Nobody wants to get a cavity in their tooth but they happen to the best of us. From young children to seniors, tooth decay can occur for a variety of reasons, including consuming acidic foods, tobacco use, genetics, and taking certain medications. Fortunately, cavities can be easily treated with composite fillings. If you suspect that you may have a cavity, it’s best to seek professional assistance sooner rather than later to prevent more serious dental problems in the long run. Check out these facts about how a composite filling could benefit you before scheduling an appointment with the compassionate team at Soothing Dental in Midlothian.
Composite Cavity Fillings Overview
Treating tooth decay is important because leaving cavities untreated can lead to more serious oral health problems, such as tooth loss. Cavities are more commonly treated by removing the decayed area of the tooth, then filling the space where the decayed area was located. Composite Fillings are made from a composite resin material that is composed of several substances, including plastic and fine glass. Composite fillings are ideal to treat cavities that are near the front of one’s mouth or easily visible because they are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with surrounding natural teeth.
Why Would Someone Need a Dental Filling?
Fillings are among the most common restorative dental cavity treatment used at Soothing Dental. While composite fillings are used to treat cavities, they can also be used to address other oral health concerns. For instance, because composite tooth resin blends beautifully with the natural-look of most people’s teeth, it makes it ideal for repairing issues, such as cracked or broken teeth caused by tooth grinding or nail-biting.
Dental Cleanings vs. Exams
At some point during a dental check-up, a patient will undergo a professional cleaning from a dental hygienist. Although they occur at the same time, dental cleanings and exams are not the same procedure. The purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove the build-up of tartar and plaque from the surface of one’s teeth. This will prevent periodontal disease as well as allow the dentist to see if any lesions were hiding beneath the buildup. Cleanings are not used to identify any oral health problems. That is reserved exclusively for the dentist during the exam.
What Are the Benefits of Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings can play an important role in restoring the health and beauty of a person’s mouth. Some of the benefits of having a composite filling include:
● Improved appearance: Your decayed tooth will look as good as new without anyone knowing that you had a cavity treated or damage to the tooth
● Bonding to the tooth structure: Because composite resin is known for bonding to the tooth structure rather than simply filling the hole of the cavity, less of your natural tooth will need to be drilled away to place it.
● Preventing further tooth damage and dental problems: A composite cavity filling can help your mouth stay healthy rather than encouraging bacteria and infection to spread from untreated tooth decay.
How Long Does a Composite Filling Last?
It’s important to note that composite fillings are not as strong as traditional amalgam ones, however, they are durable and usually last for at least 5 years. Some factors that could impact the life-span of your composite filling are:
● Size: Smaller fillings usually last longer.
● Location: Fillings in the back of your mouth may wear out faster, especially if you clench or grind your teeth.
● Diet: Acidic and sugary foods can cause your filling to wear down more quickly.
● Oral hygiene habits: Maintaining good oral health is critical to keep your filling and other teeth in tip-top shape.
How Much Does a Composite Dental Filling Cost?
In many cases, dental fillings are at least partially covered by dental insurance. However, each dental insurance policy is unique. Please contact our office for specific information about what your dental insurance policy covers.
Restore Your Smile with Composite Fillings at Soothing Dental
At Soothing Dental, we are committed to providing professional, comfortable care to each patient that walks through our door. If you are experiencing discomfort, sensitivity, or an unusual appearance of a tooth, don’t hesitate to make an appointment to have it examined and treated by Dr. Vinton and his friendly team. A composite filling may be the solution to restore your smile’s health and beauty in one convenient appointment.
Soothing Dental is a family dental practice that provides a luxury, relaxing, spa-like environment for the Midlothian community. We see patients of all ages!