Composite Fillings

Composite Fillings Overview

Composite fillings are also called composite resin fillings. They refer to a dental restoration made from a mixture of powdered glass filler and plastic resin. These materials are carefully rationed so the fillings match the natural tooth’s color. Composite fillings are versatile; they can repair decayed, fractured, cracked, or chipped teeth. Dentists can also use them alongside other tooth restoration procedures, like the placement of crowns and veneers.

Composite fillings prevent cavities from growing and can resist average pressure from the continuous stress of biting and chewing. Additionally, they are tooth-colored, so they blend in well with the original teeth, providing a natural aesthetic. These provide an ideal alternative to metal (amalgam) fillings.

When Do You Need Composite Fillings?

Your dental professional may recommend composite fillings to correct various dental problems. They may recommend them for:

• Tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive to cold or hot temperatures, the dentist may recommend composite fillings to cover the exposed tooth roots, providing relief.
• Molar cavities. Your dentist can also recommend composite fillings if you have minor fractures or cavities in your molars. The dentist may suggest a more durable and stronger material, such as a complete or partial crown, for extensive damage or large decay in molars.
• Building worn-out teeth. If your teeth have slightly worn out because of erosion or grinding, your dentist can recommend composite fillings to add more material, restoring the tooth’s size and shape.
• Filling the front teeth. Dentists often recommend composite resin fillings to repair medium-sized and small tooth defects found in the front teeth. Because they are tooth-colored, most people prefer these restorations to repair noticeable teeth at the front.

Unlike metal fillings, composite resin fillings are safe for pregnant women who cannot tolerate amalgam.

The Composite Filling Placement Procedure: What to Expect

When you go to the dentist to undergo composite filling placement, the time it will take to complete the procedure depends on how severe your cavities are. A typical composite filling procedure is completed in a single dental visit and lasts twenty to thirty minutes. These steps explain what to anticipate when you go for your treatment:

• Your general dentist will assist you in selecting your preferred shade of the fillings. It is advisable to match the fillings’ shade with the color of your teeth to prevent awkward appearances. Some studies say it is better to select your shade early, before your oral cavity dries out, as it might impact your teeth’s brightness.
• The second stage is to dry and then numb the site, undergoing treatment. The dentist must do this because drilling out cavities might be painful. Also, the general dentist will inject your gums with a local anesthetic.
• The dentist begins to drill your enamel to extract the decayed parts of the tooth.
• After extracting the decay, the dentist will clean and dry the site and then prepare the affected tooth. If there is more severe damage, tooth preparation may involve shaving it.
• The dentist will then sterilize the remaining gap and apply the filling.
• They will begin to layer the dental restiration into the space inside the tooth and cure it using a light, allowing it to set. Because the dentist applies the fillings in layers, they will use the light to cure one layer before placing the next.
• After placing the filling, they will contour, shape, and polish the tooth.
• The dentist will examine your bite, checking whether the filling feels comfortable. 
• The procedure is over, and you can now confidently showcase your newly acquired smile to the world.

After filling installation, you may experience a slight, brief sensitivity to cold and heat, which should disappear faster.

Composite fillings avert the erosion of your tooth enamel and exposure of the nerves underneath. They preserve the tooth structure, preventing tooth loss. They also blend in perfectly with the natural teeth and are more natural-looking.

Factors to Consider After Treatment

There are no crucial factors to consider after treatment with composite fillings. This is among its many benefits. Some factors you should consider include

• You should not eat food until numbness at the treatment site disappears.
• After treatment, pain or tingling might occur for one to two weeks. The dentist should check the filling if the pain does not disappear within two weeks.
• You might experience discomfort for some days in the anesthetized area or the gingival area damaged during filling. That will disappear on its own with time.
• The deeper your filling, the more prolonged the sensitivity period. Thanks to the medication placed underneath the filling, sensitivity reduces on its own and disappears with time.

