Composite Fillings Cresskill Dental Dentist in Cresskill Dr. Joo Hyun Lee Cresskill Dental General, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Family Dentist in Cresskill, NJ 07626

Tooth decay can put your tooth at risk for further damage. At Cresskill Dental, we help our patients keep their teeth healthy and prevent the need for dental restoration, such as dental crowns and root canals. Please keep reading to learn more about composite fillings and how to avoid them. 

 

What are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are usually recommended to restore your tooth after decay has formed. The composite filling is made of an acrylic resin, similar to plastic. After the decay is removed from your tooth, it is included in the tooth to match the tooth’s design. No one but you will know that it is there. Then, the resin is cured into place with a blue light placed over the tooth. 

 

Do Composite Fillings Last a Long Time?

With good care, composite fillings can last up to ten years. The average lifespan of a composite filling is seven years. To care for your composite filling, treat them as you would your other natural teeth. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash two times per day for the best oral hygiene routine. 

 

What is the procedure to get Composite Fillings?

Before starting the procedure to get composite fillings, Dr. Lee will examine your teeth and take a dental x-ray. These steps help Dr. Lee understands which teeth may need a composite filling and how big of a filling they need. When the procedure begins, Dr. Lee will numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic. Numbing the site will help you avoid feeling pain. However, you may feel a bit of pressure. Next, Dr. Lee will remove the decay in your tooth with a drill. Removing decay in your tooth is important because it ensures that the decay does not continue to spread after the composite filling is placed. After removing the decay, Dr. Lee will clean and dry the area, preparing for the composite filling. Dr. Lee will prepare the tooth for the composite resin by etching it to bond better to your natural tooth. Dr. Lee will place the composite resin in the tooth to match the natural appearance of the tooth. The resin is cured with a blue light. Finally, Dr. Lee will shape the tooth to your comfort and liking. Once you are satisfied with the tooth, the procedure is over. 

 

What are the Benefits?

At Cresskill Dental, we use composite fillings because there are several benefits for your patients:

  1. The composite filling material, acrylic resin, is a strong material that can withstand fractures.
  2. Our patients love composite fillings because they are tooth-colored fillings matching their natural smiles.
  3. Composite fillings are loved because Dr. Lee can complete the procedure in one dental appointment.  

 

How can I Prevent Getting a Filling?

At Cresskill Dental, we help our patients prevent decay. Preventing decay requires an excellent oral hygiene routine. Many patients develop these routines at a young age, but it is never too late to establish your practice. Thes best oral hygiene routine begins with brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash two times per day, preferably in the morning and at night. Secondly, we ask our patients to visit Cresskill Dental in Cresskill, New Jersey, twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam. Not only is this appointment vital because it allows Dr. Lee to examine your teeth, but it also allows our team of professionals to remove plaque and tartar that you can not remove at home. This appointment is essential in building an excellent oral hygiene routine. 

 

Composite fillings are the ideal material to restore dental decay. At Cresskill Dental, we help our patients avoid decay by assisting them in establishing an oral hygiene routine. During their biannual appointment, we often recommend restoring their smile if we find dental decay. For more information about composite fillings or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Cresskill, New Jersey, today.