Question 1

what are composite fillings used for?

Accepted Answer

Filling teeth: Composites are 'composed' of very small particles of quartz dispersed in a resin material. They are usually hardened by a curing light that is shined upon them.
They are tooth colored...As opposed to amalgam (silver) fillings. They are non-metallic.

Question 2

when would fillings need to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

When necessary: When they are worn, have defective margins, broken or fractured.  There is no specific life span for fillings.

Question 3

i think i have a wobbly bonded filling, what should i do?

Accepted Answer

See Your dentist: If the filling is loose, you should see your dentist. He or she will remove the old filling and simply place another. If there is any cavity underneath the old filling, it will be removed.

Question 4

all of my molars have fillings, is this bad?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: At least you have taken care of your teeth and that's why you still have them. Ignore your teeth and they'll go away.

Question 5

are mercury   fillings dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No: There has never been any research that i'm aware of that has shown that mercury (although present) will leach from the filling into your system.  There has been research however that shows exposure to mercury vapors during their removal.  Ask your dentist to use a dental dam if you ever need to have an old amalgam filling removed to minimize that exposure.

Question 6

is it.okay to brush after filling?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Unless your dentist advised otherwise. Amalgam fillings are set enough in approximately one hour. Composite fillings are set enough by the time you leave the office. With temporary fillings you can usually eat and brush also after 30 minutes but will have to be careful with them until replaced with something permanent. I'm not sure which type you are referring to.

Question 7

why does my tooth hurt after filling?

Accepted Answer

Trauma: The tooth was traumatized by the procedure. I can take a few days or even weeks to calm down, especially if the restoration is deep. Call your dentist to explain your pain and for guidance.

Question 8

what is a posterior composite filling?

Accepted Answer

Composite is: A resin based restorative material that is bonded to a tooth, commonly called tooth colored fillings versus amalgam which is silver.   Can be anterior (front teeth canine to canine) or posterior (bicuspids / premolars and molars).  Hope this helps.

Question 9

can i chew gum if i just got a filling?

Accepted Answer

Type of filling?: After one hour if an amalgam filling and right away if it was a composite filling. Not until the anesthesia wears off if you were given an injection to make you numb.  Limit gum chewing anyway, especially gum with sugar.

Question 10

how long can a filling last in a tooth?

Accepted Answer

A very long time: I've had some of my fillings last 30 years. There is no specific life span for a filling.  It varies based upon location, size, material, and eating and biting habits.

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Doctor answers about:

Sedative filling

A member asked:

What are composite fillings used for?

A member asked:

When would fillings need to be replaced?

A member asked:

I think i have a wobbly bonded filling, what should i do?

A member asked:

All of my molars have fillings, is this bad?

A member asked:

Are mercury fillings dangerous?

A member asked:

Is it.okay to brush after filling?

A member asked:

Why does my tooth hurt after filling?

A member asked:

What is a posterior composite filling?

A member asked:

Can i chew gum if i just got a filling?

A member asked:

How long can a filling last in a tooth?

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