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Dentistry vocabulary · Fillings and Restorations

Composite

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/kəmˈpɑːzɪt/nounCore term

In dentistry, composite means: A tooth-colored filling material made of resin mixed with fine glass or ceramic particles. It is bonded to the tooth and usually hardened with a blue curing light.

In Turkish: kompozit, kompozit dolgu, beyaz dolgu

How it is used

Short for composite resin. Dentists place composite fillings, choose a shade, and build up or bond teeth with composite. Patients call them white fillings.

Example sentences

  1. We'll replace the old amalgam with a composite that matches your tooth.

  2. The composite has chipped at the edge of the front tooth.

Common collocations

  • composite filling
  • composite resin
  • composite bonding
  • flowable composite
  • composite shade
  • fillingMaterial placed in a tooth to repair the hole left after decay is removed, or to rebuild a broken part, so that the tooth regains its shape and function.
  • amalgamA silver-gray filling material made by mixing mercury with a powder of silver, tin and copper. It is strong and long-lasting but does not match the color of the tooth.
  • veneerA thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its color, shape or apparent position.
  • cavityA hole in a tooth caused by decay. In restorative dentistry it also means the space the dentist shapes in the tooth before placing a filling.

More terms: Fillings and Restorations

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.