Everything you need to know about composite fillings

 

An individual’s teeth damaged by cavities reduces the density and structure of the teeth leading to tooth decay. The bacteria that causes cavities creates a hole in the teeth that erodes the tooth enamel, causing pain and discomfort. 

A composite filling is used to fill these holes to prevent tooth decay from reaching the roots of your teeth. If left untreated, it could lead to a permanent tooth extraction or, the individual may require a root canal. It is the most opted option by dentists to prevent critical decay to teeth. Several questions boggle the mind of an individual when it comes to composite fillings. Some of the most common questions are how long does a composite filling last? Is composite filling a permanent or long-lasting solution to damaged or rotten teeth? Is it a reliable solution? Is the process painful? So on and forth. If you’re someone with similar questions, read on to learn more if you are interested in composite fillings near you. 

 

Understanding composite fillings 

 

A composite filling is a dental process of filling a tooth affected by cavities. It is made from materials like resin, ceramic, or porcelain to restore functionality and oral health of a damaged tooth. The material usually lends with the natural color of the teeth and is barely visible to the naked eye when used for the front teeth. The type of material used for composite fillings depends on an individual’s ease, compatibility, and the individual’s affordability. A composite filling is an alternate filling to the traditional amalgam fillings. 

 

Why you may need to receive a composite filling near you 

 

If cavities have damaged your teeth, or you notice it becoming hollow, it will require a composite filling. You may have to get dental fillings in West Edmonton at a dental clinic near you if: 

· The teeth are worn out 

· The teeth are decayed 

· The teeth are either broken, cracked or chipped 

· There is too much space between teeth 

· You have hollow teeth 

 

Filling materials used in composite filling 

 

Materials used to make composite filling depends on the patient’s compatibility, affordability, and availability of the material. The materials include gold, silver alloys (a combination of metal mixed with copper, zinc, tin, and silver). Another material used is composite resin, plastic, or tooth-colored substances like ceramic. 

Other materials contain particles of glass which is known as glass ionomer. Glass ionomer is very similar to that of composite resin filling when compared to how it is used. A dentist in Northwest Edmonton can recommend the best material suited for you based on the extent and position of decay, tooth damage, and the cost of the procedure. 

 

How long can composite fillings last? 

 

The lifeline of composite fillings depends on one’s eating habits, dental care and hygiene, lifestyle, oral health, and the filling used for the tooth. Based on the material used to make the filling, a filling provided by a dental clinic near you can last from five to 25 years. 

· Composite Resin Fillings Five to 15 years 

· Silver Alloy Fillings - Five to 25 years 

· Gold Fillings - 15 to 20 years 

 

Dos and don’ts to maintain your composite filling 

 

The life of a composite filling does not entirely depend on only the material. Oral care and hygiene play a lasting role to maintain a composite filling. Here are a few simple steps to help increase the life of your composite fillings. 

· Observing regular oral care practices like brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. 

· Refrain from eating hard food. 

· Refrain from subjecting your teeth to extreme hot or cold items. 

· Do not use hard-bristle brushes. Be gentle while brushing. 

· Make sure to visit your dentist regularly. At least once in six months is recommended. 

 

Looking for dental fillings in West Edmonton? 

 

Composite fillings will wear out over time as teeth are prone to bacterial attack and hence cannot last for a lifetime. These steps will only help increase the life of the composite filling by a few additional years. For more information on composite fillings, the procedure, and pricing - visit a dentist near you today. A dental clinic in West Edmonton is happy to help. 

Best Exercises for TMJ Pain Relief

You use your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for your small daily tasks, such as speaking, biting, chewing, yawning, swallow, and more. You are using it every day, almost all day; therefore, it is essential to have it healthy.

The Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the articulation that connects your jaw with your temporal bone. If you have a problem with it, then you are experiencing temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

These disorders can include odd noises and severe pain. You should look for TMJ treatment near you if you feel any discomfort in the area. We have a team of experts in our dental clinic in West Edmonton that will give you professional advice and guide you through any treatments.

Causes of TMD

Some of the reasons why you might need TMJ treatment in West Edmonton are the following:

• Jaw or teeth injury.
• Head or neck muscle problems.
• Arthritis.
• Parafunctional habits, such as bruxism (the excessive grinding of your teeth and jaw).
• Daily stress.

TMD Symptoms

If you experience one or more of the symptoms below, we suggest you look for a dental clinic near you that offers TMD treatment.

