Composite Dental Fillings: What Are They, And When Are They Used?

Composite dental filling are prefered because they have many advantages over amalgam fillings. If you’re interested in learning more about composites dental fillings and whether or not they’re a good fit for you, you’ve come to the perfect place! In this article, we’ll talk about composites dental fillings in detail.

Composite tooth fillings are one option your dentist has when repairing a cavity. In contrast to silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings are manufactured from tooth-colored plastic & glass fibres, making them almost indiscernible.

The fact that they may be shaped to suit the tooth completely makes them a common choice for filling minor cavities. Composite dental fillings are also more resistant to discoloration than amalgam fillings. Composite dental fillings may be an excellent option for you if you want to repair your smile in a method that doesn’t draw undue attention to the fact that you’ve had dental work done.

Okay, so let’s begin!

What Exactly Is A Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are commonly used to fill cavities, the tiny holes that form as teeth deteriorate. During a filling, your dentist will use an amalgam and composite to fill the space created by the decay. In spite of the fact that this is a common and very easy treatment, many people have sensitivity in their teeth as a result.

When the underlying reason is addressed, tooth sensitivity typically resolves on its own from a few days to several weeks.

A Synopsis Of Composite Resin Fillings

If you’re like most people, you cross your fingers every time you go to the dentist in the hopes that they won’t find any cavities. However, most people will get at least one cavity in their lifetime. Any recent cavities in patients’ teeth were likely repaired with composite resins that blend in seamlessly with the rest of their teeth.

Tooth-colored fillings, the modern successor to traditional metal restorations, are made of a composite resin substance that fills and closes a cavity after decayed or damaged portion of a tooth has been removed. Composite resin fillings are virtually undetectable in the mouth because they are color-matched to your tooth enamel.

Given the popularity of tooth-colored fillings, we thought it would be helpful to address some of the most frequently asked issues about this treatment option.

How Much Will Composite Resin Fillings Cost Me?

The final cost of getting a filling that matches your natural teeth will depend on a variety of factors. The cavity’s depth and the necessity of anaesthesia are the two most pressing concerns. Cavity filling is so commonplace that it may typically be done in a single lunchtime session under local anaesthetic alone.

However, nitrogen dioxide (“laughing” gas) or dietary sedative medicine might be recommended if you have dental phobia or a strong gag reflex. We have an exclusive list of Melbourne’s most modern and affordable dental clinic for your dental needs.

Those who have dental insurance will not be billed for any remaining balance unless they choose to pay it out of pocket. For patients without dental insurance, many dental offices receive lower medical financing plans or offer other payment alternatives. It is more cost-effective to treat a cavity early on with a resin composites filling than to wait until the problem has worsened significantly.

Long-Term Consequences Of Not Getting A Required Filling

Deciding to disregard your dentist’s detection of a cavity and the suggestion that you receive a filling made of composite resin can lead to further issues and more expensive repairs down the road. If a cavity grows too large for a resin composites filling, an inlay or onlay may be used instead.

Both onlays and inlays are somewhat larger than fillings made of tooth-colored materials but less than full crowns. After the affected area is cleansed, inlays & onlays are cemented over it to restore the tooth’s structure. A dentist may be necessary if indeed the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth.

After the infected pulp is removed during a root canal procedure, a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from further harm. Avoiding medical attention, however, might lead to the infection spreading to other parts of the mouth and even the bloodstream, where it could have a devastating effect on the rest of the body.

The longer you wait to get a cavity filled, the more time, effort, money, and pain you’ll have to go through. Therefore, having regular dental exams once a year is essential for early detection and treatment of cavities.

What Are The Different Filling Types?

There are several options for filling cavities, and your dentist will go over them with you. The following are examples of the most popular materials:

• Fillings made of a silvery metal. Those are metal amalgams, which are a mix of several metals like mercury, silver, tin, & copper. This substance outlasts tooth-colored fillings and is less costly than alternatives. Even though amalgam fillings are being phased out, there is no clinical evidence to suggest that they are detrimental to patients, despite the fact that their mercury presence has caused some people to worry.
• Filings that blend in with your teeth’s natural shade of white (composites). Glass and quartz particles are mixed with an acrylic resin to create these. This substance lasts longer than metal amalgams but is more expensive.
• Gold restorations. This alloy of gold, copper, or other metals is exceptionally sturdy yet more costly. They also don’t have a realistic appearance. Typically, the dentist will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a lab where the filling will be fabricated.
• Composite fillings made of glass ionomer. These are tooth-colored as well, but lack the durability of composites. They’re constructed from fluoride-rich glass and acrylic, both of which can aid in the fight against tooth decay. They are more costly than amalgams and are commonly utilised on children’s teeth.
• Fillings made of porcelain. These are about as pricey as gold fillings, but they blend in seamlessly. After an imprint of your tooth is taken at the dentist’s office, these restorations are fabricated in a lab.

