Whether due to a genetic predisposition, or excessive Halloween candy consumption, you now have a cavity. From tooth decay or damage, anyone at any age is at risk of needing a filling. Luckily, they no longer need to stick out like a sore thumb. A composite filling is a natural-looking option with filling material that is made to match the color of your teeth as closely as possible.
Why Might You Need a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are most commonly used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. Fillings help to restore the tooth’s structure by making it stronger and less susceptible to further damage. Fillings can also repair broken, fractured, or chipped teeth by mending the tooth and correcting its shape. In some cases, your dentist may suggest a filling if habits, such as tooth grinding or nail-biting, have caused your teeth to wear down.
Signs of a Cavity
Because cavities are the top reason an individual may need a filling, it is important to be aware of some of the symptoms. Symptoms may be mild at first but can eventually lead to problems like:
- Toothache
- Pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet items.
- Black, white, or brown stains on the tooth surface.
- Tooth sensitivity
- Visible pits or holes in teeth
- Pain when biting down.
Why Choose Composite Fillings?
Just as there are many reasons why an individual may need a filling, there are an equal number of complementary reasons why composite fillings make the best option for tooth restoration.
Aesthetics
One of the reasons you may need a filling is for aesthetic purposes, like restoring the shape of a chipped tooth. Composite fillings are a great option for this treatment because their resin matches the color of the teeth, meaning it can even be applied to the front of a tooth. Even if your filling is in the back of your mouth, using a tooth-colored composite means there is no possibility of someone seeing your filling.
Less Invasive
When treating cavities with traditional amalgam fillings, you know the metallic ones that catch the sunlight every time you open your mouth, your dentist needs to remove the damaged area of the tooth before filling it. When using a composite resin, your dentist will not need to remove nearly as much of the tooth due to the fact that the composite material bonds directly to the tooth.
Durable
Composite fillings are known for how durable they are. Not only do they have incredible adhesion, but they offer tooth restoration that is strong and solid. When a tooth is repaired or reinforced with a composite filling, it greatly reduces the risk of future damage.
Comfortable
Not only are composite fillings great at handling the everyday wear and tear we put our teeth through, but they can also handle temperature changes in the mouth very well. This means that they cause significantly less sensitivity than amalgam fillings. When going from taking a sip of coffee to a sip of water, you no longer have to brace yourself for shocking tooth sensitivity.
Cavity Prevention
We at Locust Valley Dentists are more than happy to provide you with excellent care when it comes to receiving a composite filling, although we do recognize that cavity prevention is the ultimate goal. Some ways to keep your teeth happy and healthy include:
- Brushing teeth every morning and night
- Brushing teeth after meals
- Get regular dental exams and cleanings.
- Floss regularly
- Drink plenty of water
- Reduce intake of sugary and acidic foods.
In the event that you do need a filling, Dentists will often recommend composite fillings because of their strength and subtleness.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are having symptoms related to tooth decay, or think you may benefit from a composite filling, Locust Valley Dentists are here to offer you relief. Call our office in Locust Valley, NY, or fill out an online contact form to schedule your appointment today.
