Composite dental fillings

1. What is Composite filling?

Dental Fillings Composite is a tooth restoration method that uses synthetic resin material with a color similar to natural teeth. Composite is made from microscopic inorganic particles combined with synthetic resin, creating a material with high durability and good adhesion to the tooth structure. This material can be adjusted in color to match the customer's natural tooth color, bringing high aesthetics.

2. In which cases can composite cosmetic dental fillings be used?

Composite dental fillings are indicated in many cases, including:

• Mild to moderate tooth decay
• Chipped, broken or fractured teeth
• Gap between teeth
• Replace old, chipped or inadequate fillings
• Mechanical tooth wear.

In particular, Composite is suitable for cases requiring aesthetic restoration in the anterior teeth area, where color and shape requirements are high.

3. Is composite filling durable?

The durability of composite fillings depends on many factors such as tooth position, damage size, implementation technique and the customer's oral care habits. In general, composite fillings can last from 5 to 7 years, even longer if well cared for.

The difference between Amalgam fillings (above) and composite fillings (below)

4. Advantages of Composite fillings

Composite dental fillings have many outstanding advantages, making them a popular choice in modern dentistry:

• Highly esthetic: Composite can be shaded to match the patient's natural tooth color, creating excellent aesthetic results, especially in the anterior teeth.
• Preserving tooth structure: Composite filling technique only requires removing the damaged part, helping to preserve more healthy tooth tissue than traditional methods.
• Good adhesion: Composite has strong adhesion to tooth structure, creating a strong bond and reducing the risk of bacterial leakage.
• Versatile in application: Composite can be used to repair many different types of dental damage, from mild to moderate decay, chipped or cracked teeth, or gaps between teeth.
• Repairability and Adjustability: Composite fillings can be repaired or adjusted after they have been completed, extending the life of the filling and reducing replacement costs.
• Health safety: Composite does not contain mercury, eliminating possible toxicity concerns from traditional amalgam fillings.
• Good load-bearing capacity: Composite has good load-bearing capacity, helping to restore chewing function effectively, especially in the posterior teeth area.

5. Composite dental filling process

Composite dental filling is a technical process that requires meticulousness and high expertise. Below are the detailed steps in this process:

5.1. Preparing and cleaning teeth:

• The dentist will carefully examine the tooth that needs a filling.
• Clean teeth with a toothbrush and special toothpaste to remove plaque.
• Use dental floss to clean between teeth.

5.2. Tooth isolation:

• Use a rubber dam or other isolation device to keep the area of the tooth to be filled dry and clean.
• This helps prevent saliva and moisture from affecting the filling process.

5.3. Sinus shaping:

• Remove decayed or damaged tooth parts with a high-speed drill.
• Proper cavity shaping ensures good adhesion and durability of the filling.

5.4. Tooth surface treatment:

• Use an etching agent (such as phosphoric acid) to roughen the enamel and dentin surfaces.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Apply bonding agent to the treated surface.
• Light cure to harden the adhesive.

5.5. Placing Composite Materials:

• Choose the Composite color that matches your natural tooth color.
• Apply Composite in thin layers (about 2mm per layer).
• Light cure after each layer to harden the material.
• Repeat this process until the sinus is filled.

5.6. Occlusal shaping and adjustment:

• Use specialized tools to shape the filling, restoring the natural shape of the tooth.
• Check and adjust the bite to ensure the filling does not interfere with biting.

5.7. Finishing and polishing:

• Use special drill bits and polishing discs to smooth the surface of the filling.
• Final polishing to give the filling a natural shine.

5.8. Final check:

• The dentist will re-examine the entire filling to ensure aesthetics and function.
• Instruct patients on post-filling care.

In some special cases, the technique of using full-fill molds can be applied to create a better lateral contact area. Research shows that full-fill molds can significantly improve the quality of the lateral contact area compared with the traditional method.

Composite filling procedure requires meticulousness and high skills of the dentist. Following the correct procedure will help ensure the quality and durability of the filling, while bringing the best aesthetic results to the patient.

6. Care after filling teeth

After composite filling, customers should:

• Avoid eating or drinking within the first 2 hours
• Limit eating hard foods and chewing gum for the first few days.
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
• Limit the use of dark colored foods and drinks.
• Regular check-ups as directed by your dentist

7. Composite filling cost

7.1. Composite filling cost 

The cost of composite fillings can vary depending on the location, size of the damage and the quality of the materials used. In Vietnam, the price of composite fillings usually ranges from 300,000 to 1,500,000 VND per tooth. However, the cost may be higher at high-end dental facilities or when using special types of composite.

7.2. Composite filling cost at Sakura

The cost of composite fillings at Sakura Dental can vary based on many factors such as tooth position, size of the lesion, and quality of materials used. Below are the factors that affect the cost and reference prices:

• Tooth position to be filled: Front teeth often require higher technique and aesthetics, so the cost may be higher than molars.
• Size and extent of damage: Larger or deeper damage will require more materials and time, resulting in higher costs.
• Composite Material Quality: Using premium composites such as everX Posterior, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, or SonicFill can increase costs due to superior durability and aesthetic properties.

At Sakura Dental, the cost of composite fillings usually ranges from 300,000 to 1,500,000 VND per tooth. However, the specific price may vary depending on each specific case and patient's request.

In addition, Sakura Dental also provides post-filling care services and filling warranty, helping patients feel secure about the quality and durability of the service.

Note: To know the exact cost of Composite fillings for your case, patients should come directly to the clinic for specific consultation and examination. Sakura Dental Clinic is always ready to provide detailed information and support patients in choosing the most appropriate treatment method.