Resin Composite Fillings
-
- Tweet
My Tooth Place
Aury Arroyo-Lourenco, DDS
General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Westminster, CA
Your teeth are strong, but bacteria can break down enamel and cause cavities to develop. Cavities can be painful and lead to more serious tooth decay. Dental fillings are an extremely common procedure to repair and fill holes created by cavities to help keep your mouth healthy. At My Tooth Place in Westminster, California, the team treats cavities with resin composite fillings. To learn more about fillings and to schedule an exam, call the office or request an appointment online.
Resin Composite Fillings Q & A
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a procedure to treat a cavity or repair a cracked tooth. Fillings close off the hole in your tooth that developed from decay and keeps bacteria from collecting in the future. Most people have at least one filling in their mouths.
Cavities form when bacteria creates holes in the enamel surface of your teeth. The holes expose the inner layers of your teeth and can lead to tooth pain, sensitivity, and more advanced decay.
You might need a dental filling if you experience:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when eating something hot, cold, or sweet
- Staining in the surface of a tooth
- Pain when biting
Why are resin composite fillings the best?
Resin fillings are a very popular, holistic option for dental fillings because they look like your natural tooth. Composite resin fillings are made from plastic that’s mixed and placed directly into your tooth. The resin hardens and lasts for 3-10 years.
Other fillings, such as gold, amalgam, and other metals, don’t look like a natural tooth. They can be metallic or dark-colored and can be visible inside your mouth. Metal fillings can also be more expensive than resin fillings.
The best type of filling material depends on the type of decay and the size of the cavity you have. Resin fillings are a great option for small cavities or for patients who have metal allergies.
What can I expect when I get a filling?
Most cavities are identified during a regular dental cleaning. If you have a cavity, the My Tooth Place team begins by using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Your dentist removes decay from the tooth and cleans it thoroughly. They then use composite resin to fill the hole in your tooth.
Composite resin is tooth-colored and amalgam-free. The team shapes the resin to restore the look of your tooth and checks your bite to make sure your teeth align correctly.
Most patients don’t experience any downtime after getting a cavity filled. Once the anesthesia wears off, you can return to your normal daily activities. You’ll care for your filling the same way you care for your natural teeth, by brushing and flossing two times a day.
Getting regular dental exams to identify and treat cavities is important for you and your family. Call the office or request a visit online to make an appointment with the My Tooth Place team for oral exams and resin fillings.