• Pain in your face, jaw, neck, ear, or a combination of them.
• Clicking sound while you open or close your mouth.
• Tired face
• Severe toothaches
• Ringing in the ear
• Locking of the jaw when you open your mouth
• Swelling

Best Exercises for TMJ Pain Relief

The following exercises will help you relax the jaw, strengthen its muscles, and increase its range of motion. Let’s see.

1.   Relaxed Jaw

Place your tongue gently on your mouth’s roof, and slowly make your teeth come apart while you relax your jaw.

2.   Partial Opening

Put the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Then, place a finger in your jaw joint and another on your chin. You will drop your mandible halfway, and close. You may also do this exercise by placing your pointer fingers on each TMJ (in front of your ears) as you drop the mandible.

Do it at least six sets a day, six times in each.

3.   Full Opening

With your tongue and fingers in the same position as above, drop your mandible all the way, and close. The frequency is the same as before; six times each set, six sets a day.

4.   Chin Tuck

The main benefit of this exercise is that it will strengthen the front of your neck muscles. With your chest up, tuck your chin, and hold the position for three seconds. Repeat ten times.

5.   Resisted Opening

Put your thumb below your chin. Open your mouth slowly while you apply pressure with your thumb to add resistance. Hold the opening for five seconds, and then return.

6.   Tongue Up

Placing the tip of it on the top of your mouth, open and close your mouth.

Pain Medication

If the pain is too severe, you may manage it by taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. Your doctor might also prescribe you muscle relaxants.

Other Recommendations

• If you grind your teeth, use a mouth guard.
• Apply ice packs for periods up to 15 minutes every hour. Keep a layer of clothing or a towel between your skin and the ice.
• Apply warm towels where it hurts.

Don't Do TMJ Exercises in Pain

It is essential to know that you must wait until your pain has decreased to start doing any of the exercises described in this blog.

If the pain gets worse after doing the exercises, stop, and contact a dentist as soon as possible.

How to Pick the Right Fillings for Your Teeth

Dental fillings are probably the first dental procedure a person undergoes. As their name suggests, they fill a cavity and restore the tooth. If you have tooth decay, a dentist near you will remove the infected tissue, and fill it. It will be as if nothing ever happened.

Thanks to modern dentistry, dental fillings can be tooth-colored for a natural look. Nobody will notice that you had a cavity; in fact, after a while, you probably won’t distinguish where the filling was placed.

But this was not always the case; before modern dentistry, fillings were not as aesthetic. Let’s go back in time to see how they evolved.

The oldest filling goes back around 13.000 years, and it was made of a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons, known as Bitumen. You may be familiarized with it because it is now used to asphalt roads and roofing.

More recently, in the 1900s, amalgams were the most popular filling. Sure, they were not tooth-colored, and the mercury was not that bonded, but it was the dental restorative material of choice due to its low cost, ease of application, strength, and durability.

Later on, fillings were completely transformed, thinking of what was best for the patient. Amalgams, for example, were chemically bonded to reduce the concentration of mercury and avoid damaging people’s health. Thanks to modern dentistry, dental fillings in Edmonton are much safer and less invasive.

At present, people prefer dental fillings that match their adjacent teeth color and not so much the silver ones; however, we will discuss all of them so you can have better criteria if you are looking for dental fillings near you.

Amalgam

It is a metal filling that contains a mixture of copper, tin, silver, and zinc. It also contains mercury, which is why some people get concerned about its usage in dentistry; however, as we mentioned above, they are now better bonded to other metals to reduce the amount of mercury.

Amalgams are very resistant and inexpensive. They are not aesthetic, but they are a good option if you want a budget-friendly option.

Composite

These don’t have the long durability of amalgams, but they can be tooth-colored; hence, patients like that they can have a natural look after the trip to the dentist. On the downside, if the cavity is extremely large, they won’t work because they cannot withstand severe occlusal forces.

Composite fillings consist of a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass.

Gold

Yes, gold can be used to fill a dental cavity. It is a very expensive material, and our dentist in Edmonton will need more than one appointment to place it, but it is still an option in modern dentistry. On the plus side, it can last up to two decades.

Porcelain

It is a durable material that can also be tooth-colored for a natural look. It is resistant and not as expensive as gold. However, it is still pricey, but it’s worth the investment if you don’t have enough tooth structure for a composite filling.

Resin

They are made of a ceramic and plastic compound, and they are known as white fillings because they mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. Nowadays, they are the most popular fillings to restore a small to a moderate cavity.

No one solution fits all when it comes to dental fillings. It will depend on your wants and needs, and how big or small the cavity is. Along with our specialists, you will determine the best option for you.

If you have any other questions regarding the treatments we offer, don’t hesitate to call us.