Composite Fillings Lifespan

The durability of composite resin fillings has been under question for several years. Before, the lifespan of these dental restorations was shorter, and there were higher failure rates. Research shows the composite resin fillings’ lifespan is seven to 10 years. However, the durability of these fillings could be impacted by several factors, such as:

• The filling’s location and size. Fillings placed in places of constant grinding or high stress might wear down more quickly.
• The biting force exerted on the fillings
• The patient’s dental hygiene habits

Caring correctly for the restorations may extend their longevity. Caring for composite fillings entails the following:

• Lowering the intake of staining beverages. Like original teeth, composite filling restorations are also susceptible to stains from colored drinks such as coffee and tea.
• Avoiding hard-to-chew foods. Chewing or biting on hard foods such as nuts and candy can accelerate the wear and tear on your composite fillings. 
• Reducing consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Sugar might erode your fillings, resulting in new dental caries beneath the existing fillings. The newly developed cavities might eventually spread to healthy teeth.
• Proper dental hygiene. Routine dental checkups, flossing, and brushing teeth will help keep your smile.

Complying with the above tips will help your restorations last for a more extended period.

Other Types of Tooth Fillings

Your general dentist might offer several options of filling materials. Apart from composite fillings, other types of filling materials include the following:

Gold Dental Fillings

The price of gold fillings is higher than other forms of fillings. However, it is worth it. These are highly durable; they can last over twenty years. This process of placing gold fillings necessitates two dental visits.

Ceramic Dental Fillings

Ceramic dental fillings are made of some type of porcelain material and are highly durable, lasting up to 15 years. However, they are not common; they are costly, and the placement process requires two appointments.

Silver (Amalgam) Fillings

Amalgam fillings have been the most commonly used for years and are still widely utilized. They are very long-lasting and might last over fifteen years. Even more, placing these restorations is relatively simple because the dental professional does not have to dry or clean during placement. The cost of amalgam fillings is also lower compared to other fillings.

The popularity of amalgam fillings has decreased in recent years. That is because they are not naturally looking since they are not tooth-colored. Also, amalgam fillings contain mercury, which may be a concern for many. However, the ADA (American Dental Association) has deemed it a safe and feasible option. A study has shown there is no adequate evidence of mercury’s adverse effects, though more studies are necessary.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings are made from glass filler. Like composite resin fillings, these are tooth-colored, and the dental lab can shade them to match a patient’s teeth. That means they are less conspicuous than metal fillings.

These fillings also generate fluoride, which reduces the likelihood of new cavities forming. However, they do not last long compared to silver fillings and might not work for larger cavities.

Composite Fillings Advantages

Most patients opt for composite more than other fillings since they address many unique dental problems and provide several other benefits. They are malleable and quickly bond with natural teeth, cushioning the sensitive dentine beneath. Some benefits of composite fillings include the following:

Natural Look and Aesthetics

A key benefit of composite fillings is their natural appearance and aesthetic appeal. Unlike metal fillings that are silver and conspicuous, a dental lab can color-match composite fillings to resemble your original teeth.

Composite fillings comprise a mixture of filler and resin materials that the dental lab can customize to resemble the precise shade of teeth. This customization ensures the restoration is almost indistinguishable from the adjacent tooth structure, achieving a more pleasing, natural appearance.

Composite fillings’ capability to attain a natural appearance makes them a perfect option for filling dental cavities in noticeable areas, like the front teeth. Whether you are talking, smiling, or laughing, you can do so confidently, knowing your restoration is discreet and blends in perfectly with your original smile.

Apart from their natural appearance, composite fillings can be molded and shaped to match your tooth’s contours. This assists in creating a more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious outcome, enhancing your smile’s overall appearance.

Composite fillings are perfect if you seek tooth restorations that offer aesthetics and functionality. Consult your dental professional to establish whether these restorations suit your dental goals and needs.

Longevity and Durability

Composite resin fillings are popular due to their longevity and durability. With proper maintenance and care, they will last for several years.

Generally, composite fillings resist the usual forces of chewing and biting. They are resilient and strong, and thus can be used in both back and front teeth. Yet, it is crucial to understand that composite fillings might not be as long-lasting as other fillings in particular instances. For example, composite fillings in places with extensive chewing forces or large fillings need additional support, like a crown, to achieve long-lasting stability.

Proper oral hygiene practices are crucial to maximizing the longevity and durability of composite fillings. These practices include flossing once daily, brushing twice daily, and scheduling regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups.

