Dental fillings are used to repair decayed or damaged teeth. If you suffer a tooth cavity or enamel damage, your dentist can recommend a filling to restore the structure and function of the tooth. Additionally, the fillings prevent bacteria from entering the tooth pulp and causing infection.

Your dentist can use several types of fillings to cover cavities. They include amalgam, ceramic, composite, and metal. Composite fillings are made of tooth-colored materials, and the dentist can match the shade of your teeth. These fillings have a natural appearance to keep your smile uniform, increasing their popularity. The composite filling procedure involves selecting a shade, removing the decayed part of the tooth, and using bonding material to attach the composite to your tooth.

Composite fillings can last up to seven years, depending on your ability to follow the aftercare instructions. For reliable and effective composite fillings and other dental procedures in Los Angeles, CA, you will require our services at Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry.

An Overview of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a dental restoration material used to treat cavities and broken or chipped teeth. They are made from a mixture of plastic resin and glass filler. Many patients and dental professionals prefer this material for fillings due to its natural appearance and versatility.

Composite Fillings Procedure

Your dentist can recommend composite fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. After assessing your teeth's condition, the dentist will discuss your options. If you choose composite fillings, the dentist will schedule an appointment for your procedure.

Unless you have other underlying dental issues, the procedure of composite fillings is straightforward. Your dentist can complete the procedure in a single dental appointment through the following steps:

Shade Selection

The first step in your composite filling procedure is shade selection. Composite fillings are a preferred option for many people because they can match different shades of teeth. Most dentists will select your shade at the beginning of the appointment. Waiting for your teeth and mouth to dry up can impact the outlook and shine of the restorations.

Anesthesia

Before filling your tooth with a composite filling, your dentist will apply local anesthesia or a numbing agent. The numbing agent helps reduce the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. If you have an allergy to anesthesia, you must notify the dentist to avoid adverse anesthesia reactions.

Cleaning Out the Damaged Part

If you need composite fillings for tooth decay, your dentist will drill the tooth to clean out the decayed part. Removing this part prevents the tooth from darkening and prevents the decay from spreading to the healthy parts of the tooth enamel.

Tooth Bonding

After cleaning out the decayed part of the tooth and drying it, the dentist will layer the composite material in the hole on your tooth. The dentist will use a light to cure the composite filling and allow it to set. Depending on the severity of the enamel damage, your dentist will apply the composite in layers and cure each layer before moving on to the next.

Tooth Shaping

After the bonding process has ended, the dentist will shape and contour the tooth to the desired shape. Additionally, they will polish the tooth to give it a natural outlook. At this stage, the dentist will ensure that you are satisfied with the procedure's outcome.

After a bonding procedure, you might experience mild sensitivity. The sensitivity should go away shortly. Extreme sensitivity that causes unbearable pain is a dental emergency that requires immediate dental care.

Aftercare Tips for Composite Fillings

After completing the composite fillings procedure, your dentist will give you some aftercare instructions. Following these instructions ensures the durability of the procedure. Besides, it helps you avoid other dental complications. Common aftercare tips for composite fillings include:

  • Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods

Composite fillings are durable. However, they are not as strong as natural tooth enamel or metal fillings. You can protect the fillings from damage by avoiding sticky or hard foods. Chewing ice, hard candy, or nuts can dislodge your composite fillings or cause more damage to your tooth.

  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is an essential step in ensuring proper oral health. After a composite filling procedure, your dentist will recommend maintaining good hygiene for your fillings. Good oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth at least twice daily. Additionally, you must floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles. When you have composite fillings, gentle brushing is necessary to avoid damaging the filling material.

  • Avoid Eating for an Hour or Two After Treatment

After your composite filling procedure, you must avoid eating or drinking for a few hours. Allowing your mouth to rest ensures that the fillings are set correctly and bond with your tooth. Eating too soon can damage the filling or prevent it from setting. When you resume eating, your dentist will recommend that you start with soft foods that do not stain your teeth.

  • Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Your dentist will recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the composite filling. Stiff bristles or aggressive brushing may wear down the filling, while a soft brush will clean appropriately without harming the tooth surface.

