Composite Fillings
Tooth-Colored Restorations
We have restored some of your teeth with tooth-colored materials. The resin (plastic) material used contains small “filler” particles of glass-like material for strength and wear resistance. These restorations will serve you well for several years. They contain the finest and most up-to-date materials available today. However, you should be aware of the following:
Biting and Sensitivity: Occasionally when the anesthesia wears off, your bite may feel especially heavy in the area of your new restoration. If this occurs, please call our office so that you can come in to have your bite adjusted. Some patients also experience slight tooth sensitivity shortly after the restoration is placed that can last several weeks. Please call our office if the sensitivity is unbearable or lasts more than a few weeks.
Chewing: Natural teeth can be broken with heavy force, such as chewing hard objects. As with natural unrestored teeth, avoid chewing excessively hard foods (hard candy, ice, etc.) because the resin can be broken from the tooth with extreme force.
Recalls: Visit us for regular, six-month examinations. Often, small problems that develop around the restorations can be detected at an early stage and repaired easily. Waiting for a longer time may require redoing the entire restoration.
Preventive Procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay, brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss at least once a day. By keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy you will greatly increase the life of your restorations. Please call our office with any questions that may arise.
Depth of the Restoration:
If the decay in your tooth was very close to the nerve, it is possible that your tooth will need root canal treatment. You may experience severe sensitivity over the next few days. If your stomach can tolerate ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) you may take that, or Tylenol. If the sensitivity does not lessen over the next few weeks, or if it gets progressively worse please call us.
Post Treatment
Composite fillings are made of a filled resin that is cured with an ultraviolet light. They are very natural in appearance and can actually bond to the tooth unlike amalgam fillings.
Composite bonding is a common solution for fixing or repairing chipped or cracked teeth, reducing unsightly gaps or spaces between teeth, hiding discolorations on the tooth’s surface.
As the name suggests, tooth colored filling material is bonded to an existing tooth. Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little of the original tooth.
Composite restorations stain more easily than porcelain veneers and crowns and therefore require proper care and regular cleaning. Common staining products include coffee, tea, tobacco, foods and candy.