All You Need to Know About Composite Fillings

Despite our best efforts to keep our teeth in good condition, no amount of brushing and flossing can completely keep us from developing issues such as cavities. If you develop a cavity in one of your teeth, it is important to get a filling as soon as possible from a Spruce Grove dentist to protect your oral health.

There are many kinds of materials used for dental fillings, but the most common options are silver amalgam fillings and composite fillings. While amalgam fillings used to be the go-to for dentists, in recent years, composite fillings have become much more popular. In this post, we tell you all you need to know about composite fillings near you.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Compost dental fillings have a more natural appearance than other filling materials. A composite filling can be customized by a dentist to match the color of your tooth, so they are virtually imperceptible when you smile. Composite fillings are made of a mixture of acrylic resin which is reinforced with a glass filler. These fillings are useful for restoring decayed and damaged teeth and helping them maintain a natural appearance.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

While composite fillings in Spruce Grove are very durable, they also tend to have a shorter lifespan than other filling options, such as gold or silver amalgam fillings. On average, composite fillings last about 7 to ten years with excellent oral hygiene practices and care.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Composite Dental Fillings?

There are many benefits to composite fillings, but there are also a couple of disadvantages. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of these restorative fillings to help you make an informed decision.

If you would like to learn more about composite fillings, book an appointment to speak to a dentist near you today.

How Are Composite Fillings Placed?

The process of getting composite dental fillings is fairly simple and can be completed in just one appointment. Here is what to expect:

1. Your dentist will begin by choosing the right shade of composite to use for your filling and ensure that it provides you with the most natural-looking appearance.
2. Next, your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb the affected area and ensure that you do not feel any pain.
3. Your dentist will use a special drill to create a hole in your tooth enamel and remove the decayed portion.
4. The area will be cleaned and dried to prepare the tooth for the composite filling material. At this time, some etching and tooth shaving may also be necessary.
5. They will then begin to layer the composite material into the hol of your tooth, using a light to cure the material and allow it to set. Since the material is applied in layers, the light will be used as each layer is placed.
6. Your tooth will be shaped and contoured, and finally polished.

Once all of the above steps have been completed, your dentist will check your bite to ensure that the filling fits comfortably and correctly. It is normal to experience a small amount of tooth sensitivity to hot and cold substances for a couple of days following your procedure, but this tends to go away fairly quickly.

Other Filling Options

If you are wondering what your other options are for dental fillings, here is a quick breakdown:

• Amalgam fillings- were the most commonly used filling for many years, and are still used often at many dental practices. They are very durable and can last for fifteen years or longer. However, the popularity of these fillings have depleted over the last couple of years, because they do not provide a natural appearance. Additionally, they contain mercury, which makes many people concerned about the safety of these fillings.
• Gold fillings- are more expensive than other forms of fillings, but the most durable option, lasting twenty years or longer.
• Ceramic fillings- use a kind of porcelain, and tend to be quite long-lasting, however, they are very expensive, and not commonly found.

The Bottom Line

If you have been dealing with tooth decay or damaged teeth, then it is important that you address these problems as soon as possible. Composite dental fillings are an excellent way to restore your oral health and improve the appearance of your smile. If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact your dentist today.