General DentistryComposite restorations

Treating cavities is essential to avoid further destruction of the affected teeth. Can cavities be healed naturally?

In a manner of speaking, yes. Demineralization can be reversed, decay cannot. Before a tooth reaches the point of decay, it first demineralizes. At this point, the demineralization can be reversed by a process called remineralization to prevent cavities from forming. However, it is important to note that once there is active bacterial decay beyond simple demineralization, a filling is required.

A composite restoration—also known as a “white filling”—is basically the filling of the teeth using a restorative material that is the same color as the teeth. When a patient has a cavity, the tooth has to be prepared in order to receive the restorative procedure that will get rid of the cavity, thereby protecting the tooth against deeper damage and pain. Therefore, the part of the tooth affected by the cavity—which generally has a brownish colour—must be removed. Once this is done, a white synthetic material is applied on the tooth to fill the hollow space.

In the Oliveira Dental Clinic, composite is the material mostly used to make direct restorations (chairside treatment). Depending on the size and location of the damaged tooth, an indirect restoration may be recommended. It is made in porcelain in the lab and bonded to your tooth.