Overcome Tooth Decay and Cavities with Composite Dental Fillings
Dental cavities are common, even among individuals who practice diligent oral hygiene. However, the good news is that dental cavities are easily treatable, particularly when they are identified in the early stages. Dr. Vickii Bingham-Lester of Bingham-Lester Dentistry, serving Crofton, Maryland, and the surrounding locations, uses composite resin fillings to treat cavities and minor tooth decay.
The procedure for treating cavities with composite fillings
When treating your cavities with composite resin, the first step is to inspect your tooth. We use visual exams and digital radiographs to determine the extent and location of the cavity.
Once we establish your cavity is treatable with a dental filling, we numb your gums to minimize discomfort during treatment, although surface cavities don’t require anesthesia. Once you are comfortable, we drill out the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area to remove harmful bacteria.
After sanitizing your tooth, we fill out the cavity with composite resin. We fill your tooth in layers, bit by bit, while reshaping the material to match your tooth’s shape. Next, we use a special light to harden the material.
We adjust the filling material to ensure it nestles snugly with the grooves of the opposing teeth. Once everything feels natural, we polish your tooth to give it a glossy appearance. Now you can go and enjoy your cavity-free smile!
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings last about 5-10 years, although some patients can keep them longer. While your fillings will need replacement at some point, you are largely in control of your fillings’ longevity.
Observing proper oral hygiene can keep your fillings looking brand-new for many years. You should brush twice daily and floss at least once daily. Remember to see your dentist every six months and wear a night guard if you are a chronic tooth grinder. Lastly, avoid chewing on hard substances, limit sugary foods intake, and cut back on smoking to avoid staining your composite fillings.
The benefits of composite fillings
Amalgam fillings — made from a mixture of metals, including mercury — have been the filling material of choice for many years. But with the safety and esthetic concerns of silver-colored fillings, many dentists have ditched them for safer, beautiful-looking composite restorations.
Instead of metal, composite fillings are a mixture of acrylic resin and glass particles that generate a tooth-like appearance. We love composite fillings because they can be shaded to resemble your natural tooth’s enamel. Once placed, it’s difficult to distinguish the treated tooth from the rest.
Besides the undetectable results, the other reasons we love composite fillings include the following:
- Minimally invasive — we remove less tooth structure when preparing your tooth for a composite filling
- Better bond — white fillings form an airtight bond with the tooth, protecting it from bacterial infiltrations
- Biocompatibility — composite fillings are made from “body-friendly” materials. Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings don’t trigger allergic reactions
- Durability — white fillings can last over 10 years with proper maintenance
- Versatility — composite fillings can treat cavities anywhere in your mouth. They are esthetically appealing for front teeth and resilient to treat cavities in posterior teeth
Troubled with dental cavities in Crofton, MD, and its environs? It’s time to bid goodbye to tooth decay with tooth-colored fillings. Please call 410-885-6522 to schedule a consultation with Bingham-Lester Dentistry for composite fillings.
