Have you noticed a small dark spot on a tooth or felt a sudden sensitivity when drinking something cold? These are often the first whispers of a cavity. Ignoring them can lead to pain, but treating them early is simple and effective. In the world of modern dentistry, we have moved far beyond the unsightly silver fillings of the past. Today, we focus on composite resins—tooth-colored dental fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
This topic is vital for everyone, whether you are a local resident here in Quito or a traveler passing through our beautiful city. Dental health doesn’t take a vacation, and knowing your options is the first step to a healthy mouth. In this article, I will provide a complete explanation of dental composites, including why they are essential for structural integrity, how the procedure works, and answers to the most common questions to put your mind at ease. At Centro Odontológico Asiri, we believe that pain is not an option, and we are here to guide you toward a healthy, beautiful smile.
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In dentistry, a “filling” is a treatment used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure resulting from caries or external trauma. While there are different materials available, at Asiri, we prioritize Composite Resins. These are tooth-colored plastic and glass mixtures used to restore decayed teeth.
Colloquially, you might hear these referred to as “white fillings.” They are versatile and can be used not just for treating decay, but also for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. This aligns with our mission to provide high aesthetics and quality of life.
The material is soft and malleable when applied, allowing us to sculpt it perfectly to the shape of your tooth. Once shaped, it is hardened using a specific blue light, creating a durable restoration that supports the remaining tooth structure.
Fillings are used to repair teeth that have been affected by caries
We dentists call this a composite resin restoration.
The importance of high-quality dental fillings extends beyond just “fixing a hole.” From a health perspective, sealing a cavity prevents bacteria from penetrating deep into the nerve of the tooth, which can cause severe infection and pain and the need of a root canal treatment.
From a structural standpoint, composites bond to the tooth walls. This chemical bond actually reinforces the tooth, making it less prone to fracture compared to teeth filled with non-bonding materials like amalgam (silver). Furthermore, for our patients who value aesthetics, composites ensure that your laugh remains bright and natural, without dark spots showing your dental history.
At Centro Odontológico Asiri, we treat you with delicate care. Here is what you can expect:
Fillings last years but there are a lot of variables to consider, from your point of view, the most important is the regular checkup1
The price of a filling depends on different variables that you must consider to ensure that your dental restoration is going to be durable and most importantly: safe.
Here we talk about the number of faces of the tooth that are affected by caries.
The cost of the filling also depends on the techniques used, the more care is taken, for example, working with absolute insulation to avoid any type of contamination and thus improve the safety and quality of the filling.
There are also techniques that allow us to reduce and sometimes even eliminate the use of the turbine or drill through the use of special materials that dissolve or soften the decay so that it can be removed without the need for a drill.
If the decay is very deep, a Deep Margin Elevation or clinical crown lengthening may need to be performed beforehand.
You can also opt for conscious sedation during dental treatments in which a certified anesthesiologist takes the patient in a controlled manner to a state where they will be sedated and will not remember anything or hear the sounds of the drill, eliminating discomfort that may cause anxiety or fear.
As we discussed earlier, there are different qualities of the material to be used in a dental restoration and its success may depend on this.
In general terms, a filling in Ecuador costs from $30. That is, using the best materials and techniques to guarantee a quality, safe and reliable result.
Absolutely not. At Asiri, we live by the rule that “pain is not an option”. We ensure you are completely numb and comfortable
With proper care, they last many years. Reliable longevity for posterior composites, though regular check-ups are needed to monitor them.
Yes! The curing light hardens the filling instantly. However, be careful if you are still numb so you don’t bite your cheek.
We value your convenience and efficiency. A typical filling takes about 45 minutes to an hour, so it won’t disrupt your travel itinerary.
Modern composite materials are extremely strong and durable enough to withstand the pressure of chewing on back teeth.
Your smile is an investment in your quality of life. Whether you are dealing with a new cavity or want to replace old, dark metal fillings, composite resins offer a safe, beautiful, and durable solution. We understand that being in a dental chair—especially in a foreign country if you are visiting—can be daunting. That is why we focus on creating an environment of peace and trust.
At Centro Odontológico Asiri, we don’t just treat teeth; we care for people. We want to see you leave our clinic happy, relieved, and returning home not just as a patient, but as a friend. If you suspect you need a filling, don’t wait for the pain to start. Contact us today.
Our Foundress and guardian of our Values
Dr. Krisna makes sure that the treatment you receive is successful by contrasting opinions between all the doctors that are necessary and ensuring a neat execution of all the processes.
More about Dr. Krisna Casal
Publicado el: 18 Jan, 2021
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