Composites or Resin composites or tooth-coloured fillings have been widely used as an alternative to mercury fillings for nearly 65 years since its inception in 1955. However, there have been extraordinary developments in technologies concerning esthetic restorative materials since then.
A few surveys confirmed that most Australians are concerned with the detrimental effects of mercury. Patients strongly expressed a desire for safe alternative dental fillings. According to another survey conducted among Australian dentists, 79 per cent of them confirmed that one of the factors in the choice of dental filling material was the aesthetic demands of the patients.
Advantages of Composite resin fillings over Amalgam restorations :
The data available on the toxicity of mercury and the longevity of amalgam restoration is not considerable.
- Amalgam or silver fillings do not chemically bond to the tooth. As a result, the tooth in question may need more drilling to hold the amalgam filling inside.
- Superior aesthetics– If a Resin composite filling is polished well after it has hardened, it may be hard to discern its margin from the natural tooth contour.
- Amalgam fillings may expand after 24 hours causing immense pain to the patient. This aspect is nullified in the case of tooth coloured fillings.
- There have been controversies towards the leaching of mercury from amalgam fillings, into the bloodstream and breast milk. Mercury is considered a neurotoxin. Hence composite resins are preferred due to lesser adverse reactions in the body. Composite restorations are considered safe fillings for teeth and are hence widely used now.
- Longevity- depending on the location of the resin composite filling, studies have proved that tooth coloured fillings can last as long as amalgam fillings.
- Discolourations- Patients have complained of a greyish or blackish discolouration of the tooth with a silver filling. This is because the colour pigment leaks into the tooth structure. Additionally, teeth appear darker because of the shadow of the amalgam.
- Repair of composite fillings- Unless your dentist decided to, a new composite filling can be done over an old tooth coloured filling. ( Most of the time, removing composite fillings entirely isn’t necessary)However, it isn’t the case with silver fillings or amalgam restorations. Silver fillings will require a dental filling removal procedure of the old restoration and not simply be ‘built over it. Additionally, your friendly Canberra dentist will assess your medical history and will accordingly suggest a dental filling
(The procedure to restore a tooth with a resin composite filling isn’t lengthy and tiresome. Your friendly dentist at Molonglo Dental Surgery will begin by drilling the tooth and making sure it is free of caries. Thereafter, the tooth shall be isolated to prevent it from getting contaminated with saliva. Following this, your dentist will apply an etching compound. This will ensure that the tooth coloured filling will develop a strong bond with the tooth. Subsequently, your dentist will either fill your tooth with the Composite at once or in parts and use a blue-coloured to harden the filling. Once the filling is done, your dentist will remove any excess cement and examine if it interferes with your biting and chewing. )
Composite or tooth coloured fillings have a few disadvantages as well. These could be the filling losing its chemical bond with the tooth leading to food and liquid entering the minor gaps in the filling and creating new cavities. However, this depends upon the diet you follow, the status of your oral hygiene and the frequency of dental checkups you have in a year. Rest assured that our team at Molonglo Dental Surgery will recognize the smallest damage to any fillings and advise you on treatments accordingly.
When a tooth is repaired with a filling, it doesn’t ensure that the tooth is as hard as it naturally was. As known, Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and a major part of a tooth contains enamel. Hence, the purpose of a filling is either to alleviate your pain if any, enhance cosmetics or enable you to chew properly. In no manner does it replace the natural composition of a tooth-it simply substitutes it.
Therefore, whether it’s a composite filling, an amalgam filling, a gold filling or any other type of filling, the following care instructions remain pertinent:
- Bite and chew cautiously -biting down hard following a filling can result in pain.
- Avoid hard foods. Chewing on hard candy, nuts, ice can cause pain by exerting extensive pressure on the teeth.
- Avoid sticky foods. Eating sticky foods too soon after a filling can dislodge your new filling.
- By eating slowly, you can avoid biting down too hard on your new filling.
- Avoid sugary foods. sugary foods and drinks potentially trigger sensitivity. Additionally, they can promote the development of bacteria around your new filling.
- Avoid very hot and cold food and beverages. By eating or drinking foods and drinks at room temperature, you may avoid activating any sensitivity.
- Chewing with your mouth closed. By keeping your mouth closed, you lower the chance of cold air getting into your mouth and causing discomfort due to sensitivity.
However, after you’ve had your tooth filled, your Canberra dentist at Molonglo Dental Surgery will give you specific instructions about:
- how long to wait before eating
- how long to wait before chewing on the restored tooth
- what foods and beverages to avoid
Man has, as it were, become a kind of prosthetic God. When he puts on all his auxiliary organs, he is truly magnificent; but those organs have not grown on him and they still give him much trouble at times.
—Sigmund Freud
We at Molonglo Dental Surgery understand the above and pledge morally- acceptable, patient-satisfactory and affordable dental therapies to the best of our capabilities. Call us on +61262871222. To book your appointment today. To know more visit our website at https://molonglodental.com.au/.