How To Care for Sensitive Teeth Following A Filling

1. How Will I Feel After Having A Filling?

In order to do a filling, dentists typically numb the tooth and the gums around it. That’s why you won’t feel a thing for at least an hour or two following your session. Once the anaesthesia wears off, though, you may experience some peculiar feelings in your mouth.

There are several, but some of them are:

• discomfort felt in the teeth caused by exposure to cold air, hot or cold liquids, or hot or cold foods.
• gum pain when you chew
• Problems with the filling’s vicinity
• Tense teeth cause pain
• discomfort in the impacted tooth from routine dental hygiene activities.

2. What Causes Post-Filling Tooth Sensitivity?

Several things can cause tooth sensitivity after a filling.

Pulpitis

In order to fill a cavity, a dentist will first use a high-heat drill to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. In extremely unusual circumstances, this can lead to pulpitis, an inflammation of the pulp (the connective tissue at the base of your teeth). However, an infection of the pulp of the damaged tooth can develop if the dentist does not remove the entire decaying tissue. A pockets of pus may form near the tooth, or your gums may expand.

Pulpititis can manifest in two distinct ways. The first type is known as “reversible pulpitis,” because it causes sensitivity but eventually heals, restoring the tooth’s pulp and making it healthy again. The other type of pulpitis is irreversible pulpitis, in this case you will need root canal therapy because the pulp cannot heal.

Bite Variation

The tooth that receives the filling may grow to be abnormally tall. Because of the added pressure on the damaged tooth, this can be rather uncomfortable. A filling may shatter if you bite down too hard, so if you have a broken tooth or any other bite issues, make an appointment with your dentist right once.

Several Tooth Surfaces

Because of the conflicting textures in your mouth, you may also experience some discomfort. For instance, you may have an unusual sensation if you have a gold crown on one tooth and a silver filling on the tooth just above or below it.

Referred Pain

Pain inside the teeth adjacent to the afflicted tooth is also prevalent. This occurs because of the referred pain phenomenon, in which an individual experiences pain at a location that is not the original site of injury.

Allergic Reaction

Sensitivity after a dental filling The cause of the reaction, an allergy to the filling components, is possible. A rash and itching in the area is also possible. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. Filling can be redone with a various materials if necessary.

3. How To Deal With Tooth Sensitivity

By doing the following, you can aid in decreasing sensitivity:

• the use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) (Advil, Motrin)
• You should put off eating or drinking anything really hot or cold for the time being.
• citrous fruits, wine, and yoghurt are only some examples of acidic beverages and foods that should be avoided temporarily.
• gentle tooth cleaning with brushing and flossing
• Making use of toothpaste formulated to reduce sensitivity
• Using the other side on your mouth to chew

The most typical root of sensitivity is an issue with one’s bite. If you feel pain in your bite after the numbness wears off, don’t delay in making an appointment with your dentist. If the filling doesn’t look quite right in comparison to your other teeth, they can change it.

If your pulpitis doesn’t clear up within a few weeks, you may require a root canal. Looking for a dental clinic for your dental needs? Check Bayside Dentists. 

4. How Long Will You Be Sensitive?

Typically, the sensitivity that follows a dental filling disappears within between two and four weeks. Get in touch with your dentist if the sensitivity persists beyond four weeks or shows no signs of improving within that period.

Cavity Prevention Techniques Patients Can Use

You probably realise by now that preventing cavities from the start is the easiest (and cheapest) option. While no one can completely prevent cavities from forming, we may all take steps to reduce our risk.

1. Every Day, Brush Your Teeth Twice.

Cleaning your teeth with toothpaste prepared with fluoride at least twice daily, preferably before bed and after meals, is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Ideally, you should clean your teeth right after waking up and again right before bed.

