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Why Should You Consider Replacing Your Composite Fillings?

Why Should You Consider Replacing Your Composite Fillings?

Having a filling can help restore your smile and improve your oral health, but after time those fillings will need to be replaced. Composite fillings have been used in dentistry for years and are a safe and effective way to repair teeth that have suffered decay or damage. But like any type of dental work, composite fillings may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear. Here’s why you should consider replacing your composite fillings and what the process entails:

Benefits of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made from a combination of plastic resins and other materials that bond easily with tooth enamel. This makes them a great option for repairing cavities and restoring broken teeth. Composite fillings also require less drilling than other types of fillings, since they are directly bonded to the tooth. Composite fillings can be color-matched to your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible once placed in your mouth.

When Composite Fillings Need to Be Replaced

Composite fillings are not meant to last forever and will need to be replaced after some time. Composite fillings can wear down over time due to chewing, drinking hot or cold liquids, or grinding your teeth. Composite fillings may also shrink over time as the material wears away from tooth enamel. This can create small gaps between the filling and the tooth, which makes it more vulnerable to decay. Composite fillings may also become stained or discolored from everyday wear and tear.

Reasons You Should Replace Composite Fillings

Replacing your composite fillings is important for maintaining good oral health. Composite fillings that have worn down can create gaps between the filling and the tooth, which makes it more susceptible to bacteria and plaque buildup. Composite fillings can also chip or break away, allowing food particles to build up in the area. Replacing your composite fillings will not only help restore your smile but will also reduce the risk of further dental damage or tooth decay.

How Composite Fillings Are Replaced

The process of replacing a composite filling is similar to how a new one is placed in your mouth. Your dentist will use a special type of drill to remove the old filling before cleaning the area and preparing it for a new one. Composite fillings are mixed with a special adhesive that bonds directly to tooth enamel, ensuring a secure fit and protecting your tooth from decay or damage. Once the new filling is in place, your dentist will make sure it fits properly and polish it so that it looks like your natural teeth.

Summary

Composite fillings are an effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth, but they do need to be replaced after some time due to wear and tear. Replacing worn-down composite fillings is important for preserving good oral health since they can create gaps between the filling and the tooth, allowing food particles to build up and bacteria and plaque to form. The process of replacing a composite filling is similar to when it’s initially placed in the mouth; your dentist will use a special type of drill to remove the old filling before cleaning the area and applying a new one.

1. How long do Composite Fillings Last?

Composite fillings can last anywhere from 5-15 years, depending on wear and tear.

2. Are Composite Fillings Safe?

Yes, composite fillings are safe when placed properly by a qualified dental professional.

3. Can Composite Fillings be Whitened?

No, Composite fillings cannot be whitened but can be replaced with a new, whiter filling.

4. Is Composite Filling Painful?

No, Composite fillings are not painful when placed properly by a qualified dental professional. You may experience some minor discomfort for a few days after the procedure.

5 Signs That You Might Need Dental Fillings

Do you have a niggling toothache that won’t go away? Dental fillings may be the solution. Dental fillings are small but vital treatments used to restore teeth weakened by decay, cracks, or trauma. Dental fillings are used to plug up any cavities, cracks, or breaks in the tooth’s enamel and prevent further damage from occurring. Dental fillings can help protect your teeth from infection and keep them healthy so that you can enjoy a variety of foods without pain.

This article will outline 5 signs that might indicate you need Dental Fillings:

1. Tooth Sensitivity

One common sign of needing Dental Fillings is high sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures in a specific tooth. If a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive to temperature changes even after taking proper care of it, then Dental Fillings may be required for treatment.

2. Tooth Pain

Severe pain in your teeth while eating or drinking hot/cold beverages could indicate that it’s time for a dental filling. The pain is usually caused by decay and can worsen over time if unaddressed.

3. Visible Holes or Cracks in Your Teeth

Dental fillings are often used to repair cavities and holes as well as cracks in your teeth. If you see any visible signs of damage it’s important to seek dental help as soon as possible.

4. Bad Breath

Dental fillings may be necessary to treat and prevent bacteria buildup in your mouth that can lead to bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, it’s important to visit the dentist for a dental checkup.

5. Staining

Dental fillings can also be used to cover up discolored teeth, helping them look brighter and whiter. The stain could be caused by an old filling or other sources such as food and drinks, so visit your dentist for advice if you notice staining on your teeth.

Summary

Dental fillings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. If you experience any of the signs mentioned above or have any general concerns about your teeth, it’s best to visit your dentist for a checkup. Dental fillings help restore weakened teeth and can reduce pain, protect from further damage and maintain good oral hygiene.

Q1: How long does a dental filling last?

Dental fillings usually last between 5-15 years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth and the type of filling used.

Q2: Are dental fillings expensive?

Dental fillings vary in price based on the type used and location. However, most insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of a filling.

Q3: What are dental fillings made of?

Dental fillings can be made from different materials such as gold, silver amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain. Your dentist will recommend the best option for your individual needs.