Repair Cracked and Decayed Teeth With Composite Material
If tooth decay or damage has compromised the integrity of your smile, composite dental fillings may be the ideal solution to revitalize your oral health. At our San Luis Obispo, CA, practice, we offer state-of-the-art composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, as a safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing option for our valued patients. To learn more about the many ways dental fillings made from composite resin material can improve your smile, contact us today by calling (805) 549-8483 and schedule a consultation with our esteemed SLO dentist, Dr. Carrie Ramirez.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are innovative dental restorations used to treat decayed or damaged teeth. Comprised of a meticulously blended mixture of plastic resin and glass materials, these fillings bond seamlessly to the tooth, creating a strong and durable restoration. Composite fillings are a popular choice among patients because they blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth, rendering them virtually invisible.
Composite fillings may be recommended for a variety of dental needs, including:
- Restoring decayed teeth
- Repairing chipped or broken teeth
- Filling gaps or spaces between teeth (diastemas)
- Enhancing the overall aesthetics of your smile
The Advantages of Composite Dental Fillings
Most dental patients prefer composite fillings because they offer a multitude of benefits, including:
- Natural Appearance: Composite fillings are designed to match the natural shade of your teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing option than traditional metal fillings.
- Exceptional Durability: Composite fillings are remarkably strong and durable, making them a long-lasting solution for tooth decay.
- Versatility: Composite fillings can address a wide range of dental issues, including cavities, cracks, and chips.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure than traditional gold and silver amalgam fillings, preserving more of your natural tooth.
- Secure Bonding: Composite fillings are bonded directly to the tooth during the composite filling procedure, creating a tight seal that helps prevent future decay.
- Non-Toxic/Hypoallergenic: Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings don’t contain toxic mercury and are far less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Who Is a Candidate for Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are a suitable option for most patients looking to repair broken or cracked teeth. However, some individuals may not be ideal candidates for composite fillings, including those with:
- Extensive Tooth Decay: If the decay is too severe for composite fillings to effectively repair, a dental crown or other restoration may be necessary.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Patients who grind their teeth may not be suitable candidates for composite fillings, as the material may wear down more quickly due to the constant stress.
- Large Cavities: Getting rid of cavities that are larger than average may require a more extensive restoration than composite resin fillings, such as an inlay or onlay.
The Composite Dental Fillings Process
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Ramirez will perform a comprehensive examination of your natural teeth and determine if composite fillings are the right solution for your needs. We’ll discuss filling procedures with you in detail and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Design/Preparation
If you’ve been approved for composite fillings, we’ll meticulously design the composite filling to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Before the composite filling is applied, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. Then, Dr. Ramirez will carefully remove any decayed or damaged tooth structure.
Placement
The composite filling material will be applied to the tooth in layers. Each layer will be hardened with a specialized light, ensuring an instant cure. Once the composite filling is complete, we will shape and polish it to seamlessly blend with the natural contours of your tooth.
Caring for Your Composite Filling
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your composite dental filling. Here are some tips from our San Luis Obispo restorative dentist to help your composite fillings stay strong and beautiful:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent decay and maintain the health of your restoration.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage composite fillings and cause them to wear down more quickly.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your composite filling and prevent further damage.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups can help detect any issues with your composite fillings before they become more serious. Professional cleanings can help keep your fillings strong and sparkling by removing bacteria-laden plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, a composite filling can last up to 10 years. However, the lifespan of composite fillings beyond this timeframe can also vary based on factors such as your dietary habits and whether or not you grind your teeth. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to ensure your composite fillings remain in optimal condition and have any damaged dental filling materials replaced as needed.
Yes, composite fillings are safe and have been used for decades to restore teeth. Composite fillings are much less prone to causing problems than amalgam fillings, which can lead to staining of surrounding teeth, galvanic shock, and allergic reactions.
Most dental insurance plans cover composite dental fillings, but it’s best to check with your provider to determine your specific coverage. You can also discuss in-house financing options with your dentist to help reduce any out-of-pocket costs associated with the installation and care of composite fillings.
Restore Your Smile’s Radiance in San Luis Obispo, CA
If you’re seeking a trusted San Luis Obispo dentist who offers long-lasting, natural-looking composite resin fillings to repair teeth, look no further than our practice. Our team is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing dental restorations, ensuring our patients can smile with confidence and without discomfort.
Contact us today at (805) 549-8483 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards restoring your smile’s beauty and function with composite fillings. We proudly serve patients throughout San Luis Obispo and the surrounding areas such as Santa Barbara, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Beach, CA.