In doing so, you can remove food particles and bacteria that might cause cavities. Brushing your teeth right after lunch isn’t always feasible, but you should still use mouthwash.

2. Professional Cleanings Should Be Scheduled Twice A Year.

Avoiding cavities requires a commitment to both regular at-home dental care and twice-yearly visits to the dentist for expert cleanings. During your professional cleaning, the dentist will carefully scale your enamel to get rid of any plaque or tartar that has grown up below your gum line.

In spite of the fact that plaque and tartar buildup are minimal in the mouths of diligent brushers and flossers, it is common for patients to have some, especially along the gumline and in otherwise inaccessible places of the mouth, such as the rear molars.

Plaque and tartar buildup can be prevented by scheduling biannual dental cleanings with your dentist. To get the most out of your cleaning, though, it’s a good idea to ask your hygienist to highlight the areas from which they removed its most plaque.

3. Floss On A Daily Basis.

Gum disease and tooth decay are common problems. For this reason, daily flossing is an essential. Flossing removes food particles caught in between teeth and promotes healthy blood flow to the gums.

Get the most out of your oral hygiene practise by having your dentist or dental health care professional show you the proper way to floss during your next checkup.

4. Treatments For Prevention

Ask your dentist expert advice on preventive care if you have a family history of cavities or simply want to stay ahead of the game. It is true that dental sealants & professional fluoride treatments are more commonly suggested for children, but they may also be helpful for some adults.

Dental sealants are made by applying a clear, pliable material on the chewing surfaces of a teeth to help prevent certain cavities. By strengthening the enamel and protecting against cavities, professional fluoride treatments are highly recommended.

The cost of preventative care such as dental sealants & professional fluoride treatments is often covered by dental insurance in younger patients. However, those who value their teeth and want to avoid cavities may find this a worthwhile purchase.

Is It Riskier To Have Mercury Fillings Removed?

1. The Evolution Of Mercury Fillings

For over 150 years, dentists have been using amalgam fillings, one that consists of mercury combined with an alloy comprising silver, zinc, or copper. Due to its low cost, malleability during setting, and resilience once hardened, mercury fillings quickly displaced their more expensive gold counterparts. More than 100 million people in the United States currently have mercury fillings.

Even while the ADA claims these fillings were safe, there is mounting evidence to the contrary. Therefore, many people who are concerned about their health decide to get their mercury fillings taken out.

2. Amalgam Fillings And Mercury Exposure

Elemental mercury vapour is released from amalgam fillings, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, urine, and brain. The mercury in your fillings can leak at a rate of 2 – 20 mcg per day just from normal chewing, with far higher rates of leakage observed in those who chew gum.

3. Mercury Allergic Reactions

Oral lichenoid lesions are rashes that can appear in people who are hypersensitive to mercury. In the event of an allergic response, you should have your amalgam fillings extracted as quickly as possible. If amalgam comes into touch with the tumors, the harmful health effects are exacerbated.

4. Damaged Fillings

Damaged fillings Mercury fillings that have been damaged might release far more mercury into the body than healthy ones. Damaged fillings can manifest as sharp edges on teeth, discomfort when biting, and an overall increase in sensitivity. Cracked or broken fillings let germs to develop underneath, leading to deterioration and infection that can cause painful abscesses.

Some folks worry that you’ll be exposed to more mercury if you have healthy mercury fillings removed. This false statement is true only if your fillings are removed by an incompetent dentist. When you get your fillings replaced by a dentist who practises mercury safety, you can rest assured that you will be breathing in 100% pure air and that the dentist will be able to tightly regulate the discharge of mercury vapour.

5. Reduced Health Complaints Following Filling Removal

Patients in a Norwegian study who complained of symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, joint and muscle discomfort, inability to focus, and memory loss all had mercury fillings removed.

After three months, a year, and three years, patients were contacted again by the researchers. During that time, individuals reported feeling much better overall. While those who had their fillings removed had significant improvements to their health, the control group saw no such gains.

6. Worldwide Bans On Mercury

Considering the dangers of mercury, many countries are now banning or limiting mercury in dental fillings.

It’s been almost a decade since mercury fillings were banned in Sweden, Denmark, Norwegian, and Germany. The European Union banned the use of mercury fillings in children under 12 and nursing or pregnant mothers in July 2018. In light of mounting evidence linking mercury exposure to problems with the central nervous system, kidneys, and heart, these laws are an appropriate response.

