When you have a cavity, you need a filling to fix it. Composite fillings are tooth-coloured materials that repair holes in your teeth. They are better than old metal fillings because they save more of your real tooth. Your dentist at a dental clinic near you does not have to drill out as much of your healthy tooth. This means your tooth stays stronger. If you need a filling, ask about composite fillings in Port Coquitlam to keep your natural teeth healthy.
Read this blog to know how composite fillings help preserve natural tooth structure and why they are so good for your teeth.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made from a special plastic and glass mixture. They look like your natural tooth colour. Your dentist in Port Coquitlam puts this material into the cavity in your tooth. Then a special blue light makes it hard as rock.
Before the light hardens it, your dentist can shape it. They make it look exactly like your real tooth. No one will be able to tell you have a filling when they look at your teeth.
Why Do Dentists Remove Teeth?
When you have decay in your tooth, that bad part must come out. Your dentist uses a drill to remove it. How much they drill depends on how big the cavity is.
Old metal fillings needed your dentist to remove extra healthy tooth material. The metal filling needed space and shape to stay in place. So dentists had to remove more than just the bad part. This made your tooth weaker.
Composite fillings are different. They stick right to your tooth. Your dentist only removes the decayed part. All the healthy teeth stay. This is much better for keeping your tooth strong.
How Composite Fillings Save Your Natural Tooth
The best thing about composite fillings is that they save your tooth. Less drilling means more of your real tooth is left. This is important because your natural tooth is always stronger than any filling material.
Your tooth is like a structure made up of bricks. Removing numerous bricks in metal fillings. Composite fillings only cover the part of the tooth that has been damaged. More bricks remain standing. Your building remains strong.
A composite filling near you keeps your tooth working well for many years. Your real tooth is the best part. The more real tooth you keep, the stronger and healthier your tooth stays.
Why Composite Fillings Are Better
They Match Your Tooth Colour
Composite fillings look like your real teeth. Your dentist matches the exact shade. The filling disappears. You smile without showing any filling at all.
They Protect Your Tooth
The filling firmly adheres to your tooth. This bond prevents bacteria from entering. Decaying matter cannot establish itself under fillings. Your tooth will remain safe and healthy.
Less Drilling
The dentist just removes the decay. None of the healthy teeth are removed. It results in a less painful and quicker appointment. Your tooth remains strong.
They Last a Long Time
Good composite fillings last 5 to 10 years or even longer. You can chew all types of food without worry.
They Fix Many Problems
Composite fillings fix cavities, chips, and cracks. They work for lots of different tooth problems.
What Happens When You Get a Composite Filling
- First: Your dentist numbs your tooth. You feel no pain.
- Second: They carefully remove the decayed part.
- Third: They clean the area and get it ready.
- Fourth: The tooth-coloured material goes into the space.
- Fifth: A blue light hardens it.
- Sixth: Your dentist shapes and polishes it until it is perfect.
The whole thing takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can eat regular food right away.
How to Make Your Filling Last
Your filling will last longer if you take good care of it.
- Brush your teeth two times every day
- Floss every single day
- Do not chew ice or hard candy
- Visit your dentist two times per year
- Tell your dentist if something feels wrong
Keep Your Real Teeth Strong
Your natural teeth are the best teeth. Every part of your real tooth matters. Composite fillings let you keep what you were born with while fixing the problem. The benefits of composite fillings for damaged teeth are big: they look better, protect your tooth, and last a long time.
Protect Your Smile Right Now
Poco Comfort Dentistry is concerned about your teeth. We use premium quality filling materials. We want your teeth to remain healthy and strong for your entire life. We know you want a dentist who listens and cares. Each and every tooth is treated with care. Get in touch! We can help you keep your natural smile beautiful and healthy for many years.
Get directions to Poco Comfort Dentistry and visit our office for tooth-coloured composite fillings and personalized dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Fillings
What are composite fillings, and how do they work?
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured materials made from plastic and glass. Your dentist puts them into the cavity, then uses a blue light to harden them. The material sticks to your tooth and becomes as hard as your natural tooth.
Are composite fillings better than silver fillings?
Composite fillings need less drilling, look like your real teeth, and protect your tooth better. Silver fillings cost less money but require removing more healthy tooth and show metal in your mouth when you smile.
How long do composite fillings typically last?
Most composite fillings last 5 to 10 years. They can last even longer if you brush, floss, and see your dentist twice every year.
Can composite fillings restore chipped or decayed teeth?
Yes. Composite fillings fix cavities, chips, cracks, and stains. They make your tooth look and work like new while keeping as much of your real tooth as possible.