Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your doctor will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay is near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this should subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Not that long ago, all fillings were either silver amalgam or gold. But those days are over. At Agnini Family Dental, we use predominantly composite resin fillings. Sometimes called “white fillings,” these fillings, made of a combination of plastic and glass, have become more and more durable with technological improvements in resin strength.

So, how long will your tooth-colored fillings last? The answer isn’t cut and dried. Earlier resins had a shorter lifespan and there was a question of strength. But today’s composite resins are just as strong as old silver amalgam, and they are more reliable. Plus they now last just as long, an average of 7 to 10 years.

Factors that affect a filling’s longevity are the size of the filling, the location on the tooth and in the mouth, if you clench or grind your teeth, your dietary choices, and, most of all, your home hygiene. If you’re diligent with your home care —brushing twice daily for two minutes and flossing once daily — there is a much better chance you will get the maximum lifespan out of your fillings…not to mention your teeth without fillings!