This is one of the most common questions patients ask during their filling appointments! We call this device a curing light. 

Many dentists today use LED curing lights in their restorative work. To explain what it does, let us first review what fillings are. When you have a cavity, decayed tooth structure is removed, and restorative material is placed in the cavity to build the tooth back up. 

Tooth-coloured composites fillings are common today because they are very esthetic. Composite materials are malleable when first placed in the cavity, allowing the dentist to adapt it to fit your tooth. Once the material is in place, shining a blue light on it starts a reaction that hardens the composite filling. 

Composite fillings are white-coloured dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous in appearance. Dentists can use composites to fill cavities or broken teeth. They blend in more naturally with surrounding teeth structure compared to silver-coloured amalgam fillings. Most dentists select composite materials in areas that are more noticeable when patients smile, such as the front teeth. Advancements in dental technology and composite filling composition allow for dentists to use these materials on molars as well.

Did you know…

that white-coloured composite fillings are chemically bonded to the teeth surfaces? This can preserve more natural teeth structure while enjoying a restoration that is discreet and understated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for White-coloured Composite fillings?

You may be a candidate for a tooth-coloured filling if you have a cavity, broken tooth, or deteriorated filling. Schedule a dental assessment with Dr. Bellusci or Dr. Chow to find out if composite fillings are an option for your dental situation.  

What should I expect if my dentist decides a White composite filling is right for me?

During your visit, Dr. Bellusci or Dr. Chow will numb your gums and teeth with a local anesthetic. Once the area around the tooth is anesthetized, your dentist will remove the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth and then place filling material on it.  He or she then uses a hand-held light to harden the material. Finally, the dentist shapes, polishes and checks your filling.

What post-treatment care is required after a composite filling?

You should be able to return to normal activity and oral home care once the numbing has worn out. Please inform us if you experience bite. It is normal to have some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment.  This usually goes away on it’s own.  However, please inform us of temperature sensitivity that persists beyond a week.