Composite Fillings Newburgh IN | Newburgh Family Dental

Composite Fillings in Newburgh, IN

Are you looking for natural-looking composite fillings in Newburgh, IN? At Newburgh Family Dental, we use tooth-colored composite fillings to repair teeth that have become cracked, decayed, or fractured. Furthermore, our composite fillings are matched closely to your existing tooth color, so they blend seamlessly with your smile. Best of all, composite fillings contain no metal or mercury, making them a safer and more attractive alternative to traditional silver fillings.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are made from a durable, tooth-colored resin material. Because they bond directly to your tooth, they require less removal of healthy tooth structure than traditional metal fillings. As a result, more of your natural tooth is preserved. In addition, composite fillings can be used to repair teeth in visible areas of the mouth without drawing attention to the restoration.

What to Expect During Your Appointment:

Getting composite fillings at our Newburgh, IN office is a straightforward and comfortable process. In most cases, the entire procedure is completed in a single appointment. Here is what you can expect:

Decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned.
The composite resin is bonded and applied in layers and shaped to match your tooth.
A special curing light hardens each layer of the filling.
The filling is polished to ensure a smooth, natural finish.

Because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

Composite fillings are designed to be durable and long-lasting. In fact, they have similar longevity to traditional silver fillings. Moreover, if a composite filling is ever damaged, it can often be repaired without removing the entire filling. Therefore, composite fillings are a practical and cost-effective solution for most patients.

What to Expect Following a Composite Filling:

Managing Discomfort and Pain

It’s normal to experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after having a dental filling, particularly if the cavity was deep or near the nerve of the tooth. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is also common in the first few weeks following the procedure.

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken as directed to relieve any discomfort. If you have concerns about pain or if discomfort worsens, please contact our office.
Sensitivity: Sensitivity to temperature and pressure may last for a few weeks following the procedure, but this typically resolves on its own. If the sensitivity persists for more than a month, or if you experience severe pain, please reach out to our office for further evaluation.

Avoiding Certain Foods and Beverages

While your filling is settling into place, it’s important to avoid certain foods and drinks that could cause discomfort or affect the filling.

Soft Foods: If your filling is a composite or white filling, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. This will help prevent any discomfort and ensure the filling adheres properly to your tooth.
Avoid Hot/Cold Foods and Drinks: If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, it may be helpful to avoid extremely hot or cold beverages and foods for a few days. This can help prevent unnecessary discomfort.
Chewing: If you have a filling placed in a tooth that you use to chew, avoid chewing on that side for at least 24 hours. This will allow the filling to set and prevent unnecessary pressure on the tooth.

Numbing and Sensitivity

If local anesthesia was used during your filling procedure, you may experience numbness in the treated area for several hours following the treatment. To avoid injury, do not chew or bite down on your numb mouth, as you may accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip.

Wait for Numbness to Wear Off: Be mindful of the numbness, as biting the tongue or cheek may occur unintentionally. Wait until the numbness completely subsides before eating or drinking.
Post-Treatment Sensitivity: If the filled area feels sensitive to touch or pressure when you bite down, this is normal and should subside after a few weeks. If you notice increased sensitivity or pain while chewing, please contact our office.

At Newburgh Family Dental, we exclusively use composite fillings because we believe they are the best choice for our patients.

Composite Fillings