A composite filling is made from resin material and glass-like materials that are used to treat significant cavities. Composite fillings are also known as white, clear, or tooth-colored fillings because they can be customized to blend into your natural tooth color. Composite fillings are strong and durable, and can last for many years with proper care. Composite fillings are the most popular type of dental filling. They offer many benefits, including:
- They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, so they are less noticeable than other types of fillings.
- They are strong and durable, and can last for many years with proper care.
- They bond well to the enamel on your tooth, which helps to support and prevent further decay.
What to Expect When Having a Composite Filling Placed
Oftentimes the first step is to have your dentist numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable procedure. Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will clean out the cavity, removing debris, bacteria, and weakened tooth structure. The tooth is dried so a layer of primer and bonding can be applied to join the filling to the tooth.. Then the composite is manipulated into place, shaped, and cured using a special blue colored light. Once the filling is fully cured, your dentist will shape and polish it so it looks natural and blends in with the surrounding teeth.
What to Expect After the Appointment
Some patients may feel sensitivity to hot, cold, or chewing. This can happen, and typically subsides within 72 hours, but can take longer. To care for your composite filling, you should brush and floss your teeth regularly. You should also avoid biting down on hard objects, such as ice cubes or pens, since this can decrease the lifespan of your filling.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed composite fillings and how they are used in dentistry. We also explained what to expect when having a filling placed, as well as what to expect after the appointment. If you have any questions about composite fillings or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today. Thanks for reading!