The United Nations has also advised its member states to lessen their use of mercury in dental fillings. Despite the United States’ reluctance, the rest of the world is coming around to the idea that mercury-based fillings are harmful.

7. Removing Mercury Fillings

Mercury fillings should be removed before getting composite resin or ceramics ones. Now let’s say you’ve made the decision to get rid of your mercury fillings. In that instance, it’s important to find a dentist with the necessary skills and training to remove these fillings without putting your oral health at risk.

8. SMART-Certified Mercury Filling Removal

The following are necessities for removing mercury fillings in a safe manner:

• Constraints on the ability to limit mercury exposure
• A rinse that traps mercury and keeps it out of your system.
• Quick and easy suctioning of even the tiniest amounts of mercury
• Equipment for the clean and secure disposal of mercury

Conclusion

Composite tooth fillings are one option your dentist has when repairing a cavity. They are manufactured from tooth-colored plastic & glass fibres, making them almost indiscernible. The fact that they may be shaped to suit the tooth completely makes them a common choice for filling minor cavities. The final cost of getting a filling that matches your natural teeth will depend on a variety of factors. Cavity filling is so commonplace that it may typically be done in a single lunchtime session under local anaesthetic alone.

If a cavity grows too large for a resin composites filling, an inlay or onlay may be used instead. Metal amalgam fillings are being phased out, but there is no clinical evidence to suggest that they are detrimental to patients. Glass and quartz particles are mixed with an acrylic resin to create composites. These are constructed from fluoride-rich glass and acrylic, both of which can aid in the fight against tooth decay. Pulpititis can manifest in two distinct ways.

The first type is known as “reversible pulpitis,” because it causes sensitivity but eventually heals. The other type of pulpitis is irreversible pulpitis, in this case you will need root canal therapy. By doing the following, you can aid in decreasing tooth sensitivity. Avoiding cavities requires both regular at-home dental care and twice-yearly visits to the dentist. Brush your teeth twice daily, preferably before bed and after meals, is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay.

If you feel pain in your bite after the numbness wears off, don’t delay in making an appointment with your dentist. Plaque and tartar buildup can be prevented by scheduling biannual dental cleanings. Daily flossing removes food particles caught in between teeth and promotes healthy blood flow to the gums. Ask your dentist for advice on preventive care if you have a family history of cavities or simply want to stay ahead of the game. Oral lichenoid lesions are rashes that can appear in people who are hypersensitive to mercury.

Mercury fillings that have been damaged might release far more mercury into the body than healthy ones. Damaged fillings can manifest as sharp edges on teeth, discomfort when biting, and an overall increase in sensitivity. Mercury exposure can cause problems with the central nervous system, kidneys, and heart. Mercury fillings should be removed before getting composite resin or ceramics ones. The European Union banned the use of mercury fillings in children under 12 and nursing or pregnant mothers in July 2018.

Content Summary:

