Composite Fillings
Composite fillings involve your dentist removing the decayed or diseased portions of tooth structure and refilling the void with a compatible filling material.
The procedure uses composite material to repair cracks, fractures, and worn-out teeth. You can do filling anywhere in your dental structure, whether in front or back teeth.
Step Involved In Composite Filling
Step One
The first of this process involves the dentist applying local anesthetics to numb the regions around the teeth you want to fill. Numbing makes the process painless and less destructive.
Step Two
After that, the dentist will use a dental handpiece to remove or trim the decayed parts. The choice of device they pick will depend on the dentist’s comfort, training, and teeth location.
Step Three
After the dentist removes the decay and cleans the selected areas, he will begin to apply the tooth-colored materials in layers. Then they will use a special light to cure and harden every coating applied.
Step Four
The dentist will then trim off the material’s excess edges polish it to get the desired results.
How to Take Care of Teeth with Composite Filling
Caring for a composite filling has no standard process to follow. It only involves you following the general oral hygiene listed below.
- Always brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Remember to do flossing once a day
- Eat a balanced diet
- Use an antibacterial hand wash at least once daily
Apart from the above oral hygiene measures, ensure that you visit your dentists regularly for a check-up. Such visits will help you identify faults like when the material cracks or begins to leak. Leakage in this concept refers to the instances when the sides of the composite filling begin to separate. It can allow debris and saliva to drip down the gum, thereby causing decay.
When your doctor detects such issues, they might recommend x-rays to assess the situation further.
How to Deal With Common Composite Filling Problems
Some common problems may come due to the introduction of the foreign composite material into your dental formula. Some of them go away with time, but some will need your dentist to have a look, as discussed below.
Crack and Chips Falling Off
You might notice sharp edges and crack in the composite or chips and pieces of the material beginning to fall off. When this happens, we recommend that you contact your dentist for an appointment.
Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity and pain after the placement is typical. This can increase due to sensitivity to pressure, air, temperature, and sweet foods. After going through the filling procedure, try to avoid such things, and use painkillers within the first few weeks.
Discomfort
You may feel discomfort around the filled teeth, mostly when you bite. Such problems can be due to the impact of the composite material on the other teeth or gum. Sometimes the pain will calm after a short time.
If it persists, then you can return to your dentist to reshape and re-trim the material.
