It’s common to feel nervous before a composite dental filling procedure, especially if it’ll be your first time seeking cavity treatment.

The bad news is that delaying treatment won’t postpone or stop further cavity formation and tooth decay.

The good news is that you can avoid complicated treatment options if you visit a dentist soon in the initial stages before the cavities affect significant tooth portions or fragile regions. 

In this article, we’ll discuss what the composite dental filling procedure entails, highlight types of fillings, benefits, and durability, potential side effects, discuss cavities and their causes, and other FAQs.

What is a composite dental filling procedure?

A composite filling dental procedure is a tooth decay treatment method commonly used to save teeth and avert further damage during the early decay stages. 

Depending on the affected tooth location, diverse filling materials can be used to restore teeth’ functionality.

For instance, composite resins may be used on visible teeth to match the natural color. 

How long does a dental filling procedure take?

A dental filling procedure may take one to two dental appointments at a dental clinic, typically lasting half an hour to one and a half hours. 

The duration of the composite dental filling procedure relies on the complexity of the dental filling and the number of affected surfaces/cavities. 

Learning about cavities, different types of fillings, their benefits, and durability can help you better understand the step-by-step dental filling process to make a conscious decision before your dental appointment.

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Why you might need a filling: Signs to watch for

Cavities form when the bacteria in the mouth process and break down sugars from leftover food particles to produce acid that demineralizes hardy tooth tissues, such as enamel. 

When the tooth’s surface or enamel wears away and the enamel crystals collapse, small holes or openings, commonly known as cavities, develop. Dental caries and tooth decay are also used to refer to cavities.

What is the enamel?

The enamel is the tooth’s hard outer layer, safeguarding the crown and delicate inner components from cavity formation and damage. 

It is also the most rigid human body tissue—stronger than human bones—and is predominantly composed of minerals.

If you don’t seek treatment for cavities, they gradually become more extensive and eventually affect deeper teeth layers.

Deeper cavities may require treatment methods such as crowns and root canals. 

Cavity symptoms

The following symptoms may signify cavity formation and presence on your teeth:

• Persistent toothache and pain: Once decay affects the inner tooth structure, such as the dentine, and fragile tooth areas, such as the roots, you may experience persistent toothache, pain, and inflammation. Discomfort and pain can negatively impact daily activities such as eating, working, and school attendance.

• Increased tooth sensitivity: Since the enamel protects the dentine and inner tooth structure, weakened or worn-out enamel may lead to sensitivity, which can signify tooth decay.

• Visible holes or tiny pits on teeth: After the enamel wears away, tiny pits may form on the affected tooth.

• Tooth discoloration around specific tooth regions: When the enamel erodes, you may spot white, light brown, or black stains around specific tooth areas.

• Mild to sharp pain in reaction to hot, sweet, or cold stimuli: You may detect mild to sharp pain when you have sugary foods, snacks such as chocolate bars and ice cream, or external stimuli such as hot and cold temperatures.

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Dental fillings vs. crowns

Early or smaller cavities can be treated with various types of dental fillings, while progressed ones may require porcelain crowns or other alloys if a larger region of the tooth structure is damaged from decay. 

Dental fillings vs. root canal

In some cases, where decay encroaches on deeper regions and damages the nerves found in the roots, a dentist may recommend a root canal to salvage the situation.

Let’s delve into dental fillings as a treatment method for initial cavity stages. 

Dental filling materials: How long does a dental filling last?

Here are the types of fillings that you can choose from:

1. Amalgam dental fillings 

These shiny silver-colored fillings contain silver alloy, tin, zinc, copper, and mercury particles. 

Amalgam dental filling material can last up to 12 years and may surpass tooth-colored fillings in longevity. In addition, they are inexpensive.

Downside and durability of amalgam fillings

Amalgam’s silver aesthetic appearance may discourage selection for use in visible areas such as front teeth.

Also, the mercury particles in amalgam fillings may cause skepticism and safety concerns among cavity-filling patients. 

However, the Food and Drug Administration points out that mercury in amalgam fillings doesn’t cause adverse detrimental health effects in people. 

Yet, it highlights that some individuals and people suffering from specific ailments may be more susceptible to side effects. 

Amalgam fillings may be reactive to temperature changes, resulting in cracks and gaps between the tooth and filling.

Consequently, stuck leftover food particles can expose the tooth to bacteria growth.

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2. Composite resin dental fillings

Dental filling composites are crafted to match natural tooth colour appearance and typically comprise acrylic resin and powdered glass quartz. 

Composite resin filling procedures are the most preferable and popular selection among dental filling patients. 

Durability of composite resin fillings

Composites tend to be durable, with a potential optimum lifespan of 10 years, but may be slightly costlier than silver-coloured fillings.

During a dental composite filling procedure, the dentist packs the fillings onto the affected tooth or cavity while they are mushy. After that, they harden them with laser blue-wavelength equipment.

3. Glass ionomer dental fillings

Often used on children’s teeth that are still developing, glass ionomer fillings predominantly contain acrylic and glass particles known as fluoro aluminosilicate. 

The fluoride substance in the glass particles aids in fighting and protecting teeth from cavities.

Downside and durability of glass ionomer fillings

Their cream colour closely mimics the natural appearance of teeth, although the difference may be noticeable, especially in visible front teeth.

Besides, glass ionomers tend to be weaker and less durable than composite resin fillings, typically lasting five years or less.

4. Gold dental fillings

Also known as onlays or inlays, gold fillings comprise gold alloys, copper, and other metals. 

Gold fillings are sometimes preferable for people who don’t mind the shiny-yellowish colour and appearance due to durability and compatibility with the gums.

Downside and durability of gold fillings

Gold fillings are the costliest option. They often must be custom-built in dentist labs after the dentist captures tooth impressions.

With proper care, gold fillings may last 20 years or exceed this time frame.

5. Porcelain dental fillings

Porcelain or ceramic fillings are also called inlays or onlays. They are also made to order in labs as gold fillings and bound onto the affected tooth.

Porcelain fillings also suit the natural tooth colour; therefore, the indifference is rarely detectable and may be a good fit for front teeth fillings. 

Downside and durability of porcelain fillings

The downside is that they may cost as much as their gold counterparts. However, they are also durable.

In addition, ceramic fillings tend to be more stain—and wear-resistant than composite resin fillings. 

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What happens during a composite dental filling procedure?

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the step-by-step composite dental filling procedure:

1. Dental analysis and diagnosis

Typically, the dentist inspects and diagnoses to identify areas affected with tooth decay and cavities. They may also take images highlighting the affected spots or regions. There are two types of cavities or tooth decay, namely:

• Occlusal cavities: These cavities are often easier to detect since they manifest on the top region of the tooth.

• Interproximal cavities may be undetectable during the early stages, as they tend to form between teeth.

2. Pre-filling preparation

After examination and diagnosis, the dentist may suggest the most appropriate filling type and discuss the costs, durability, and pros and cons. 

Once you give them the go-ahead, they kick-start the procedure by numbing the affected area. The effect blocks nerve receptors and prevents sensitivity to pain to ensure comfort during the process. 

Within 10-15 minutes, the numbing effect will be on, and the dentist will inject different spots depending on the tooth location. 

The injection is painless, so if you fear injection procedures, you should not worry.

3. Cavity cleaning and filling preparation

The dentist may use a drill or an air abrasion tool to extract the decayed portion of the tooth cavity. 

Afterward, they clean the remainder of the tooth and may shape it to prepare it for dental fillings packing. 

Suppose the cavity has extended to fragile tooth regions like dentine; the dentist may utilize a weaker drill to avert further damage to the dentine.

4. Filling the affected cavity with composite material

After cleaning and preparation, the dentist packs the tooth cavity with the preferable or most appropriate filling. 

They can also shape and refine the filling, scraping off surplus material to suit the tooth and match your normal bite alignment.

Lastly, they toughen the dental filling material with a distinct blue wavelength laser.

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What happens after a composite dental filling? Aftercare

Here are some tips on potential side effects and aftercare after the filling dental procedure to ensure a smooth recovery:

Dental filling Sensitivity 

After the cavity-filling procedure, you may feel discomfort or sensitivity. 

To avoid this, your dentist may recommend and prescribe painkillers to relieve the symptoms of sensitivity and discomfort. 

If the sensitivity lasts longer than a few days, it’s advisable to contact your dentist or dental clinic.

Avoid specific meals

For the next few days after the dental filling procedure, it is advisable to limit chewing sticky and hard foods on the tooth. 

You may also schedule a follow-up date with your dental clinic for a necessary checkup. 

Ensure that you maintain optimum dental hygiene to maximize durability and prevent decay on other teeth.

Ways to prevent and avoid cavities

Tooth decay is preventable and avoidable. Here are some ways to prevent dental caries on teeth and minimize filling dental procedure chances:

• Routine dental checkups and biannual professional cleaning: Visiting your dentist or a dental clinic for checkups can help you detect anomalies such as cavities and tooth decay early. Also, ensure that you have professional teeth cleaning twice a year to maintain optimum teeth health. 

• Regular brushing and flossing: Regular cleaning and flossing eliminate leftover food particles that mouth bacteria convert to acids to erode the enamel. The fluoride present in some toothpastes also safeguards the enamel from cavity formation and decay.

• Chewing sugar-free gum after eating: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals improves the flow of saliva, which can wash off sugar into the stomach. Saliva can also prevent decay and inhibit the destructive acid formation that mouth bacteria process to destroy the enamel.

• Reducing sugary foods: Limiting your consumption of sugary foods and drinks can minimize the free sugars that aid in acid formation and eventual tooth decay. 

• Hydration: Since dehydration can limit saliva production, hydration increases and maintains optimum saliva flow.

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Common questions about dental fillings

Below are some frequently asked questions about cavities and the dental fillings procedure:

1. Does insurance cover dental fillings?

While insurance covers and companies may cater to tooth decay and cavities treatment costs, some dental clinics have limited payment options or accept certain insurance companies. 

Ensure you inquire about the payment methods available and approved insurance companies before you check in for dental fillings treatment procedures.

2. What are other dental filling alternatives?

Dental fillings are the less complicated treatment option for dental caries disease, and they are often used when tooth decay affects a smaller tooth portion. 

Failure or delaying treatment of dental caries disease leads to gradual cavity progression into fragile, deeper tooth areas. 

You may opt for alternatives, such as veneers, for broken or chipped teeth, especially visible front teeth.

3. Can you whiten the fillings?

No. The composite dental fillings’ color is often permanent, so teeth whitening procedures don’t affect your fillings. 

However, you may whiten your teeth first or opt for composite resin and ceramic fillings that match the newer tooth color for a confident look and matching appearance.

The takeaway

No more worries, anticipation, or uncertainty about what to expect during your first composite dental filling procedure.

You are now familiar with what to expect on your dental visit to avert further progression of cavities. 

The best news is that everything is within your control if you decide to book a dental appointment or visit a dental clinic for diagnosis as soon as possible.

Have any questions or feedback? Contact us, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.