Composite Fillings Near You
A composite filling is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or has been chipped due to trauma or oral habits (chewing pencils or fingernails for example). The composite filling is a mix of materials designed to match the existing colour of your tooth. Composite fillings are intended to repair small areas of damage or decay. Larger surfaces may require a dental crown to provide adequate protection for the tooth. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may need to be replaced at some point. Maintaining good oral habits and committing to dental appointments may help to improve the longevity of the filling.
Composite fillings are placed in one appointment. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove the decay. The area is carefully cleaned and prepared before the new filling is placed. The composite filling is then shaped to fit your tooth and polished to feel smooth like the surface of a natural tooth. On occasion, a composite filling requires a minor adjustment if it feels a little too high in your bite once your tooth is no longer numb. In that case, simply call your dentist at the first signs of a high composite filling as leaving it untouched could lead to temperature sensitivity. To learn more about composite fillings contact Essential Dentistry in Okotoks, AB T1S 1A6.