COMPOSITE FILLINGS
Tooth fillings
There are enough dental jokes on dentists and fillings. But let us explain in a much easier way so you can understand your dental issues or at least laugh for those jokes. The filling is a way to restore a damaged tooth by decay, dark spots or even a lost filling.
They are also used to restore cracked or broken teeth and the teeth that have been worn (because of nail-biting/tooth grinding). By filling the spaces where bacteria can enter you protect further decay of your teeth. You could have also seen villains in English movies with golden teeth, which are fillings actually.
When do I need a tooth filling? / Signs that I need a tooth filling?
They are few visible signs that you may need a tooth filling such as:
- Dark spots on teeth
- Visible hole on teeth that you even may feel
- Difficulty when flossing due to thread struck in between in a certain spot
- A chipped or broken tooth
- Tooth sensitivity for hot or cold drinks
- Lost or broken filling
- Fractured teeth
What are the types of fillings available?
Many materials are used for filling such as gold, porcelain, a composite resin (tooth-coloured fillings), and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).
Which type of filling is preferable?
No one type of fillings is best for everyone. The best filling for you depends on many factors such as the materials you are allergic to, place where filling is need in your mouth, and of-course the cost and the looks.Also, every type of filling has its own pros and cons besides the question “which suits you?”. So, make sure you ask us or your dentist before you get filled.
What are composite fillings?
These are most commonly used fillings, and the ones that replicate your natural teeth colour. Composite resin is a material made up of a mixture of different substances, including fine glass and plastic. This type of filling provides an alternative to traditional amalgam fillings.The material does not contain any metal or mercury.
Composite resin also bonds with your natural tooth structure, rather than simply filling in the cavity. Because of this, less of your natural tooth structure needs to be drilled away to place the filling
What is the process of filling a tooth? / What are the steps involved in filling a tooth?
Step 1: Numbing your teeth:
Before the extraction local anaesthesia will be given to ensure the tooth and surrounding gums are numb. Infiltration and nerve block are the most commonly used anaesthesia techniques.
Step 2: Removal of damaged area
Once our dentist confirms you’re numb, they use a dental drill and cut through the enamel to remove the decay. Instead of drill, laser can also be used to remove the damaged area of the tooth. Then our dentist will also ensure that decay is removed completely
Step 3: Etching
For a bonded filling our dentist will etch the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling.
Step 4: Applying filling
The filling material will be applied to fill the tooth.
Step 5: Resin application
Our dentist may layer on the resin and harden it using a bright light. This makes it strong
Step 6: Polishing
after the filling has been placed, our dentist will smooth out any rough edges and polish the tooth
How do composite resigns are filled?
It is the same as above process. To go in depth when our dentist initially inserts the composite, it’s actually in a paste form. Upon entering the cavity, the composite paste moulds to the exact shape of the cavity.
Composites are placed in layers that eventually fill the cavity completely. After each layer is properly placed and shaped, it’s then “cured” in place. They accomplish this by using a bright ultraviolet light to harden it very quickly in a process called “photo-polymerization.” Polymerizing resin-based fillings using ultraviolet light is fast, safe, and very effective. Ultimately, composite resin fillings completely fill in the cavity, look natural, and restore tooth functionality very effectively.
What are the advantages of composite fillings?
- Replicate natural teeth:
The colour of composite fillings can be closely matched to your natural teeth colour. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
- Bonding to tooth structure:
Composite fillings micro-mechanically bond to tooth structure, providing further support.
- Multi-purpose:
In addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
- Tooth preparation:
Sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
How long do composite fillings last?
They are quite durable and can last for at least 5 years. There are many in which they can last up to 10 years or more (if proper oral hygiene is maintained).
What factors affect the longevity of a composite filling?
There are many factors that affect the longevity of composite fillings such as
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- Location of the filling
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Biting and chewing pressures are greater at the back of your mouth. While composite fillings are fairly strong, they may wear out faster if placed in your molars.
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- Size of the filling
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Typically, smaller fillings tend to last longer because fewer issues are likely to occur.
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- Grinding / clench your teeth
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This condition is called bruxism in which you grind and clench your teeth causing excess of pressure.
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- Diet
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Sugary or acidic foods and beverages can increase your risk of enamel erosion. This can increase the risk of problems developing with your composite fillings.
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- Oral hygiene
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Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential for your oral health and the longevity of your fillings
What is the care required after fillings?
As mentioned earlier take care of oral hygiene, diet and avoid grinding your teeth. Also, immediately after getting tooth fillings.
- Stay away from hot beverages
- Avoid chewing until numbness is gone
- Take medicines preferred by us or your dentist
If you having a vomit sensation following your composite filling, avoid taking food or beverage for at-least an hour. You may sip slowly on tea or coke to minimize the sensation.
Are composite resign fillings safe?
Dentists and patients are increasingly opting for composite resin fillings as an alternative to amalgam fillings, largely due to their aesthetic appeal, and also because of mercury concerns. The US FDA said the composite resign fillings are safe enough to opt for. Composite resin fillings typically are comprised of three components: inorganic fillers, a resin matrix, and coupling agents. And are safer than having a hot beverage in plastic cup or a coke in a can.
In Conclusion, composite resin fillings are a safe option for restoring damaged teeth
