Dental Restorations

Enjoy a More Natural Smile with Composite Resin Dental Restoration

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it, and in cases where decay occurs, a composite resin dental restoration is an affordable, natural-looking, and safe solution. Not only are our restorations at Westwood Dental some of the most aesthetic restorations available today, but they are strong and long-lasting as well.

How do I know if my tooth needs restoration?

If you’re experiencing discomfort or sensitivity in a tooth, you may need a dental restoration. However, not all teeth with decay cause pain, which is why regular dental checkups are so important. Tooth sensitivity, especially to cold, sweets, or biting pressure, can be a sign of decay or a small fracture. During your evaluation, Dr. Travis will carefully examine your tooth, review any symptoms, and use diagnostic tools such as X-rays and the diagnodent to determine the most appropriate treatment.

A dental restoration is typically recommended when a tooth has:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Cracks or small fractures
• Chips
• Areas of weakened or missing tooth structure

Restoring the tooth early helps prevent further damage, protects the remaining healthy structure, and allows you to return to comfortable function as quickly as possible.

Cavity Prevention — What can I do to prevent the need for a dental restoration?

The best way to fight cavities and maintain healthy gums and teeth is to keep up on your daily habit of proper oral hygiene. Here are 5 ways to ward off tooth decay and prevent cavities:

• comprehensive oral exam and regular cleanings at least every 6 months.
• Brush after meals and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Drink more water and cut back on sugary and acidic drinks.
• Develop the habit of flossing every night.
• Avoid smoking.

Dental Restorations—The Process

The procedure for placing a composite resin dental filling is a routine treatment that we do every day at Westwood Dental. Here’s how it works:

1. Dr. Travis isolates the tooth from saliva to keep it dry.
2. Any dental decay is removed.
3. An etchant and a bonding agent are applied, followed by the composite resin.
4. A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin material.
5. After the tooth is filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a natural tooth.
6. Finally, the restoration is smoothed and polished to accommodate your bite.

What’s the difference between a filling and an inlay/onlay?

Dental restorations vary based on the size of the cavity, the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, and the level of durability needed. Composite resin restorations and inlays/onlays both repair damaged teeth, but they differ in how they are made, how they are placed, and how strong they are.

Composite Resin Restoration

A composite resin restoration is a direct restoration, meaning it is placed and shaped inside your mouth in a single appointment.

Key Features:

• Made of tooth-colored resin material
• Bonded directly to the tooth in layers
• Completed in one visit
• Ideal for small to moderately sized areas of decay
• Conserves tooth structure because minimal removal is needed
• Contains no metal and can be shaped to resemble a real tooth

Best For:
Smaller cavities, minor chips, and areas that do not require the highest strength.

Inlay and Onlay

Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations, meaning they are created outside the mouth (usually by a dental lab or digital milling system) and then bonded to the tooth during a second appointment.

Inlay

• Fits inside the grooves of the tooth
• Does not cover the cusps (the pointed parts)

Onlay

• Extends over one or more cusps
• Provides more coverage and reinforcement than an inlay

Key Features:

• Made from porcelain or ceramic for added strength and longevity
• More durable than composite resin
• Ideal when a restoration is too large for composite but not large enough for a full crown
• Highly precise fit and excellent aesthetics

Best For:
Moderate to large areas of decay, cracks, or weakened teeth where durability is essential.

What is an Amalgam Restoration?

Pros of Dental Amalgam

• Highly resistant to wear, which makes it suitable for back teeth that experience heavy
  chewing forces.
• Often lasts longer than some tooth-colored materials, especially in large restorations
• Generally less expensive than composite resin or porcelain restoration
• Placement is less affected by moisture, making it easier to achieve a strong restoration in difficult-to-isolate areas (such as deep cavities or patients with limited saliva control).
• More than 100 years of research and clinical success.
• Supported by organizations such as the American Dental Association and FDA as a safe and
  effective material for most patients.

Cons of Dental Amalgam

• Silver appearance makes it more noticeable, especially when patients smile or laugh.
• To retain an amalgam restoration, dentists often need to remove slightly more tooth structure than with composite resin. (Modern adhesive materials allow for more conservative treatment.)
• Amalgam can expand or contract over time, which frequently contributes to cracks in the surrounding tooth structure.
• Amalgam is a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and elemental mercury.

We are excited to be able to restore decayed teeth to their optimal appearance and function with composite resin restorations, inlays, and onlays. At Westwood Dental, we use dental restorations to help adult and pediatric patients preserve their healthy, beautiful teeth and avoid additional damage.