seen in visual examination.

Procedure for the Filling

When it’s determined the composite tooth filling is the most suited for your problem, the next step is to prepare the tooth for the filling. This preparation involves the following:

Anesthesia: to carry out the filling without discomfort, your dentist will apply local anesthesia to numb the region around the tooth. This process ensures you don’t feel any pain or pressure in the affected region.

Isolation: this step involves removing saliva and keeping the tooth dry using a rubber dam or cotton rolls. Saliva can interfere with the bonding process and therefore has to be kept away from the tooth.

Removing the Decay: With the tooth prepped and numbed, the dentist will then take out any of the decayed parts of your tooth. This step involves:

Shaping the Cavity: The dentist will shape the cavity so that when it is filled with composite, it fits properly and bonds easily with what remains of your tooth similar to how rubber fills a balloon.

Etching: a weak acidic solution is put on the tooth to slightly roughen up the surface

Bonding Agent: Various types of agents are applied to the surfaces that were etched

Layering of the Composite: The composite resin is applied one layer at a time. Then, each layer is painstakingly laid and sculpted to perfectly replicate the natural shape of your tooth. After each layer is added, the composite material is hardened using a special curing light.

Shaping and Polishing: When the composite material has been layered and cured, your dentist will then shape and polish the filling to accommodate a seamless fit with the rest of your natural teeth.

When it comes to receiving a composite filling in Orange Park, the process is simple and efficient for restoring both your tooth’s functionality and aesthetics.