Tooth Repair in Action
White composite resins are the tooth-colored dental fillings that Abra Dental (formerly ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles) uses to repair teeth. These synthetic fillings act as a restorative agent or adhesive and look and feel just like natural enamel. Their purpose is to restore a weak or damaged tooth structure. Fillings provide support and resistance to future damage in areas with constant contact of food and bacteria, such as the chewing surfaces of the molars.
Who Needs a Composite Dental Filling?
Cavities of all shapes and sizes require fillings to prevent future decay. Fillings take the place of damaged and decayed teeth. They act as a barrier between bacteria and your nerve root, protecting your mouth from pain and possible infection. Fillings also stop the cavity from growing. Once a cavity is formed, bacteria start getting trapped within, and it is nearly impossible to brush them out at this point. The treatment process for fillings involves removing any decay and preventing future degeneration.
Your dentist may also recommend a filling to address any of these other tooth-related conditions:
- Tooth fracture
- Degeneration of tooth structure
- Tooth discoloration
- Replacement of old fillings
Advantages of White Composite Fillings
White composite fillings have several benefits over traditional metal fillings. Of course, the tooth-colored fillings provide an aesthetic benefit, meaning that most people won’t be able to recognize that you’ve had a filling at all because it matches the rest of your teeth. However, white composite fillings also have the advantage of requiring less drilling than metal fillings.
Another benefit is that composite fillings harden in seconds, not days like traditional fillings. They also bond to the tooth, giving it greater strength and can be repaired if damaged.
How Fillings Are Applied
One of the most advantageous aspects of composite fillings is that they are bonded to the teeth, which means they do not always require any anesthetizing. Anesthesia is usually only required if tooth decay has progressed beneath the layer of enamel and into the underlying dentin layer. The dentin layer surrounds the nerve of the tooth and is one of the nerve’s last layers of protection.
After numbing the area, the decayed and damaged portion of the tooth is removed, typically by drilling. Your Abra Dental (formerly ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles) dentist will then place the soft composite resin into the cavity. The resin is placed in layers to ensure the cavity is completely filled and no holes remain. Each layer is then hardened with a special light to cure the resin to the tooth.
Once hardened, your dentist will shape the composite resin to match the other teeth and ensure an even bite. The filling will then be polished to prevent premature wear and staining. While extremely rare, if a filling ever does fall out, it is essential to visit Abra Dental right away to correct this issue. Fillings may also be easily repaired if any new damage occurs, such as future fractures, decay or trauma.
How to Prevent Dental Fillings
Did you know that some people go their whole lives without ever needing a filling? This may be due to genetic factors, such as teeth strength and shape, but oral hygiene plays a large role as well! At Abra Dental, we don’t believe that fillings have to be a part of everyone’s life. With proper education and prevention techniques, we can help adults and children of all ages avoid ever needing a filling again.
You can significantly decrease your risk of getting cavities and needing fillings by:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing your mouth after every meal
- Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet
- Avoiding sugary foods and beverages
- Visiting an Abra Dental dentist regularly, preferably twice per year