With modern advancements in dentistry and aesthetic awareness among the general public, cavities can be easily treated. One such solution is to use composite fillings. These aesthetic fillings blend with your natural teeth returning your smile to its previous glory.

However, you may have gotten your composite fillings years ago, and now your dentist has advised you to get them replaced during your visit. It is a common misconception that fillings will last you a lifetime.

Regular wear and tear over time can render your fillings loose, which can cause severe pain and infection if not dealt with early on. Here we give you some advice on post-filling tooth care and how to make them last for a long time.

What is in composite fillings?

Composite fillings contain a mixture of resin, glass, and plastic. The soft putty is to fill in the cavity in your tooth, solidifying following the procedure. The procedure is lengthy, requiring multiple layers after the fillings are polished.

How can composite fillings help me?

Composite fillings are used to fill in the gap left due to cavities. Otherwise, you risk exposing the nerves as a result of further decay. Though amalgam was a popular choice in the past, they are less popular now due to its visibility, given the color when you talk or laugh.

This is where composite fillings come in. they have the same color as your natural teeth. This is especially important if your cavities affect your front teeth. The natural looking composite fillings are a better option cosmetically compared to silver fillings. Furthermore, they can also be used to repair chipped or decaying teeth.

Different Types of Fillings

There are a variety of materials used for filling purposes. You have to keep a few pointers before you decide on a filling. Talk to your dentist for further advice.

● Visibility and appearance of the filling
● Shelf-life of the filling
● Durability
● Affordability

Here we talk about the common ones.

Tooth-Colored Resin

They are the most popular choice for filling as they blend in with the natural color of the teeth. They are also durable, lasting up to 7-10 years if taken care of properly.

Silver/Amalgam

These fillings last around 15 years. However, the silver color stands out and may not be desirable to patients.

Gold

Gold is unsurprisingly the most expensive filling and also lasts the longest at 30 years. Some prefer gold fillings to fill in the gaps, while others dislike the look of gold in their teeth.

The Life Span of the Filling Depends on Several Factors

Although fillings are supposed to last many years to come, a lot of factors come into play that affect their longevity. Firstly, the material used for the filling and the method used by the dentist to place the filling. Fortunately, with today’s advanced technology at our disposal, restoration is easier than it used to be years ago and they also last longer.

Moreover, the filling site is another important reason it may crack. For example, filling in the back molars are more susceptible to stress; hence it can fracture easily.

Finally, oral hygiene is another chief factor that needs to be addressed.  You cannot expect composite fillings to withstand poor oral hygiene. Proper oral care and a healthy diet low in sugar will ensure that the fillings will last for a long time.

What Causes a Tooth Filling To Fall Out?

To prevent your tooth filling from falling out and last for a
longtime to come, you need to know what causes the filling to fall out.

Dental Fillings May Weaken Over Time

More often than not, time is the culprit for weakened fillings. Remember that they aren’t meant to last forever, and there isn’t much you can do about it. The fillings become weak with time and regular jaw movements and fall out on their own. You will need to see a qualified dentist and then have them replaced.

Severe Tooth Decay

Filling the gaps in your teeth isn’t the end of your teeth issues. You need to ensure that the fillings stay that way for a long time. Otherwise, you will just cause the problem to recur and cost a good amount of money. If you return to your sweet tooth habits, expect your tooth to start decaying. If the decay occurs around or underneath the filling, the filling will eventually fall out of the empty area.

Teeth Grinding & Clenching

It is more common in people who tend to stress, which causes them to clench their teeth at night. If cracks appear near the fillings, they will eventually spill out through the weakened points. This results in weakened teeth if done for a prolonged period.

Nevertheless, the cause of your tooth decay could be one or multiple factors and it is essential that you have it checked immediately. Early detection and regular checkup under an umbrella that provides dental services for all ensures that teeth issues like caries are treated early before you even need fillings.

How Can I Help My Dental Work Have a Long Life?

You can do a lot to prolong the lifespan of your fillings.

Maintaining Excellent Oral Hygiene

The best way to keep your fillings is to take care of your teeth. A fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association and brushing twice daily and flossing is a great first step to better oral hygiene.

Take care to use a soft-bristle brush and brush for a full two minutes to reach all the mouth's quadrants. Finish with flossing to remove food particles from the hard-to-reach parts, as these are chiefly responsible for tooth decay.

Eating a Well-Balanced Diet

Reducing sugar-laden drinks and food is good for your body and teeth. These cause your enamel to wear away, exposing the filling. You should also curb down on wine, citrus fruits, and processed foods which can harm composite fillings. When you do consume them, be sure to drink plenty of water to wash out the particles.

Moreover, you should also avoid biting into hard foods that can cause tooth cracks.

Relax Your Teeth

Clenching and grinding teeth often result from stress-induced habits that can be hard to break. Talk to your dentist, who will provide you with muscle relaxants or mouth guards.

Healthy Habits

To protect your teeth and overall health, refrain from tobacco-related products and smoking. Also, it is wise to use an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse the bacteria from your mouth to protect your enamel.

Regular Checkups

Be sure to have regular dental checkups (at least twice a year) to detect any teeth issues early on and stay updated on your fillings status. Your dentist will be able to identify any filling-related problems and take preventive measures against further deterioration.

Filling Care Immediately After Your Appointment

One of the reasons why you might have aching teeth following the procedure may be due to excess filling. Check with your dentist if that is the case. A few helpful tips can easily resolve the pain and discomfort immediately after your filling.

The teeth surrounding the filled-in tooth may also ache due to signals sent from it. However, this pain should subside within a week or two and can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Foods To Avoid After a Filling

Chewy and sticky food is best avoided following the filling for at least two weeks. Additionally, refrain from hot and cold drinks if you have tooth sensitivity. However, you can brush and floss regularly after the procedure and need not wait.

What to do if your filling becomes damaged or falls out

If your filling falls out, you must see your dentist immediately. The underlying issue must be treated as soon as possible, or else you risk infection or a cracked tooth. Food can get stuck in the cracks, resulting in painful infections and further decay.

Make sure you don’t swallow the filling and preserve it. Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the gap clean, and cover it with dental wax until you see your dentist. Depending on your state, it may be possible to reinstate the filling or replace it with a new filling after cleaning the tooth.

At other times, the decay may be severe enough that you may require a root canal. This involves uprooting the pulp and root and covering the tooth with a protective crown.

Conclusion

Teeth serve us both in terms of health and aesthetics. Proper care and oral hygiene are key to maintaining eternal pearly whites. Getting composite fillings for weakened teeth is part of its care. Take all necessary measures to ensure these fillings last long.

The key to long-lasting composite fillings is good care and regular checkups. So make sure to brush regularly and don’t miss your dentist appointments.