• Composite dental filling are preferred because they have many advantages over amalgam fillings.
• If you’re interested in learning more about composites dental fillings and whether or not they’re a good fit for you, you’ve come to the perfect place!
• In this article, we’ll talk about composites dental fillings in detail.
• Composite tooth fillings are one option your dentist has when repairing a cavity.
• In contrast to silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings are manufactured from tooth-coloured plastic & glass fibres, making them almost indiscernible.
• The fact that they may be shaped to suit the tooth completely makes them a common choice for filling minor cavities.
• Composite dental fillings are also more resistant to discoloration than amalgam fillings.
• Composite dental fillings may be an excellent option for you if you want to repair your smile in a method that doesn’t draw undue attention to the fact that you’ve had dental work done.
• Dental fillings are commonly used to fill cavities, the tiny holes that form as teeth deteriorate.
• During a filling, your dentist will use an amalgam and composite to fill the space created by the decay.
• In spite of the fact that this is a common and very easy treatment, many people have sensitivity in their teeth as a result.
• If you’re like most people, you cross your fingers every time you go to the dentist in the hopes that they won’t find any cavities.
• However, most people will get at least one cavity in their lifetime.
• Any recent cavities in patients’ teeth were likely repaired with composite resins that blend in seamlessly with the rest of their teeth.
• Tooth-coloured fillings, the modern successor to traditional metal restorations, are made of a composite resin substance that fills and closes a cavity after a decayed or damaged portion of a tooth has been removed.
• Composite resin fillings are virtually undetectable in the mouth because they are colour-matched to your tooth enamel.
• The final cost of getting a filling that matches your natural teeth will depend on a variety of factors.
• The cavity’s depth and the necessity of anaesthesia are the two most pressing concerns.
• For patients without dental insurance, many dental offices receive lower medical financing plans or offer other payment alternatives.
• It is more cost-effective to treat a cavity early on with a resin composites filling than to wait until the problem has worsened significantly.
• Deciding to disregard your dentist’s detection of a cavity and the suggestion that you receive a filling made of composite resin can lead to further issues and more expensive repairs down the road.
• If a cavity grows too large for a resin composites filling, an inlay or onlay may be used instead.
• After the affected area is cleansed, inlays & onlays are cemented over it to restore the tooth’s structure.
• The longer you wait to get a cavity filled, the more time, effort, money, and pain you’ll have to go through.
• Therefore, having regular dental exams once a year is essential for early detection and treatment of cavities.
• Those are metal amalgams, which are a mix of several metals like mercury, silver, tin, & copper.
• This substance outlasts tooth-coloured fillings and is less costly than alternatives.
• Filings that blend in with your teeth’s natural shade of white (composites).
• This substance lasts longer than metal amalgams but is more expensive.
• Gold restorations.
• Typically, the dentist will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a lab where the filling will be fabricated.
• Composite fillings made of glass ionomer.
• They are more costly than amalgams and are commonly utilised on children’s teeth.
• Fillings made of porcelain.
• These are about as pricey as gold fillings, but they blend in seamlessly.
• After an imprint of your tooth is taken at the dentist’s office, these restorations are fabricated in a lab.
• In order to do a filling, dentists typically numb the tooth and the gums around it.
• That’s why you won’t feel a thing for at least an hour or two following your session.
• Once the anaesthesia wears off, though, you may experience some peculiar feelings in your mouth.
• There are several, but some of them are:discomfort felt in the teeth caused by exposure to cold air, hot or cold liquids, or hot or cold foods.
• Pulpitis In order to fill a cavity, a dentist will first use a high-heat drill to remove the decayed portion of the tooth.
• In extremely unusual circumstances, this can lead to pulpitis, an inflammation of the pulp (the connective tissue at the base of your teeth).
• However, an infection of the pulp of the damaged tooth can develop if the dentist does not remove the entire decaying tissue.
• Pulpititis can manifest in two distinct ways.
• The other type of pulpitis is irreversible pulpitis, in this case you will need root canal therapy because the pulp cannot heal.
• The tooth that receives the filling may grow to be abnormally tall.
• Because of the added pressure on the damaged tooth, this can be rather uncomfortable.
• A filling may shatter if you bite down too hard, so if you have a broken tooth or any other bite issues, make an appointment with your dentist right once.
• Because of the conflicting textures in your mouth, you may also experience some discomfort.
• Pain inside the teeth adjacent to the afflicted tooth is also prevalent.
• The cause of the reaction, an allergy to the filling components, is possible.
• A rash and itching in the area is also possible.
• If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your dentist immediately.
• Filling can be redone with a various materials if necessary.3.
• By doing the following, you can aid in decreasing sensitivity:
• the use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) (Advil, Motrin) You should put off eating or drinking anything really hot or cold for the time being.
• citrous fruits, wine, and yoghurt are only some examples of acidic beverages and foods that should be avoided temporarily.
• gentle tooth cleaning with brushing and flossing Making use of toothpaste formulated to reduce sensitivity Using the other side on your mouth to chew The most typical root of sensitivity is an issue with one’s bite.
• If you feel pain in your bite after the numbness wears off, don’t delay in making an appointment with your dentist.