  • Avoid Excessive Force When Biting or Chewing

You should avoid aggressive biting and chewing after your composite filling procedure. Putting excessive force on your filled tooth can stress the filling and cause it to wear down faster. Chewing on the opposite side of the mouth will help distribute pressure in the mouth and protect the filling.

  • Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of ensuring proper oral health. After your composite filling, you should schedule a dental checkup at least once every six months. During these appointments, your dentist will check your fillings for damage and repair them. Common signs of dental filling damage include cracks and discoloration. Routine visits will help detect the potential issues before they become severe.

  • Use a Mouthguard

If you engage in physical activities or contact sports, you risk damaging your fillings. Under these circumstances, you should consider wearing a mouthguard. A mouthguard will protect your composite fillings and natural teeth from damage.

  • Limit Staining Drinks and Foods

Composite fillings can last up to seven years with proper care. However, the material is prone to staining when exposed to dark-colored foods and beverages. If you consume staining substances, you must rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward.

  • Avoid Smoking

Smoking is harmful to your oral health. It slows down the healing process after dental procedures and can stain your teeth. The use of tobacco and its products can also stain composite fillings and damage the surrounding gums. Besides the cosmetic effect, smoking increases the risk of gum disease. Your dentist may recommend avoiding smoking to keep your filling and oral health in optimal condition.

  • Watch Out for Sensitivity

Some people will experience tooth sensitivity after a composite filling procedure. This sensitivity results from consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. The sensitivity should go away after a few days. However, if the tooth sensitivity worsens, you must contact your dentist. Tooth sensitivity after composite filling could indicate a problem with the filling.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

Before you undergo a dental filling for your broken or damaged tooth, your dentist will discuss the benefits and drawbacks. The following are the benefits of composite fillings:

  • Less Invasive Procedure

Some individuals find the thought of undergoing a dental procedure nerve-wracking. Situations that require a composite filling are sometimes painful and uncomfortable. Unlike other dental filling procedures requiring invasive drilling, composite fillings are less invasive. Your dentist will only clean the decayed part by slightly drilling into the tooth. In addition to reducing pain, the less invasive procedure protects the tooth enamel from damage.

  • Quick Bonding and Hardening

After preparing your tooth and placing composite material, your dentist shines a unique light to harden it. The hardening process takes a few minutes. Reducing hardening and bonding times means the procedure takes a shorter time. A dentist can treat your cavities with composite fillings in a single appointment.

  • Composite Fillings are Versatile

Unlike amalgam, composite fillings address a wide range of dental complications. Your dentist can recommend composite fillings for restorative procedures like filling cavities and constricting procedures like veneers, onlays, and inlays.

  • They Strengthen Your Teeth

Decayed or broken teeth lose their structural durability. Composite fillings will bond to the tooth structure to restore and strengthen its appearance. The tooth can withstand the chewing and biting pressure when the bonding material hardens.

  • Composite Fillings are Repairable

Composite fillings are durable. However, with time, the material can degrade due to wear and tear. A significant advantage of using these fillings is that your dentist can repair them. The repair process involves cleaning the tooth and reapplying the composite material. The tooth repair process is cheaper than undergoing an entire procedure.

  • Reduced Sensitivity

Damaged tooth enamel can cause tooth sensitivity. Composite fillings insulate the tooth from fluctuating temperatures by covering the cavity and preventing access to the tooth's nerves.

Complications Associated with Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a popular option for individuals with broken, cracked, or decayed teeth. A dentist uses this material to restore the appearance and function of the tooth. However, like other dental procedures, you can experience some complications. Understanding the potential complications helps you engage in proper maintenance practices. Typical complications of composite fillings include:

Staining

Composite fillings are prone to staining. Your filled teeth can stain when exposed to substances like coffee, tobacco, and red wine. The resin material used in composite fillings can absorb pigments from food and drink, leading to discoloration. Some modern composites are resistant to staining. However, they do not offer the same stain resistance as gold and porcelain fillings.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is a primary concern with composite materials. During the curing process, the material contracts, creating microscopic gaps between the filling and the tooth. These gaps can lead to tooth sensitivity, discomfort, and an increased risk of decay.

Wear and Tear

Composite fillings are durable but not as resistant to wear as other materials like amalgam or gold. Over time, composite fillings can become worn down, and the wear and tear of this material can result in the filling losing and cracking.

