Get the Facts: Why Composite Dental Fillings Are Essential for Your Oral Health!

Tooth sensitivity and pain are some of the most common dental problems. In most cases, tooth discomfort is caused by enamel erosion, tooth decay, and tooth injuries such as chips, cracks, and breaks. Unfortunately, these conditions can significantly affect your appearance and bite function and increase your risks of further issues.

Composite fillings are a common solution for repairing tooth decay and damage. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite dental fillings are tooth-colored, offering excellent aesthetics. This article discusses how composite fillings can save your tooth from decay, common misconception and facts about them, and the advantages of composite fillings for optimal oral health.

How Composite Fillings Can Prevent Further Decay and Damage to Teeth

Composite fillings are crucial for stopping the progression of decay and tooth damage. Before the procedure, the dentist will assess your tooth to determine the extent of damage and establish your eligibility for composite fillings. If the damage is too significant to repair with a filling, your dentist can recommend alternative treatments like inlays, onlays, root canals, and crowns.

During the composite filling procedure, the dentist will begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth to keep you pain-free. Then, the dentist will drill through the tooth to access and remove the damaged or decayed materials. The tooth is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly to prevent new infections.

Next, the dentist fills the cleaned-out cavity with a composite resin material to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent infections from invading the spaces to cause further decay. Composite fillings are applied in layers and hardened or cured with a special light or laser. Once the cavity is filled, any excess filling materials are removed, and the tooth is polished for a proper bite and natural appearance.

Since composite fillings directly bond to the tooth, they improve its structure and strength, making it less vulnerable to new infections or fractures.

Common Misconceptions about Composite Fillings

Like most treatments, there are misconceptions about composite fillings that you should be aware of. Below are common myths and facts about composite fillings:

• Composite fillings are not durable. While its shorter lifespan is often compared to its counterparts like amalgam, gold, or porcelain, composite fillings are strong and can last more than 10 years with proper care and maintenance.
• Composite fillings are painful. Some people worry that getting composite fillings is painful. However, that’s not right. The dentist will numb your gums to prevent pain or discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you can only experience minor sensitivity, which disappears in a few days. Therefore, composite fillings won’t cause discomfort. Dental fillings remove decay and seal your tooth, eliminating any prior discomfort. Filling a tooth also protects the underlying sensitive parts of the tooth from extreme factors like heat and cold, reducing the likelihood of discomfort.
• Fillings can cause dental health problems. Recent studies have shown that amalgam fillings could potentially cause oral and health problems. However, composite fillings are made from metal-free and body-friendly materials, making them safe. They protect your oral health from decay and other issues.
• Composite fillings are expensive. Another myth about composite fillings is that they’re expensive. While composite fillings are slightly priced above their counterparts, like amalgam, they are affordable and may be covered by insurance. Visit our dentist near you to find out how much it might cost to get a composite filling.
• Composite fillings are not aesthetically appealing. Composite fillings are customized to match the color of your real teeth closely. Once placed and polished, the filling looks like a natural part of your tooth.

Advantages of Composite Fillings for Oral Health

Composite fillings provide numerous advantages for your oral health. These include:

• Prevents further decay: Dental filling covers tooth cavities, restoring the tooth’s structure and strength. It lowers the risk of developing further decay.
• Repairs tooth damage: Composite fillings help repair tooth damage like chips, fractures, and cracks. They strengthen the tooth’s structure and prevent new fractures.
• Preserves more of your natural tooth: Since composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, they allow the dentist to save or preserve more of your natural tooth’s structure. It is essential for maintaining healthy and functional teeth.
• Improves bite function: Composite fillings improve the structure of your tooth, restoring your ability to chew and eat tougher foods with ease.

Visit our office for composite fillings in Calgary

Do you have untreated tooth damage or decay? Composite fillings are a reliable way to restore your bite function and protect your tooth from further damage or decay. For more information about composite fillings, contact East Hills Dental Clinic to book an appointment with our dentist in Calgary.