• If your pulpitis doesn’t clear up within a few weeks, you may require a root canal.4.
• Typically, the sensitivity that follows a dental filling disappears within between two and four weeks.
• Get in touch with your dentist if the sensitivity persists beyond four weeks or shows no signs of improving within that period.
• You probably realise by now that preventing cavities from the start is the easiest (and cheapest) option.
• While no one can completely prevent cavities from forming, we may all take steps to reduce our risk.
• Cleaning your teeth with toothpaste prepared with fluoride at least twice daily, preferably before bed and after meals, is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay.
• Ideally, you should clean your teeth right after waking up and again right before bed.
• In doing so, you can remove food particles and bacteria that might cause cavities.
• Avoiding cavities requires a commitment to both regular at-home dental care and twice-yearly visits to the dentist for expert cleanings.
• During your professional cleaning, the dentist will carefully scale your enamel to get rid of any plaque or tartar that has grown up below your gum line.
• Plaque and tartar buildup can be prevented by scheduling biannual dental cleanings with your dentist.
• Gum disease and tooth decay are common problems.
• For this reason, daily flossing is essential.
• Get the most out of your oral hygiene practise by having your dentist or dental health care professional show you the proper way to floss during your next checkup.4.
• Ask your dentist expert advice on preventive care if you have a family history of cavities or simply want to stay ahead of the game.
• The cost of preventative care such as dental sealants & professional fluoride treatments is often covered by dental insurance in younger patients.
• More than 100 million people in the United States currently have mercury fillings.
• Therefore, many people who are concerned about their health decide to get their mercury fillings taken out.
• Elemental mercury vapour is released from amalgam fillings, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, urine, and brain.
• Oral lichenoid lesions are rashes that can appear in people who are hypersensitive to mercury.
• In the event of an allergic response, you should have your amalgam fillings extracted as quickly as possible.
• If amalgam comes into touch with the tumors, the harmful health effects are exacerbated.
• Damaged fillings Mercury fillings that have been damaged might release far more mercury into the body than healthy ones.
• Some folks worry that you’ll be exposed to more mercury if you have healthy mercury fillings removed.
• This false statement is true only if your fillings are removed by an incompetent dentist.
• When you get your fillings replaced by a dentist who practises mercury safety, you can rest assured that you will be breathing in 100% pure air and that the dentist will be able to tightly regulate the discharge of mercury vapour.5.
• Removal woman patient dentist Patients in a Norwegian study who complained of symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, joint and muscle discomfort, inability to focus, and memory loss all had mercury fillings removed.
• While those who had their fillings removed had significant improvements to their health, the control group saw no such gains.6.
• Considering the dangers of mercury, many countries are now banning or limiting mercury in dental fillings.
• It’s been almost a decade since mercury fillings were banned in Sweden, Denmark, Norwegian, and Germany.
• The European Union banned the use of mercury fillings in children under 12 and nursing or pregnant mothers in July 2018.
• In light of mounting evidence linking mercury exposure to problems with the central nervous system, kidneys, and heart, these laws are an appropriate response.
• The United Nations has also advised its member states to lessen their use of mercury in dental fillings.
• Despite the United States’ reluctance, the rest of the world is coming around to the idea that mercury-based fillings are harmful.7.
• Mercury fillings should be removed before getting composite resin or ceramics ones.
• Now let’s say you’ve made the decision to get rid of your mercury fillings.
• In that instance, it’s important to find a dentist with the necessary skills and training to remove these fillings without putting your oral health at risk.8.
• The following are necessities for removing mercury fillings in a safe manner:Constraints on the ability to limit mercury exposure A rinse that traps mercury and keeps it out of your system.
• Quick and easy suctioning of even the tiniest amounts of mercury Equipment for the clean and secure disposal of mercury

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings

What are composite fillings used for?

Composite fillings are incredibly versatile. They can be used to fill a tooth that’s decayed, fix chips on front teeth, build up worn teeth from grinding or erosion, and create beautiful veneers or edge bonds to change the shape or size of teeth. They’re also a great alternative to replace amalgam.

What are the disadvantages of composite fillings?

The Disadvantages of Composite Resin Fillings

• They’re more labour-intensive for your dentist to place on your tooth.
• You may experience some temporary tooth sensitivity following the procedure.
• They tend to wear out sooner than metal fillings, especially if you have heavy wear from grinding and chewing.

What is the difference between a filling and a composite?

Composite fillings are made from materials matching the colour of your teeth, whereas amalgam fillings are made from metal. Even though composite fillings are a more advanced version of traditional fillings, such as dental amalgam, sometimes, traditional fillings triumph over their successor.

How long do composite fillings last?

about 5-7 years

Once in place, composite fillings will also not corrode or expand as metal fillings can. Although they have a shorter lifespan than amalgam (metal) fillings, composite fillings will last about 5-7 years.

Is composite filling painful?

Pain. It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your composite filling appointment. The injection site may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness.