29
Sep
How Composite Teeth Filling and a Tooth Decay Dentist Help Restore Smiles
The problem with cavities is that you could have a tiny one and not even know you have it. Or it can be in a spot you’ll never see in your mirror. But if it’s not removed and filled with a composite filling, it becomes a much bigger problem later on.
These small cavities can only be detected by a dentist, such as Dr. Mario Samaniego at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC, with X-rays.
What Is Composite Teeth Filling?
Composite is a resin mixed with fine glass particles. It goes in soft, almost like putty. Your dentist clears out the decay, packs the space, then hardens it with a curing light.
Shaped by hand before it sets, the original contour of your tooth comes back along with the strength you lost. Shade gets matched to your enamel first, so most people can’t find the repair later.
Why Are Tooth Colored Fillings Better Than Traditional Metal Fillings?
Silver amalgam held up fine for a century of dentistry. Composite gives you a few things amalgam never could.
- Tooth-colored fillings that no one knows about but you.
- Super strong to withstand years of normal chewing.
- The resin bonds to your teeth so you have a lot less drilling.
Do Tooth Colored Fillings Work on All Types of Cavities?
Mostly yes. Composite fillings can be used for front and back teeth, and work well for small chips.
More extensive damage can be complicated. If the tooth decay has eaten through a lot of your tooth or it’s cracked, you may need a crown.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Somewhere from 7-10 years for most people, and plenty last longer. Grinding your teeth at night reduces that. So does a heavy coffee habit, which stains the edges where resin meets enamel.
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What’s the Procedure for Composite Teeth Filling?
One appointment covers it, usually under an hour.
- Dr. Samaniego numbs the area with a local anesthetic.
- The decayed part of the tooth is removed.
- He cleans and dries what’s left.
- A bonding agent is applied to the surface.
- The composite is layered in and shaped to match your bite.
- A curing light hardens each layer in seconds.
- He polishes it smooth and checks how your teeth come together.
You’ll feel pressure while he works, not pain. The numbness wears off over the next couple of hours.
How Do I Take Care of My Tooth Colored Filling?
Brush twice a day and get the floss down around the filled tooth; that edge is where new decay likes to start. Skip the ice chewing and the hard candy, and stop using your teeth to rip open packages. Whitening gel won’t lighten composite, so talk to your dentist before you start bleaching anything.
The best thing you can do for a filling is keep your six-month checkups.
How Do I Get Started With a Tooth Decay Dentist in Las Cruces, NM?
Get in touch with the Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC team today by calling (575) 339-1838, and they’ll get you scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Mario Samaniego or Dr. Ryan Garcia. The office is conveniently located at 2569 E Idaho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88011.
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Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC
Dr. Mario Samaniego, DDS, is a highly respected dentist with over 30 years of experience. Originally from El Paso, Texas, he pursued his dental education at Loma Linda University and further honed his skills with specialized training in the USAF. In 1984, he founded thriving practices in Las Cruces and Alamogordo, New Mexico. Dr. Samaniego is renowned for his expertise in TMJ treatment, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry, and is among a select group practicing Bio Esthetic Dentistry. Recognized as one of America’s top dentists, he is also dedicated to supporting education through scholarships for students.