When your teeth have suffered damage, they need to be fixed. Damage can be caused by tooth decay, which happens when oral bacteria feast on lingering food particles or sugars from beverages and produce harmful acids. These acids eat away at the enamel, the hard, exterior surface, of your teeth, and leave behind cavities.
Without treatment, cavities only become worse and can go all the way through the enamel to the dentin, the inner part of your tooth which contains hollow channels that lead to the root. Other damage may not be directly caused by bacteria, but becomes at risk for bacterial damage. At Ford Dental Group, your oral health is important. To protect your teeth from further damage, we offer composite fillings.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Fillings are used to fix several small issues, particularly cavities from decay, cracks and fractures. There are several materials from which fillings can be made, but the two most popular are composite fillings and amalgam. We offer composite fillings for a few different reasons, the biggest being that it most closely resembles the color of your natural teeth, which makes them perfect for cavities or damage to the front teeth or any visible portion of your other teeth. They are also a great option for those who have allergies to metal (which is present in amalgam fillings) and are less expensive than veneers. Composite is made up of fine glass mixed in a resin material and can last several years.
Why Do I Need Fillings?
Composite fillings can be used for several issues. They are most frequently used for filling cavities or for sealing cracks or fractures that might be susceptible to bacterial infection. Composite fillings can also be used for closing gaps between teeth or for fixing worn teeth.
Filling Procedure
Composite fillings can be completed in a single visit. If necessary, you will first receive a local anesthetic. Next, any decay that is present will be removed. The space is thoroughly cleaned. An acidic gel is used to create a rough surface that allows for the composite material to adhere. That gel is cleaned off, the space dried and the composite material placed, and shaped if need be. A special light is used to dry the material. Once dried, it will be polished. The result is a healthy tooth that no one will ever know once suffered damage.
Benefits Of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings have a multitude of benefits:
- They blend seamlessly with the rest of your tooth, unlike amalgam. This means no one will be able to notice.
- They are an alternative option for those with metal allergies, or for those who have reservations about mercury.
- Less drilling is required.
- They can be used to fix more issues than just cavities, including cracks, fractures, gaps, or uneven teeth.
Caring For Composite Resin Fillings
You do not need to alter your oral hygiene routine with composite resin fillings. You can continue to brush and floss as normal. You should, however, avoid chewing on hard foods, such as ice or hard candies, as well as hard objects, like your fingernails or pen. Composite is able to withstand normal biting and chewing forces, but it can be damaged by the force created upon these objects. Visiting the office for regular dental exams is also important to the success of your fillings, as their structure will be checked at each appointment.
For more information on composite resin fillings and to find out if they are the best solution for you, contact Ford Dental Group today!
