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.
Post Treatment – Temporary Sedative Filling
You have had a temporary sedative filling placed in your tooth today. Since the decay in this tooth was very deep and close to the nerve, this filling can help alleviate nerve inflammation. In addition, this filling has certain ingredients that can help relieve tooth pain and sensitivity.
This temporary solution to your dental problem will need follow up care. We have checked the one that applies in your case.
- The tooth will need root canal treatment. We have referred you to a specialist (endodontist) for this procedure.
- The tooth will need root canal treatment. We can do this in our office. Please make an appointment.
- The tooth is borderline for needing root canal treatment. The sedative filling was placed to evaluate further development of symptoms.
- The tooth will need to be extracted. We have referred you to an oral surgeon for this procedure.
- The tooth will need to be extracted. We can do this in our office. Please make an appointment.
- The most important thing to remember about this filling is that it is TEMPORARY. It is not made to last longer than a few weeks. It is essential that you follow our recommendation for definitive treatment.
Please feel free to call our office at any time with questions you may have regarding your dental treatment.