Avoiding practices like using your teeth as tools and avoiding habits like biting on hard items can also prevent the fillings from being damaged. It is also crucial to watch out for any changes in your health if you have composite fillings. Call your dentist if the fillings are damaged or you experience sensitivity. Immediate treatment can assist in preventing further complications.

Composite dental fillings are generally a long-term option for tooth restorations. By caring for the fillings properly and following proper oral hygiene practices, you can be sure they will last longer and you will enjoy a healthier smile.

Low Tooth Sensitivity Risk

Tooth sensitivity becomes worse the more the tooth becomes damaged. This makes taking cold or hot beverages and foods unbearable. Composite fillings assist in alleviating this issue since the resin bonds with the tooth, insulating it against fluctuating temperatures. However, patients with newly placed composite fillings might still feel mild sensitivity that will subside over time.

On the other hand, because of their metal composition, amalgam fillings can conduct cold and heat, resulting in discomfort in some patients. Since composite fillings are resin-made, they do not present this problem and give patients a more comfortable experience.

Stronger and Quicker Bonding and Hardening Onto the Tooth

Composite fillings bond directly onto the tooth, creating a more robust bond than other fillings held in position by the cavity’s shape. The direct bonding of composite fillings assists in strengthening the tooth and reducing the likelihood of further fractures or damage.

After putting the filling onto the teeth, dental professionals shine a special light on it. The light helps the fillings to harden, therefore reducing the bonding period. The lessened bonding period means the procedure will only take a brief period and can be completed in a single dental visit. The procedure to place composite fillings leads to shorter dental appointments since enamel drilling takes a shorter period. The placement of other dental fillings takes more time.

Little Removal of Healthy Tooth Structure

Another benefit of composite dental fillings is that they necessitate little extraction of the healthy tooth enamel. Other fillings, like silver amalgam, often necessitate more in-depth drilling of the enamel to form room for installation. This could weaken the tooth, increasing the likelihood of fractures, breakage, or chipping.

On the contrary, the dentist can bond composite fillings directly onto the tooth with little scraping off of the enamel. When bonded to the original tooth, the fillings form an external protective layer that safeguards the sensitive areas, stopping more tooth damage.

Natural Appearance

Among the primary advantages of composite fillings is their natural look. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, which stand out against the original teeth, composite dental fillings are tooth-colored; thus, they blend in perfectly with the natural teeth. This has made them popular for filling cavities in noticeable mouth areas like the front teeth.

Versatility

Unlike silver fillings, composite dental fillings have several dental applications. They are utilized in cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. For example, they are ideal for treating cavities, chipped teeth, and dental cracks. These fillings are also perfect for closing gaps between teeth.

They Strengthen Tooth Structure

Decayed teeth often lose part of their structural longevity and durability. Composite fillings bond onto the natural tooth structure, providing more support. After the bonding material hardens, it leads to solid teeth that can resist added pressure.

Composite Fillings Disadvantages

Composite fillings have many advantages, but they also have some drawbacks. These include:

• Their lifespan is shorter than other types of fillings
• They could take a longer time to apply due to the layers
•  They generally cost more than amalgam fillings
• Teeth must be very dry during placement
• Consumption of red wine, cola, cigarettes, and tea causes the discoloration of the fillings.
• You may experience short-term sensitivity after the procedure. This sensitivity lasts very briefly. If it lasts longer, you want to consult a dental professional.

Cost of Composite Fillings

Before undergoing a composite filling procedure, you want to consider your finances. On average, the cost of composite fillings in California ranges between $150 and $500 per tooth. The precise cost of the procedure varies based on various factors, including the following:

• The location and size of the tooth
• Dental experience
• The quality of the material
• Dental insurance coverage
• Additional dental procedures

Find an Experienced General Dentist Near Me

Cavities or fractured, chipped, or cracked teeth need not ruin your teeth and smile. Composite fillings can be one of the best solutions to end these problems. At Calabasas Smiles Advanced Dentistry, we can help you restore decayed teeth with custom-made composite fillings that appear natural and protect your dental health. Call us at 818-878-7300 to set up a consultation today.