What is a Composite Filling?

What is a Composite Filling

Tooth decay is the result of bacteria in your mouth breaking down the enamel on your teeth. This can cause cavities, which are small holes in your teeth. If cavities are not treated, they can get larger and lead to more serious problems, such as infection and tooth loss. If you have a tooth that is decayed, you may need to get a composite filling. In this blog post, we will discuss what composite fillings are and how they are used in dentistry. We will also explain what to expect when having one placed and the steps involved in the process. Finally, we will discuss what to expect after the appointment and how to care for your new filling!

What is a Composite Filling?

A composite filling is a type of dental restoration that is used to repair teeth that have been damaged by cavities. They work best for filling-in small to medium cavities. It is made up of several different materials, including plastic and glass-like fibers. Composite fillings are often used because they have many benefits. These benefits include:

  • the ability to be matched to the color of the teeth
  • can be completed in only a single dental visit
  • preserve more of the natural tooth structure
  • strong and durable
composite filling being cured with light

The Steps Involved in Placing a Composite Filling

To start the procedure, your dentist will first use dental anesthetics to numb the treatment area. This ensures that you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Before a composite filling can be placed, the dentist will need to clean out the cavity. This involves removing all of the decay and bacteria from the tooth using a dental drill. Once the tooth is clean, the tooth will be dried and a bonding agent will be applied to roughen the enamel and help the filling adhere to the tooth. The filling material will then be placed into the cavity and shaped to fit the tooth. A light will be used to harden the filling material in layers. Anywhere from 1-3 layers of composite can be used depending on the size and shape of the cavity. Finally, the dentist will check to make sure the filling is in place and that there are no gaps.

What to Expect After Your Appointment

You may experience some sensitivity after your appointment, but this should go away within a few days once your tooth has adapted to the new filling. To care for your new composite filling,  you should:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Floss daily
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months

Composite fillings are strong and durable, but they can still chip or crack over time. If this happens, you will need to schedule an appointment with your dentist to have the filling repaired or replaced. With proper care, your composite filling can last for about 5-7 years.

In Conclusion

In this blog post, we discussed composite fillings. Composite fillings are a great option for restoring teeth that have been damaged by cavities. We explained the steps involved in placing a filling and what to expect after your appointment. Finally, we discussed how to care for your new filling! If you have any questions or think you may need a composite filling, contact our office to make an appointment! Thanks for reading!

Dr. sisko

Dr. Gerald Sisko graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1987. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Akron Dental Society where he is currently holding a council position. He has had the honor and distinction of being awarded “TOP DENTIST” in Akron and Cleveland as well as Northeast Ohio for the last several consecutive years.

Facebook
Twitter
Email
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp

Further Reading

woman sneezing and sitting in a field of weeds

Got Allergies? Tell Your Dentist

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that as many as 50 million Americans are affected by allergies annually. If you are one of these people who have allergies, you may not think to tell your dentist. But it’s important to let them know, as some allergens can affect your dental health. Here’s what you need to know about sharing your allergies with your dentist.

Read More »
man placing a nightguard before bed

How to Determine the Best Mouthguard for You

As a dental patient, you may be wondering how to determine the best mouthguard for you. There are several factors to consider when making this decision, and we will explore them in this blog post. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of what to look for in a mouthguard and how to find one that suits your needs. Thanks for reading!

Read More »
sad cartoon of a decayed and damaged tooth

5 Habits That are Damaging Your Teeth

We all know that we should brush our teeth twice a day and floss at least once, but there are other habits we may not realize are harming our teeth. These habits are sometimes known as dental parafunction. In this blog, we will define dental parafunction and discuss 5 parafunctional habits that could be damaging your teeth without you even realizing it.

Read More »