How is composite placed?

To treat cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Dental filling can generally be done in one appointment. A drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. Next, the dentist will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. After the dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area, the tooth-colored material is applied in layers. Next, a special light that “cures” or hardens each layer is applied.

When the multilayering process is completed, the dentist will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.

When a tooth is badly decayed or becomes infected, the treatment will generally be done in one to three appointments, or sometimes more depending on the severity of the infection. The cost of treatment involving infection is higher than the regular dental filling. Therefore, our advice to you is: clean your teeth carefully, visit the dentist often, and promptly seek treatment when cavity or gum disease is detected.