Most patients who choose composite fillings do so because of the cosmetic benefits. Your dentist can create a filling that is personalized to the shade of your teeth, so your fillings will blend seamlessly into your smile. Like all fillings, composites protect your teeth after decay is removed to prevent breakage of the remaining tooth structure. These fillings also help to prevent sensitivity that can occur after the decayed portion of the tooth is removed.

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if you drink tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the colour from changing if you are particularly concerned about tooth discolouration.

The most obvious answer is appearance. All-white fillings will not compromise your gorgeous smile. Another benefit of composite fillings is that they require less removal of healthy, tooth structure, allowing for more conservative restorations.

Prices vary, but composite fillings average about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference.

Following preparation, the composite is placed in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the composite is shaped to fit the tooth. It is then polished to prevent staining and early wear.

Several factors influence the duration of composite filling procedures, such as the cavity or fracture’s size and location, and the number of fillings required. Patients may expect to occupy the dental chair for an hour or longer for a single filling.

Many people opt to remove metal fillings and replace them with composites for purely aesthetic reasons. If your old repair starts to crack or leak, you should definitely have the filling updated.

Composite fillings enable immediate eating post-procedure, though it’s advised to wait until the local anesthetic effect subsides to avoid accidental biting of numb lips, cheek, or tongue. Initially, avoid overly crunchy, hard, or sticky foods to protect the new filling.

Composite fillings often last around ten years, but with excellent care, they can last much longer, potentially a lifetime. To extend their lifespan, visit your dentist biannually for cleanings and exams, brush twice daily, floss daily, and maintain a healthy diet to enhance oral health.