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- Torrance, CA 90505
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Once a cavity is located in a tooth, your dentist will recommend you get a filling to prevent infection and restore tooth functionality as soon as possible.
Fillings come in several variations, with the most common being composite and amalgam (silver). Amalgam fillings were once the most popular kind, but composite fillings have quickly grown in popularity because of their appearance and long-lasting nature.
Committed to delivering the latest treatments, Dentist of Torrance knows firsthand that composite fillings help patients feel their best and can do the same for you.
A composite filling, or resin composite, is a dental filling designed to give the appearance of a natural tooth and provides the most natural look of any filling option. Made using a mixture of acrylic resin reinforced with glass filler, they are customized to match a patient’s tooth color and are barely noticeable, unlike the gold and silver fillings used for many years.
Most commonly used to fix decayed teeth, composite fillings can help with chipped teeth and gum line decay as well.
Composite fillings last around 7-10 years. The longevity of fillings increases when patients practice good oral health habits like routinely flossing, brushing, and visiting the dentist.
Patients have several options when it comes to fillings:
Widely used throughout the world, amalgam, or silver, fillings are extremely durable, lasting around 15 years, if not longer. The installation process is simple and the cost is the lowest among all filling options, but the silver is too obvious for many patients.
It comes as no surprise that gold fillings are the most expensive, but are well worth it if you enjoy the style they offer. Gold fillings have a 20+ year lifespan and are durable, requiring two separate dental visits to place them.
Constructed by incorporating specific porcelain, this is another long lasting filling (15 year lifespan), though it is not commonly used and is on the more expensive side.
Similar to composite fillings, glass ionomer is tooth colored and can be matched to a patient’s tooth color. This type of filling also releases fluoride, reducing the chance a new cavity may develop. On the other hand, they are not as durable or long lasting as silver fillings and may not work well for larger cavities.
There are no health risks currently known or associated with composite fillings, though some patients may experience some discomfort for a few days after the procedure is completed.
If pain, sensitivity, or discomfort are still lingering after the first week or two, reach out to your dentist and let them know what you are feeling so they can provide relief as soon as possible.
Composite fillings cost more than amalgam and have the shortest lifespan, but they offer far more advantages than not. Here are a few reasons they have become so popular in recent years:
Using composite fillings to repair teeth provides you with a range of options that your dentist will happily discuss during your consultation.
Dentist of Torrance first completes a full exam and x-rays of your mouth to ensure you receive the best treatment for your circumstance. After this, the procedure is simple and straightforward.
At the beginning of the procedure, the dentist will select the composite shade for your filling, matching it before your mouth and teeth dry out, which could affect tooth brightness.
Local anesthesia is then used to numb the area the filling will be placed. Once the area is numb, the dentist will remove decayed tooth parts with a drill, before cleaning and drying the area in preparation.
Next, the tooth is etched and bonded by your dentist, who will then layer the composite material into the tooth's hole. A light cures and sets the filling. Applied in layers, each layer is cured before another one is added.
The tooth will then be shaped, contoured and polished, with your dentist checking your bite and levels of comfort with the dental restoration until both the patient and dentist are satisfied with the look and feel.
The procedure lasts around an hour and the local anesthetic wears off after 2 – 4 hours. Many patients experience a bit of tooth sensitivity that disappears very quickly.
Besides proper oral care, staying away from foods that are acidic or sugary in nature can help keep composite fillings from wearing down too quickly.
It’s important to remember that this filling cannot be whitened and can be stained if patients use tobacco or drink lots of coffee.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately or call Dentist of Torrance if your filling falls out. Without the filling protecting your tooth, bacteria can build up and cause more harm.
Don’t let the thought of silver fillings keep you from taking care of your oral health. Dentist of Torrance has years of experience providing patients in the Torrance, CA area with natural looking smiles that only composite fillings can give.
We hope this information has been helpful. Let us know if you have any questions!
Contact us at (310) 651-7660 today to schedule an appointment. We will help you decide if composite fillings are the right choice for the smile you love!
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