Caries treatment (tooth decay) in Zurich ❱ Zahnarzt am Löwenplatz

Facts about caries treatment with composite fillings

What is a composite filling?	Filling made of a special plastic material in the color of natural tooth
Range of applications:	- Anterior teeth: Fillings, incisal edge build-ups, enlargement of pivot teeth, accidental teeth - Posterior teeth: Replacement of smaller amalgam fillings, initial treatment of minor dental defects
Duration of treatment:	30 to 60 minutes depending on scope

What is a composite filling?

A composite filling is a dental filling that is composed of a special plastic mixture of organic and inorganic materials. This mixture in turn consists of tiny glass and ceramic particles (around 80%) and plastic (around 20%). In an initially malleable state, the material can be optimally inserted into the tooth to be restored and adjusted. We pay particular attention to closing the defect in such a way that the inside of the tooth is completely sealed. This is the only way to protect sensitive dental nerves from germs.

Composite fillings have several advantages for patients. It is available in several shades so that we can optimally match the material to the color of the natural tooth. The filling will therefore hardly be noticeable later on and the overall impression of the dentition is preserved. In addition, the dentist has to drill less when using a composite filling, which in turn means that the treatment can be minimally invasive and very gentle. Composite fillings are also considered to be very durable, as they wear very little. Composite fillings are also good in price for value.

Frequently asked questions about caries treatment with composite fillings

Who is a composite filling suitable for?

Composite fillings are suitable for patients who require treatment of minor tooth defects in the anterior or posterior region. Smaller tooth gaps can also be closed with this procedure.

Does caries treatment with composite fillings cause pain?

Before the treatment, the area of interest is treated with a local anaesthetic so that our patients do not feel any pain during the treatment. Following treatment, the treatment area may be slightly irritated for a short time. However, any pain that may occur can be alleviated with standard painkillers.

When can I eat again after caries treatment?

During the restoration, we harden each layer of the composite filling with special polymerization light so that the filling can usually be loaded again immediately afterwards. You can therefore eat again at the latest after the local anesthetic has worn off.

How long does a composite filling last?

The composite filling is characterized by its longevity, among other things, because it only wears out very slowly with use. On average, fillings last around ten years. However, this depends on how conscientiously the patient attends regular check-ups at the dentist or maintains dental hygiene.

Can allergy sufferers also be treated with composite fillings?

Composite fillings are generally considered to be very well tolerated, but allergic reactions can occur in exceptional situations. We therefore conduct a detailed consultation with our patients in advance, in which you should inform us of any existing (plastic) allergies.

Are there alternatives to composite fillings?

We will be happy to advise you in a comprehensive consultation as to whether composite fillings are suitable for you. If this is not the case, we will of course also offer you alternatives for your individual situation.

These can be:

Ceramic restaurations direct > CAD CAM technology with CEREC (“in house” solution, no dental lab required)
Ceramic restaurations indirect > through a digital impression the tooth is restored by precise dental technicians work

Does health insurance cover the cost of composite fillings?

In general, the costs of composite fillings are not covered by swiss health insurances. However, you can check whether your supplementary insurance may cover part of the costs.

Your advantages of caries treatment in our practice

Treatment done by specialists
20 years+ of dental experience
Modern clinic with air conditioning
Comfortable state of the art dental treatment chairs with massage function
2D/3D Xrays for precice diagnostics and low radiation
Enjoy your favorite Netflix program during treatment

When does a composite filling make sense?

Composite fillings can be used for various treatments. In the anterior region, we use this filling to treat accidental teeth in particular or to build up the incisal edges. We also use this material for filling smaller defects or enlarging pivot teeth.

In the posterior region, we can use composite fillings as an initial treatment for smaller defects and usually place the material in fissures or between the teeth. If amalgam is removed, the composite filling can then be used as a replacement material without any problems. In most cases of Amalgam removal however, we use ceramic restaurations.

In general, composite fillings are particularly suitable for teeth that are not exposed to major chewing stress. This procedure is therefore less suitable for major repairs to molars.

How does caries treatment with a composite filling work?

Caries treatment with a composite filling is carried out in several steps. First, we prepare your tooth optimally for the restoration in our dental practice in Zurich. The enamel edges are beveled for this purpose, so that we obtain a larger surface to which the material can adhere strongly thanks to our special bonding technique. During the entire treatment, the tooth must be drained and shielded from the other teeth. We like to use the dental dam or lip holder for this.

After preparation, the tooth surface is conditioned and the enamel is treated with phosphoric acid. This allows the filling to adhere even better later. During the subsequent dental priming and bonding, we use a high-quality adhesive that serves as a bonding agent between the surface and the composite or ceramic filling material.

Before being inserted into the tooth, the composite is initially viscous and can still be shaped. The composite does not have to be pressed into the tooth, but is applied in layers so that the defect is optimally sealed. Each layer is cured before a new layer is applied. To do this, we use a so-called polymerization lamp, which irradiates the composite filling with light. Once the entire material has hardened, the dentist can finish the filling and polish it carefully.

Note: Ceramic inlays, onlays and overlays are considered an excellent, long lasting and stable alternative to composite fillings. These are custom-made in the dental laboratory and then inserted into the tooth. At our dental practice in Zurich, we use state-of-the-art CEREC technology, which reduces the time required to produce inlays, onlays and overlays. The tooth is digitally measured with a scanner and can be examined on the computer. This model is then used to make a custom-fit denture that blends in perfectly with the appearance of the natural teeth. We will be happy to provide you with detailed information about this technique at our dental practice in Zurich.

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