Post-Procedure Sensitivity

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity can occur after the placement of composite fillings. Although the sensitivity is often temporary, it can cause discomfort, making eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth challenging.
 Sensitivity occurs due to nerve irritation when preparing your tooth for the filling. If the filling is too close to the nerve, prolonged sensitivity or pain may need treatment.

Fracturing or Chipping

Composite fillings are durable. However, they can chip or fracture when you subject the tooth to heavy biting forces and teeth grinding. Fracturing is typical with large fillings in back teeth. After chipping or fracturing, you must repair the fillings or redo the procedure.

Moisture Sensitivity

Composite fillings are sensitive to moisture during placement. Saliva contamination can compromise the filling, leading to potential failure. Proper isolation techniques during the procedure are crucial to avoid this complication.

Infection or Decay Under the Filling

Poorly installed composite fillings allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Entry of bacteria into the tooth leads to decay and worsening of the cavities. Infection and decay after a composite filling is challenging to detect. You must schedule routine dental appointments where your dentist can thoroughly assess the filling.

Cost of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a popular choice for dental restorations due to their aesthetic appeal. Before you undergo a composite bonding procedure, you must consider your budget. The average cost for composite fillings in California ranges from $150 to $500 per tooth. The exact cost of your procedure will vary depending on the following factors:

  • Size and Location of the Tooth

The size and location of a cavity are primary factors that influence the cost of your procedure. Larger cavities require more material and take more time to treat, which can result in higher costs. Additionally, fillings in the back teeth often cost more because these teeth have more complex cavities. Fillings in the front teeth are usually smaller and less expensive since the cavity requires less material and less time to complete.

  • Quality of Material

Composite fillings come in different formulations. The quality and type of composite material used can significantly impact the cost. Premium composites offer better resistance to staining, wear, and chipping and are more expensive. In contrast, standard composite materials are less costly. However, they are more prone to wear and discoloration over time.

  • Dentist experience

The skill and experience of your dentist can impact the treatment cost. Highly experienced dentists have advanced skills in placing composite restorations, so they charge more for their services.

Additionally, a dentist with a good reputation for cosmetic dentistry may charge a premium due to their expertise. If a dentist specializes in using advanced techniques for the procedure, this can also contribute to higher fees. Consulting an experienced dentist will guarantee a favorable outcome for your dental procedure.

  • Dental Insurance Coverage

Whether or not you have dental insurance can affect the cost of composite fillings. Dental insurance plans often cover a part of the cost, especially if the restoration is in a less visible area. If you use a composite filling for a cosmetic procedure, the insurance coverage might decline to cover any part of your treatment cost.

Most insurance companies prefer to cover amalgam fillings for back teeth due to their lower cost. Patients without insurance or those with limited coverage may face higher out-of-pocket expenses. Before you undergo a composite filling procedure, you must consult with your insurance provider. Doing this helps you determine how much they cover for your specific treatment.

  • Additional Dental Procedures

Dentists often recommend composite fillings to repair broken, chipped, or decayed teeth. Sometimes, additional procedures are necessary before the composite filling. For a tooth with extensive decay and damage that spreads to the pulp, you may need to undergo a root canal before a composite filling. These procedures can increase the total cost of the treatment. Additionally, sedation or anesthesia during the procedure adds another layer of expense.

Find a Reliable General Dentist near Me

Composite fillings are ideal for restoring tooth enamel after a cavity. In addition to filling your cavities, a dentist can recommend composite fillings for Onlays, crowns, and chipped or broken teeth. Composite fillings represent a significant advancement in restorative dentistry. They offer both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Composite fillings' ability to blend with natural teeth and provide reliable, long-term results makes them a popular choice for many patients and dental professionals. As technology evolves, composite fillings remain an essential part of modern dental care. Before you opt for composite fillings, your dentist can discuss other options, including amalgam, metal, and resin.

Your choice of filling will depend on your desired outlook and budget. Patients who undergo composite filling procedures anticipate a healthy and beautiful smile. However, the outcome of your procedure will depend on your dentist's expertise. At Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, we offer expert dental services for our clients in Los Angeles, CA. Call us at 310-361-2080 to book an appointment.