Composite Fillings

Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits of composite or “white” fillings, is that of decreased thermal sensitivity and immediate readiness to use. If you have had a silver filling in the past, you likely remember it being a bit sensitive to hot or cold for a matter of weeks to months after its placement. Metal by nature is a better conductor of heat than composite resin, and this could result in a sensitive tooth. You may also recall being told not to eat on your newly filled tooth for 24 hours. Modern day composites and their bonding agents are lightly cured at the chair and are ready to chew upon immediately. Even if you have a “mouth full” of fillings, with composite resins no one has to know!