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Composite Restorations

Most adults today have experienced the need for a dental restoration due to damage or decay. You may even have an old mercury filling from your childhood that has darkened the color of your tooth over time.

Fortunately, modern dentistry and improved materials provide us with the ability to restore your smile without casting a dark shadow from amalgam fillings.

At Alicia C. Almeida, DMD, PC, we offer composite restorations to protect and restore the comfort and esthetics of your smile.

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings

Decay is one of the most common preventable diseases in America. It occurs when bacteria soften the protective enamel covering your tooth and eat away at this essential layer. The softer dentin beneath your enamel covers your nerve and other softer tissues in your tooth structure. Deep decay can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.

We use digital dental x-rays, combined with a visual exam of your teeth to diagnose decay. To eliminate decay, Dr. Almeida will gently remove any diseased tooth structure and sterilize the area. Next, we will place your composite filling, adding tooth-colored material to fill in the cavity left by decay and curing it to make it strong, sturdy, and durable.

Finally, we will shape and polish the composite filling so that it blends in with your existing tooth structure, creating a realistic and virtually undetectable restoration.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

In addition to matching the color of your natural tooth, composite fillings have a number of benefits.

More stable – Because they do not contain metal, composite fillings do not expand and contract as amalgam fillings sometimes do, reducing the likelihood of a split restoration.

No mercury – Some patients have concerns about the safety of amalgam fillings because they contain small amounts of mercury.

Tooth preservation – When using composite material, we remove less of the healthy tooth structure than is necessary with amalgam fillings.

Cosmetic bonding – If you have small imperfections in your teeth, such as a narrow gap or chipped tooth, we can often repair it using composite fillings. This procedure is both affordable and fast. We can often make these repairs on the same day.

Teeth Whitening and Composite Restorations

When you need a filling or cosmetic bonding, we match the shade of the composite to your existing teeth. If you would like a whiter smile, it is a good idea to complete the teeth whitening process prior to any composite restorations.

Contact Us to Schedule an Exam

If you would like to explore your options or learn more about composite restorations, contact our Naugatuck, CT dental office and schedule an exam with Dr. Alicia Almeida. We look forward to providing you with a healthy, beautiful smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a cavity, why doesn't it hurt?

In its early stages, a cavity usually does not hurt. Your teeth are made up of layers. The protective outer layer is made of enamel, the hardest substance in your body. Underneath your enamel is a softer bony layer called dentin. The internal layer that houses your nerve is called pulp.

Decay occurs when bacteria soften the protective enamel layer of your tooth. You can often avoid decay with a healthy diet, brushing, and flossing. Professional dental cleanings help to remove tartar from the areas of your teeth that your toothbrush and floss alone cannot reach.

Decay can grow quickly or slowly depending on a number of factors such as your home care habits, fluoride use, diet, and professional cleanings. By the time decay causes pain, it is often in the very advanced stages and may have caused irreparable damage to your tooth, requiring a root canal or an extraction.

We use digital x-rays to diagnose decay in its earliest stages. By using high-resolution imaging, we can often prevent decay from becoming painful and putting your health at risk.

When detected early enough, we can repair your tooth with a composite restoration. Our restorations will match the color of your tooth and feel smooth and natural. With proper care, restorations can last many years and provide comfort, protection, and stability for your tooth.

Should I replace all of my silver fillings?

With all the news today about mercury and the effect on health, it is natural to question whether you should worry about your old amalgam fillings that contain mercury. Despite the fact that the American Dental Association has said that the small amounts of mercury in fillings are within the safe range for humans, many people still do not like the idea of having them in their mouths.

Generally, unless a filling is breaking down, we do not recommend removing it. Amalgam fillings are often larger than their composite counterparts because they require a larger portion of your tooth to be removed to place them. Disrupting them may cause your tooth to fracture, requiring a dental crown.

Removing silver fillings requires us to eliminate them from your tooth. If you do want them removed for cosmetic reasons, or just as a preference, we will use a rubber dam to prevent your from ingesting any amalgam material.

Most restorations, especially those placed early in life will require replacement at some point because they wear down or crack. When that time comes, we will gladly replace your amalgam fillings with a composite restoration or protective dental crown to improve your appearance while still providing strength and protection to your smile.

Meet Our Doctor:

Alicia Almeida DMD, PC

Dr. Almeida earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of Connecticut and earned her dental degree at the University of Connecticut, School of Dental Medicine. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Dr. Almeida holds memberships in the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association and the Greater Waterbury Dental Society. Dr. Almeida is committed to a lifetime of clinical learning and professional development. She is currently completing the core curriculum of the Dawson Academy. The Dawson Academy ...

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