Composite Fillings

What are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, are a particular type of material placed over your teeth. Fillings are tooth-colored, durable, and can fix cracks, chips, and other imperfections. Because they are durable, they can repair worn teeth and change their shape. They are a prevalent and versatile treatment. 

Advantages of Composite Fillings:

Because composite dental fillings have so many uses, they come with a wide selection of advantages: 

• Bonds to existing teeth. Fillings provide extra strength, durability, and protection for the teeth. Composite resin fillings are custom-crafted and bonded to the natural tooth. 
• Fix chips and cracks. Composite fillings can fix chips, cracks, and other imperfections in the teeth. Because they are naturally colored and set quickly, fillings are ideal for repairing visible teeth. 
• Fillings are reparable. Composite fillings can be removed and restored as desired. As fillers are reversible, you’ll never have to worry about permanent damage done to your teeth. If your fillings become damaged in any way, we can clean and repair the area. 
• Quick and effective. Composite fillings harden within seconds. We use a particular type of light that solidifies the bonding agent to build an imperishable shield on the tooth. With proper care, composite fillings can last upwards of 10 years. 
• Less tooth sensitivity. Compared to other fillings, composite fillings offer the same benefits with less tooth sensitivity. While there is mild tooth sensitivity immediately following the filling, it quickly wears off. 

What are the Steps of Composite Filling?

A composite filling is a straightforward process with six general steps: 

1. Dental Cleaning. Composite resin bonds better on clean teeth, so we’ll start with a dental cleaning in San Antonio, Texas. We’ll remove stains, plaques, and calculus to ensure the best bonding. Resin wouldn’t last long if we set fillings over oral bacteria, debris, and chunks of food. 
2. Preparing the teeth. This step varies on teeth, persons, and the treatment involved. It may include trimming, drilling, or agents. Some patients require no trimming, while severely damaged teeth may require extensive drilling. 
3. Acid etching. We’ll start the bonding process using a tooth conditioner over the target area. Typically the conditioner will sit over the spot for 15 seconds before we rinse it off. 
4. Bonding and curing. We’ll dab liquid plastic or bonding agent over the etched area. The catalyst is triggered, firmly attaching the bonding agent to the surface. Once the liquid is spread evenly, we’ll use a curing light to harden the liquid. 
5. Applying the composite filling. We’ll apply layers of dental composite over the target area. At this stage, the composite filling looks like putty. Once the resin is in place, we expose the tooth to a curing light for 10-40 seconds. 
6. Final polishing. Once we harden the composite filling, we can modify and polish it as needed. 

What to Expect After a Composite Filling? 

After a successful composite filling, it’s time to take care of your filling. Depending on the treatment, it’s normal to feel extra sensitive to hot, cold, pressure, and pain. Use the medication as prescribed. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if side effects persist or increase beyond a few days. 

If we use an anesthetic during treatment, avoid chewing and hot beverages afterward until the numbness has completely worn off. We recommend soft foods and liquids for 24 hours after a composite filling. With oral hygiene, brush your teeth carefully and rinse gently on the day of treatment. 

Dental Fillings in San Antonio, Texas 

At Nautical Dental, your smile is in good hands. Composite dental fillers have never been more available in San Antonio, Texas. Our dentist, Dr. Eric Cornelius, is backed by an exceptional team and the highest medical-grade equipment. 

Get started today, and schedule an appointment here.