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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:
Contents
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.
Composite fillings can last anywhere from 5-15 years, depending on wear and tear.
Yes, composite fillings are safe when placed properly by a qualified dental professional.
No, Composite fillings cannot be whitened but can be replaced with a new, whiter filling.
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.