Having a tooth filled is an incredibly common dental procedure, treating dental cavities and damage. Composite fillings offer an aesthetic repair, rebuilding teeth and restoring them back to full functionality. Dental composite is a type of resin made from a mixture of glass and plastic which, when hardened, looks just like dental enamel. It can be colour-matched to blend in perfectly with the natural tooth.
We can replace noticeable metal fillings with white replacements using dental composite.
A filling is a quick and pain-free procedure, managed with local anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort. To create the best cosmetic repair, we carefully colour match the composite to the shade of your natural teeth, enabling it to blend in.
The composite is applied in layers, and moulded and contoured to match the natural shape of your tooth. We then harden it using a special bright light and give it a professional polish.
As the composite filling is set, no downtime is required and you can eat on it straight away.
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a durable and long-lasting solution for treating cavities and minor tooth damage. On average, composite fillings can last between 5 to 7 years, depending on various factors such as the location of the filling, the size of the cavity, and your oral hygiene habits. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, composite fillings can even last up to 10 years or more. It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist at Aspire Smiles for regular check-ups to ensure the longevity of your composite fillings.
After having a composite filling placed, it is generally recommended to wait until the local anesthetic has worn off before eating or drinking. This typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the individual. Eating or drinking while still numb can lead to accidentally biting your cheeks, tongue, or lips, causing injury. Once the numbness has subsided, you can eat and drink normally. However, it's best to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods for the first 24 hours after the procedure to allow the filling to fully set and bond to your tooth. If you experience any sensitivity or discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold items, please contact Aspire Smiles for advice.
Yes, composite fillings can be repaired if they become damaged or worn over time. One of the advantages of composite fillings is that they bond directly to the tooth structure, allowing for repairs without the need to replace the entire filling. If you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or wear, to your composite filling, it's essential to contact Aspire Smiles promptly for an assessment. Our experienced cosmetic dentists will evaluate the filling and determine whether a repair or replacement is necessary. Catching and addressing any issues early on can help prevent further damage to your tooth and maintain the integrity of your filling.
One of the main advantages of composite fillings is their ability to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Composite resin material comes in a wide range of shades, allowing our cosmetic dentists at Aspire Smiles to match the filling color to your teeth. The filling material is layered and sculpted to mimic the shape, texture, and translucency of your natural tooth, ensuring a virtually invisible result. Once the filling is polished, it will be difficult to distinguish from your surrounding teeth. This makes composite fillings an excellent choice for treating cavities or damage in visible areas of your smile, as they provide both strength and aesthetic appeal.
Composite fillings are a versatile and popular choice for treating a wide range of cavities, from small to medium-sized ones. These tooth-colored fillings are made of a durable resin material that can be moulded and shaped to fit the specific contours of your tooth, providing a seamless and natural-looking restoration. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which helps to strengthen and support the remaining healthy tooth tissue. This bonding ability makes them an excellent option for treating cavities in visible areas of your smile, as they blend in with your natural teeth. However, there are some situations where composite fillings may not be the most suitable choice. For larger cavities or areas subject to high biting pressure, such as molars, our experienced dentists at Aspire Smiles may recommend alternative treatments. These options include inlays, onlays, or crowns, which are designed to provide greater durability, protection, and long-term stability for your tooth. Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit within or over the cusps of your tooth, while crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
The duration of the composite filling procedure can vary depending on the size, location, and complexity of the cavity being treated. On average, a single composite filling can be completed within 30 to 60 minutes. However, if you require multiple fillings or have more extensive decay, the appointment may take longer to ensure that each filling is placed with precision and care. At Aspire Smiles, our experienced cosmetic dentists follow a meticulous process to ensure the best possible results for your composite fillings. The procedure begins with numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. Once you are completely numb, the dentist will remove the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth using special instruments. They will then clean and prepare the cavity to receive the composite filling material. The composite resin is applied to the cavity in layers, with each layer being carefully shaped and sculpted to mimic the natural contours of your tooth. A special light is used to harden and bond each layer of the filling material to your tooth. This layering process helps to ensure a strong, durable, and natural-looking restoration. Once the filling is built up to the desired shape and size, your dentist will make final adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite and a seamless fit with your surrounding teeth. The filling is then polished to a smooth, glossy finish that blends in with your natural tooth structure.
At Aspire Smiles, our top priority is ensuring our patients' comfort and well-being throughout any dental procedure, including composite fillings. We understand that many people experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, which is why we go above and beyond to create a relaxing, stress-free environment and to minimize any potential discomfort associated with your treatment. Before beginning the composite filling procedure, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. This involves carefully administering the anesthetic using a very fine needle, which most patients find to be a relatively painless experience. We also offer topical numbing gel to minimize any sensation during the injection. The local anesthetic will ensure that you don't feel any pain or discomfort while your dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth and places the composite filling. During the procedure, you may experience some slight pressure or sensitivity, but this should not be painful. Our skilled dentists use gentle techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to minimize any discomfort and to complete your treatment as efficiently as possible. If at any point you do experience pain or discomfort, please let our team know immediately, and we will take steps to address your concerns and make you more comfortable.
Caring for your composite fillings is essential to ensure their longevity and to maintain optimal oral health. The good news is that maintaining your composite fillings is very similar to caring for your natural teeth. By following a few simple guidelines and maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, you can help your fillings last for many years and keep your smile looking its best. The most important aspect of caring for your composite fillings is to maintain a thorough and regular oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When brushing, be sure to use gentle, circular motions and to pay special attention to the areas around your fillings, as these areas can be more susceptible to plaque buildup and decay. It's also crucial to floss daily, carefully guiding the floss between your teeth and along the gum line to remove any food particles or plaque that your toothbrush may have missed. In addition to your at-home oral care routine, it's essential to visit Aspire Smiles for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. During these appointments, our experienced dental team will thoroughly examine your composite fillings to ensure that they are in good condition and free from any signs of wear, damage, or decay. We will also provide a deep cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that may have accumulated around your fillings or in other areas of your mouth. To further protect your composite fillings and your overall oral health, it's important to avoid certain habits that can cause damage to your teeth and restorations. This includes avoiding biting on hard objects such as ice, pen caps, or fingernails, as this can cause your fillings to chip, fracture, or become dislodged.
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