Does composite cause tooth decay?

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Publication date: 06/31/1404
Editing date: 07/12/1404
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Study time: 6 minutes
Confirmed by: Dr. Nazi Banianian

Does composite cause tooth decay? No. Composite by itself does not cause decay.

How does composite cause tooth decay?

Irregular treatment
Uneven and rough edges of composite
Use of poor quality materials
Non-observance of oral and dental hygiene
High-sugar and acidic diet
Not visiting the dentist regularly Dentist

Table of contents

Approved by Dr. Benianian dental specialists

The content of this article is only to increase your awareness. Before any action, seek advice from dentistry Dr. Benyanian for treatment.

A beautiful smile is always attractive, but when we go to methods such as dental composite to achieve it, new questions and concerns arise.

One of the most frequent of this The questions are: Can composite make teeth susceptible to decay or in other words, does composite cause tooth decay?

In this article from Dr. Benianian's dental website, we try to clarify the real relationship between composite and tooth decay with scientific and experimental investigation.

What is dental composite and what is its use? It is made of resin and ceramic particles. Due to its appearance similarity to natural tooth enamel, this material is considered to be a very suitable alternative for restorations and cosmetic corrections.

Composite has a high compatibility with natural teeth not only in terms of color, but also in terms of transparency and shine.

The main uses of composite are:

Correcting the color and shape of teeth: To remove stains resistant to bleaching or minor irregularities in Tooth shape.
Closing small spaces between teeth: People who naturally have a small space between their front teeth, can solve this problem with composite without the need for orthodontics.
Repairing superficial caries or minor fractures: In cases where Tooth decay is limited or the tooth has become small, composite is the best restorative option.
Overall improvement of smile beauty: Composite veneer can create a harmonious and bright smile by covering the front surface of the teeth.

The important advantage of composite over Ceramic laminate or cover is that it usually does not require much grinding of the tooth surface and in many cases it is installed without serious damage to the tooth structure.

This feature has made this method a conservative and popular choice. In addition, composite is performed in one session in the dental office and its cost is more affordable than similar treatments. Tooth decay is caused by the activity of bacteria and the accumulation of microbial plaque. But:

If the composite is done in an improper way (uneven edges or incomplete connection to the tooth), a suitable place for the accumulation of bacteria will be created.
Not observing oral hygiene after the composite increases the probability of tooth decay after the composite.
Excessive use of sugary substances and not visiting the dentist periodically also increases the risk of decay.

According to an article published under the title “Secondary caries: what is it, and how it can be controlled, detected, and managed“:

Factors such as the skill of the dentist, the oral hygiene of the patient, and the size and condition of the restorations have a greater effect on tooth decay after the composite (than the material itself). composite).

Reasons that prove that composite does not cause tooth decay

Composite is an inert material that adapts to the body and does not cause decay by itself.
Tooth decay is the result of bacterial activity and plaque accumulation, not the composite material itself.
If the treatment is done correctly, the edges of the composite are smooth and polished, leaving a place for bacteria to accumulate.
Maintaining oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing prevents decay around the composite.
The new generation of composites are more resistant to discoloration, wear, and microleakage and reduce the risk of decay.
Regular visits to the dentist and periodic polishing prevent secondary decay.

Dentist's role in preventing decay after composite

One of the most important factors that determines whether teeth will decay after composite or not, skill And the accuracy of the dentist. Because the correct implementation of the treatment procedures, especially in the bonding (adhesion of the composite material to the tooth surface) and polishing and final polishing of the composite, is very important.

If the edges of the composite remain uneven or its connection to the tooth is not complete, small and imperceptible spaces will be created, which are the best places for the accumulation of bacteria and food. This accumulation over time leads to secondary decay and may even cause tooth discoloration around the restoration.

On the other hand, when an experienced dentist uses high-quality materials and standard procedures, the surface of the composite will be completely smooth and polished, and the possibility of decay will be minimized.

In addition to correctly performing the treatment, the dentist It has the duty to provide the necessary training to the patient. Explaining how to brush your teeth correctly, using special dental floss for composite, and even advice on a healthy diet are part of these trainings.

This is why choosing a dentist specializing in dental composite is not a choice of taste. Rather, it is considered a vital decision to maintain the health of teeth and prevent decay after composite.

Effective factors in tooth decay after composite

As we explained above, tooth decay after composite is not related to the composite material itself. Rather, it is mostly the result of environmental conditions, the skill of treatment and patient care. Next, we will examine the most important factors affecting tooth decay after composite.

Uneven composite edges

If composite edges are not properly polished and have a rough or uneven surface, it becomes a suitable place for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. The same issue can cause secondary decay around the teeth over time.

Not respecting oral hygiene

The oral and dental hygiene becomes doubly important after composite teeth. So not brushing or flossing regularly leads to an increase in plaques. Plaques that easily turn into decay and become an answer to the frequent question of the visitors. Why does the mouth smell after composite?

A diet full of sugar and acid

High consumption of sweets, soft drinks and acidic foods creates an acidic environment in the mouth that puts pressure on the tooth and composite structure. This acidic environment increases the rate of decay, and many patients in such situations ask: How long does it take for tooth decay to reach the nerve

The definite answer is not the same for everyone, because the rate of progress of decay depends on factors such as the type of diet, the level of oral hygiene, the type of teeth and even It depends on genetics. However, if decay is not detected and treated in the early stages, it can penetrate deeper layers of the tooth within a few months to a few years and eventually reach the nerve. If the patient does not visit the dentist periodically, hidden caries or microleaks will not be detected in time, and as a result, more extensive damage will be done to the tooth.

Poor quality of composite materials

Ultimately, the use of low-quality or old materials can cause leakage of composite materials around the edges of the teeth and composite. These microleaks are the way for bacteria to enter and lead to secondary decay over time.

The difference between a healthy tooth, a basic composite and a non-basic composite

The state of the possibility of decay and the description of a healthy tooth (without restoration) Low (if hygiene is followed) Decay only occurs due to the accumulation of plaque and an improper diet. Irregular ridges and micro-leakage cause food entrapment and secondary caries

Methods to prevent caries after composite

Regular brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride
Using special dental floss for composite (non-abrasive)
Avoid eating too many sweet and acidic drinks
Periodic examination (once every 6 months) in the office Dentistry
Periodic polishing of composite to maintain surface smoothness

Summary of the relationship between tooth decay and Composite

Composite and tooth decay are not directly related. If this method is done properly and by a specialist dentist, there is no risk for the teeth. But if you neglect health care or do non-standard work, there is a possibility of tooth decay after composite.

So, choosing a reputable dentist and observing daily hygiene is the key to preventing problems.

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Frequently asked questions about whether composites cause tooth decay?

Does the composite cover tooth decay?

No. If a tooth has decay, it should be treated first and then a composite should be made. Covering the decay with a composite only hides the problem and causes more serious damage later.

How do I know if my tooth is decayed after the composite?

Symptoms such as tooth sensitivity to cold and heat, discoloration of the edges of the teeth or bad breath can be signs. The decay is under the composite.

Does brushing damage the composite?

No. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush will never harm your composite tooth. It may be necessary. You should only use non-abrasive toothpaste so that the surface of the composite does not get scratched.

Does decay need to be repaired after composite?

Yes. In case of decay, the damaged part must be removed and repaired again.

What is the best way to prevent tooth decay after composite?

Maintaining oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly and choosing a specialist doctor are the best prevention methods.

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