What Is a Composite Filling & How It Works?
While people still use traditional fillings, composite fillings are becoming more popular due to their ability to make a permanent repair in a single visit. However, anyone going through this process should learn a few facts about it first.
Composite fillings, also known as plastic fillings, are most often used to restore permanently decayed teeth. They can also restore primary teeth that have large cavities or have been weakened by a deep cavity. Composite fillings come from compounds containing various amounts of dental porcelain and plastic used to fill the treated tooth.
Before visiting a Washington Heights dental clinic, check the information below to learn all about composite fillings and their benefits.
What Is A Composite Filling?
Dental composite fillings are regular tooth fillings painted to match the color of your original tooth. They go by the names resin fillings, white fillings, and fillings that match the tooth color.
They restore damaged teeth’s cracks, fissures, and decay in the same way as conventional fillings. Your dentist will remove the decayed area or impacted portion of the tooth and replace it with a composite filling.
Composite Fillings Come In Different Materials
Similar to traditional fillings, composite fillings are available in a range of materials to protect your teeth from damage and decay. To guarantee your satisfaction with the course of treatment, you and your dentist will discuss the best solution for your case during your consultation.
Due to its aesthetic benefits, composite fillings are still one of the most popular methods for restoring teeth to their previous appearance (being colored to match your existing tooth or teeth).
When Will I Need A Teeth Filling?
You will need fillings if your teeth have cavities or if you suffer from tooth decay. Inlays and Onlays are used for moderate decay. Depending on the case, your Washington Heights dentist may recommend dental crowns if you have severe decay or damage.
If you have minor tooth decay, you will probably need fillings, but remember to always consult with your dentist first.
If the strength and function of your tooth have been damaged, you could require a filling or another restorative therapy. Keep in mind that if you have a cavity or tooth decay, you’ll frequently feel pain and be unable to eat with the affected tooth.
How Do Composite Fillings Work?
Fillings work in many ways. First, the dentist will drill out and remove the decay from your tooth. This way, the decay won’t worsen or spread to other parts of your tooth.
The composite material used to form the filling will then be painted on and filled. Since the tooth’s decaying region was removed via drilling and then filled, no bacteria may now enter the exposed area. This will stop the tooth from further deterioration.
Lastly, the dentist will use ultraviolet light to attach the composite material to the tooth. The bonding contributes to strengthening the tooth’s structure. A robust and sturdy substance is used to connect the teeth. This will assist in getting the tooth back to working properly.
Always ask your Washington Heights dentist for more details about fillings before going through the process. This way, you can feel more relieved when you’re in the dentist’s chair.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Although composite fillings are made to resist the same amount of pressure that we regularly place on our real teeth, they are not a permanent fix. It is simple to replace a filling if it becomes harmed, loose or falls out. If this occurs, you must get in touch with your dentist right enough to prevent an infection from spreading to the tooth.
Among the most frequent justifications for needing composite fillings are:
- Teeth harmed by stress or accident
- Decaying teeth
- Teeth damaged by bruxism
Do Composite Fillings Hurt?
Although a filling process isn’t as difficult as a dental crown operation, your dentist will still need to perform some technical techniques. The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth they will be working on. This anesthetic is typically injected into the gums close to the afflicted tooth.
The process should be painless once the anesthesia has taken effect. If you are anxious about the treatment, you might look into a dentist that provides sedation dentistry.
Contact A Trusted Washington Heights Dental Clinic
If you have any other concerns regarding how fillings work or want to improve your dental health, please contact Esthetix Spa Dental today! Our team is committed to giving customers a relaxing and educational experience. Feel free to reach out to us by email or phone, we’ll be ready to help!
Esthetix Dentist, NYC’s Dental Implant & Cosmetic Specialist
285 Fort Washington Ave,
New York, NY 10032
Phone: (212) 795-9675
Website: http://esthetixdentalspa.com/