A composite filling is white or tooth-colored in nature. It provides a strong, durable way of replacing the plastic and glass that were used in dental fillings in the past (a.k.a. amalgam fillings). While these do make a great option for restoring your decayed or fractured teeth (even for making small cosmetic improvements) you need to know how to properly care for them once you do get them.
Directly after you get a filling is the most important time for you to take care of it. At this time, you’ll want to avoid chewing on anything hard for at least 24 hours. Make sure you wait for at least an hour before you eat any food at all. However, you can drink immediately after your appointment is over. It is recommended that you avoid smoking, coffee, tea, and any fruits that will stain your teeth.
You also don’t want to grind your teeth together. This can harm your fillings. Instead, make sure you follow good oral hygiene, which should include brushing your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing at least once daily. Even so, you may experience pain for a few days, along with sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks that can last for up to three weeks.
When you heed this advice and take proper care of your composite fillings, they will last for around 5 years. Unfortunately, this isn’t as long as an amalgam filling which lasts for about 10 – 15 years. However, they do have their benefits including looking better aesthetically since they match your natural tooth color and appearance, strengthening your teeth, and helping prevent breaks.
So, whether you’re interested in getting composite fillings or you already have them and need information about how to properly care for them, give us a call today.
