Are you fed up with food particles ending up lodged in your tooth? Did you know that it may be a cavity, which can progress into complex problems if left untreated? Yes, small cavities are usually painless and ignored, prompting you to take swift action before it grows bigger. Dr. Steven Kobayashi can help fix the problem with composite fillings to prevent future damage.
Call Dr. Steven Kobayashi today at (510) 962-9530 to schedule an appointment.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite or tooth-colored fillings are a mix of light resin and finely ground glass particles. It’s used to help repair decayed, cracked or fractured teeth.
While metal restorations were popular in the past, composite fillings are more popular today, mainly for aesthetic reasons. It’s perfect for use on front or back teeth because it blends into the tooth structure and looks more natural.
Composite fillings are also durable and thinner than metal. They, however, take a little longer to place than metal restoration because the tooth has to be dry and clean to start.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings offer a few more benefits over their traditional counterparts than aesthetics like:
Metal fillings tend to expand and contract with temperature changes. However, composite fillings do not and can strengthen and reinforce damaged teeth.
Composite resins are a much less invasive option than metal restoration. There’s no need to remove much of your natural tooth structure as compared to metal restoration.
Most people agree that composite resins offer a significant reduction in post-treatment sensitivity.
Many Albany residents worry about the mercury content in amalgam fillings. However, there’s nothing like that to worry with composite fillings, making them a much safer option.
When You Need Composite Fillings
These are the common reasons for using composite fillings to repair teeth:
- To restore worn out or chipped teeth
- To fix decayed, cracked or broken teeth
- To help reduce the space in between teeth
The Treatment Process
Dental fillings are usually performed in a single visit with the following procedure:
- The process starts by administering local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and surroundings.
- Special dental instruments are used to ready the tooth for filling. We remove the damaged tooth portions and clean the remaining tooth structure.
- We apply some medication for added protection if the decay reaches the tooth nerve.
- The void created is next filled with a composite resin material that best matches your natural tooth.
- The next step involves hardening the filling using a blue dental curing light.
- The procedure ends by checking your bite, and shaving off any rough or jagged edges. Your tooth is now restored to its original shape and functioning!
There may be some slight sensitivity to heat or cold for a few days. It’s normal and subsides as your tooth gets acclimated to the new filling. Following healthy oral hygiene and diet and visiting the dentist regularly helps prolong the filling’s life.
Am I the Right Candidate?
Your eligibility is decided based on the amount of damage, and how healthy your tooth structure is. Candidates with mild or moderate decay are generally good candidates. You may need some alternative treatment like root canal therapy or a dental crown if your tooth is significantly damaged or infected.
Diagnosing Cavities
Dr. Kobayashi will first conduct a visual assessment to ascertain the amount of damage in your tooth, using X-rays or scans if necessary. Composite fillings can fix the tooth if the damage is mild, and hasn’t reached the pulp chamber.
Like most dental restoration procedures, composite fillings do not offer a permanent solution for decayed teeth. Though it may need replacement one day, proper oral hygiene will ensure it gives you a beautiful smile for many years to come!