Dental Fillings

Sensitivity is often the first clue. If a tooth aches when you bite down, twinges with cold or sweet foods, or feels rough when you run your tongue over it, decay or a fracture may be present. That said, small cavities frequently cause no symptoms at all, which is why they are usually caught during a routine exam and X-rays before they ever hurt. If you are noticing discomfort, schedule an evaluation with BayView Dental Associates and one of our dentists will determine whether a filling is the right treatment.

Composite resin is a mixture of acrylic resin reinforced with powdered glass filler. It contains no metal, and the shade can be customized to match your surrounding tooth structure closely. Our dentists place the material in thin layers, curing each one with a specialized light that triggers a chemical reaction and bonds the composite directly to your tooth. Once the filling is shaped and polished, most patients cannot tell which tooth was treated.

Your dentist numbs the area, then isolates the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. All decayed tooth structure is removed, and an etchant and bonding agent are applied to prepare the surface. The composite resin goes in next, layer by layer, with each layer hardened by a curing light. Your dentist then sculpts the material to mimic natural tooth anatomy, checks your bite, and polishes the restoration smooth. Most single fillings are completed in one visit.

The natural appearance is the most obvious advantage, but it is not the only one. Because composite bonds directly to enamel, your dentist can often remove less healthy tooth structure during preparation, which preserves more of your natural tooth. Composite also does not need to extend to the gumline, and it wears in a way that behaves much like natural enamel. For reference, the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are safe and effective for restoring teeth.

Not necessarily. According to the American Dental Association, amalgam remains a safe and effective restorative material, and there is no general recommendation to remove intact fillings simply because they contain metal. That said, older amalgam restorations do eventually wear, crack, or develop leakage at the margins, and many patients choose to replace them with composite for cosmetic reasons. Our dentists are glad to evaluate your existing restorations and discuss whether replacement makes sense for you.

A filling restores a cavity, meaning a hole created by decay or trauma, and rebuilds normal tooth anatomy. When damage is too extensive for a filling but does not warrant a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the better choice. An inlay is cemented into the center of the tooth, inside the cusp tips. An onlay extends over the chewing surface. Both are crafted from porcelain at a dental laboratory, because porcelain closely mimics enamel and offers years of strength.

With good home care and regular checkups, composite fillings commonly last many years. Longevity depends on the size and location of the restoration, your bite forces, whether you grind your teeth, and how consistently you brush and floss. Large fillings in back teeth take the most stress and tend to need replacement sooner than small ones in front. Your dentist checks the condition of every existing restoration at each visit so worn margins are caught before decay develops underneath.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions, and it is also one of the most preventable. Five habits make the biggest difference: Keep up with comprehensive exams and professional cleanings Brush after meals and use an antimicrobial mouthwash Drink more water and cut back on sugary and acidic beverages Floss every night without exception Avoid smoking and other tobacco use

Composite resin is fully hardened by the curing light before you leave, so there is no waiting period for the material itself. The real consideration is anesthesia. Wait until the numbness wears off completely, usually a few hours, so you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. After that, you can eat and drink as usual, though it is worth going easy on very hot, very cold, or especially hard foods for the first day or two while sensitivity settles.