Do you have chipped or cracked teeth? When your oral health is compromised, plaque can quickly build up on your teeth and gums. This causes bacteria to spread and attack your enamel –causing cracks or holes. Our dentist in Porter, TX, uses dental filling to remove and prevent further tooth decay for patients with minor dental decay. You can choose from various types of filling materials. However, composite fillings are among the most popular types.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made of powdered glass and acrylic resin. They are custom tooth-colored and blend with your teeth. Although they are less durable than their counterparts, composite fillings are highly affordable. By less durable, we mean that the material is prone to wear and tear. So you need to take care of them.
Composite Fillings Effectiveness
Composite fillings are used to treat various dental issues, such as:
Dental cavities
The main reason behind bacteria growth is poor dental hygiene. Bacteria can cause infections and decay when it spreads in your gums. If left untreated, it can attach to the root canal and cause severe tooth decay. And so, dentists recommend composite fillings to treat and stop further tooth decay and infection.
Tooth discoloration
If your stains are beyond the capacity of professional teeth whitening, your dentist might recommend you to have composite fillings. This way, you can help treat severe cases of tooth discoloration. But composite fillings can be stained too. So it’s essential to follow good oral hygiene practices even after the treatment.
Holes in your teeth
While holes are generally due to cavities, your teeth can also crack because of accidents. If left untreated, these holes can host bacteria and allow them to grow and multiply. Moreover, holes in the teeth can harbor food debris which can also cause several dental issues. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can spot them and fill them with composite fillings.
The Procedure
You can typically get composite fillings within an hour. Your dentist will start the process by taking an X-ray to examine your oral condition. Then, they may give you a local anesthetic to help you avoid discomfort. Next, your dentist will drill your teeth to remove decay. After that, the composite resin is applied to your teeth. Your dentist will apply it in layers to make it last longer. Lastly, they will polish your teeth to improve their appearance.
Composite Filling After Care
While composite fillings effectively treat several oral issues, they can only be effective if you care for them. There are a few after-care instructions that you should follow. These are:
- Avoid eating until the anesthesia wears off
- Don’t eat or drink hot foods right after the treatment
- Avoid smoking for the first few days
- Follow good oral hygiene practices, like brushing and using mouthwash
That said, various dental problems are often unnoticeable until they become severe. So it is advisable to get regular dental checkups for early detection of such issues. If you’re looking for a composite filling, you can visit Hermosa Dentistry.
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