If a tooth has suffered a minor injury or cavities, a dental filling could be the best solution. When plaque builds up on the teeth, it hardens and turns into tartar and causes tooth decay. Over time, tooth decay will create holes in the tooth structure. If not treated in time, tooth decay can damage the enamel structure leading to infections, fractures, or even tooth loss. Dental fillings help prevent the cavities from expanding or deepening, protecting you from tooth damage or loss.
At Sugar Land Dental, Sugar Land, TX, we provide tooth-colored composite fillings to restore your oral functions and smile appearance.
What Are Composite Fillings?
A composite filling is composed of an enamel-colored plastic-and-glass mixture. They restore decayed or damaged teeth and are generally used to fill small or medium-sized tooth cavities. Composite fillings can also be utilized to enhance the aesthetics of your smile by altering the shade of the teeth or reshaping a disfigured tooth. Their tooth-colored appearance provides patients with a natural look for a perfect smile.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
- They need less removal of tooth structure for placement
- They bond firmly to the existing tooth enamel
- They can harden in a matter of few seconds
- They have fewer instances of tooth sensitivity
- They can be used to fix chips and cracks
- They can be repaired if they start to decline
- They can be utilized to replace old metal fillings
- The process can be completed in a single dental appointment
The Filling Procedure
Composite fillings are usually placed in one dental visit. Our dentists will administer local anesthesia to make you comfortable. When the area becomes numb, the decayed portions of the tooth are removed. The space will be meticulously cleaned and prepared for the filling material. If the decay were near the tooth's nerve, a medicated solution would be applied for additional protection.
The composite matter is then applied in layers, using a curing light to harden the material after each application. After the composite layers have been applied, it is sculpted to fit the tooth. Finally, the tooth is polished to avert staining and premature wear.
Aftercare of Composite Fillings
The durability of composite filling depends not only on the material but also on how well you take care of it. It will be best if you follow the instructions given below.
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods
- Do not eat excessively hot or cold items
- Be careful while brushing
- Observe oral hygiene practices
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups
To learn more about our composite filling restorations, visit our office, Sugar Land Dental at 101 Southwestern Blvd Suite 204, Sugar Land, TX 77478. You can also reach us at (281) 980-5100.
