Composite fillings are a commonly used option for fixing a variety of problems with the teeth. Your dentist may give you the choice between composite fillings and various other materials to use for your teeth. Each option comes with slightly different parameters for how long the filling will last and what you will need to do to take care of it. Understanding the benefits of a composite filling can help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
A composite filling is made to look close to natural. Different from a metallic filling, which can be easily noticeable in the mouth, this kind of filling is tooth-colored and should blend in well. It can be matched with a patient's specific tooth-shade. This makes it a good choice for areas of the mouth that are easily noticeable.
Other than the color difference, composite fillings are very similar to other kinds of fillings. While they are frequently used for filling in cavities, they can also be used to repair teeth that are broken by patching chips or cracks.
Following the filling procedure, you may notice that the affected area is especially sensitive. Avoiding foods that are extremely hot or cold can help you avoid discomfort. This is a temporary side effect of the procedure that should start to fade with time. You should also be careful to avoid hard foods that may damage the filling. Stay away from behaviors such as chewing on ice cubes, pens, or other items that might cause damage.
Fillings in the teeth do not last forever, and eventually, you will need to visit your dentist to get them repaired or redone. You should expect a composite filling to last anywhere from five to 15 years. Proper care can extend the life of the filling. You should stay on top of your oral health routine, including brushing and flossing. It is important to be gentle with the teeth while still ensuring that they are properly cleaned. Your dentist may have suggestions for specific toothbrushes that can help with this.
If, after a few years, you start to notice new sensitivity or soreness around teeth that have had a filling, this can be a good indicator that it is time to get some work done on them. Keeping up with regular dentist appointments can also help keep track of where your fillings are at. Your dentist should be able to inform you when it is time to get the composite fillings repaired or redone.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in San Luis Obispo, CA
Composite fillings look more natural than other options. You should expect them to last around 10 years. Proper care can help extend this lifespan. While you may experience some sensitivity shortly after getting a filling and when it is time to get it repaired, for the most part, it should not interfere with your day-to-day life.
Request an appointment or call Mission Family Dental at 805-205-9278 for an appointment in our San Luis Obispo office.
A dental filling falling out of a tooth may feel like a strange "pop" — or you may feel nothing at all upon dislodging the material from your enamel. Anyone who has lost a filling can attest to the panic of wondering what to do next. You may be surprised to know that while fillings…
Tooth colored fillings are an important way that a patient can restore the functionality of the teeth while creating an aesthetically pleasing smile that leaves him or her happy with the dental work received. Composite fillings are becoming increasingly common, and it is important for patients to know whether the option may be right for…
The popularity of tooth-colored fillings keeps increasing among patients with cavities, as well as their dentists. In the past, they were only performed on the front teeth that were more visible. Today, it is possible, and increasingly common, for patients to have fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth in the back teeth as…