Being told that you need a filling doesn't always mean losing a large amount of your natural tooth. Biomimetic composite fillings are designed to restore damaged teeth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible, offering a more conservative approach to restorative dentistry.
In this guide, we walk you through every stage of the biomimetic composite filling journey, from your initial consultation and examination to the treatment procedure, aftercare and long-term maintenance, so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.
Before Your Appointment
Preparing for your biomimetic composite filling consultation is an important step in ensuring that your appointment runs smoothly and that you make the most of your time with the dentist. While no extensive preparation is required, bringing the key information allows your dentist to better understand your health and provide more personalised recommendations.
Before your appointment, we suggest the following:
- Bring along any previous dental records or X-rays that you might have. This allows your dentist to review your oral health history and avoid unnecessary repeat investigations.
- Prepare a list of current medications and/or supplements you are taking.
- Think about your symptoms and concerns, including when they started, how often they occur and what seems to trigger them.
- Inform your dentist if the tooth has been previously filled, fractured or treated with other dental procedures.
- Consider your long-term oral health goals. Being clear on this helps your dentist to recommend treatments that align with your needs and preferences.
- Write down any questions you might have so that you can direct them to your dentist during the consultation.
- Arrive a few minutes early. This allows you to settle in before your appointment and fill in the necessary registration forms without rushing.
Consultation
Once you are comfortably settled, your consultation begins with a conversation, not a clinical examination. Your dentist takes the time to get to know you, understand your symptoms and concerns and learn more about your overall health. This may include questions about the reason behind your visit, your symptoms and your oral health history. Your dentist may also review your medical history, including any pre-existing medical conditions and current medications. This allows them to build a more complete picture of your oral health and provide treatment options tailored to your individual needs.
Next, if necessary, your dentist will ask about your lifestyle habits, such as smoking, diet, sleep quality, or teeth grinding, as well as any previous dental experiences. If you have any questions or concerns surrounding your previous experiences, this would be a good time to share them.
Finally, your dentist will discuss your treatment and long-term oral health goals. Whether your priority is relieving discomfort, preserving your natural teeth, or taking a more holistic approach to your oral health, understanding what matters the most to you forms the foundation of a good treatment plan that supports your immediate concerns and treatment expectations.
Examination
Following your consultation, your dentist will carry out a comprehensive dental examination to assess the affected tooth in greater detail. The information gathered during the consultation helps your dentist identify the underlying causes of your symptoms and the appropriate treatment options.
Clinical Examination
Your dentist will carefully assess the affected tooth, the surrounding teeth and the supporting gums to identify the extent of the decay and any underlying issues that have to be addressed.
During the examination, your dentist may assess:
- The size and location of the decay
- Existing fillings for signs of wear, leakage or failure
- Cracks, fractures or weakened areas within the tooth
- The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining
- Your bite to identify signs of uneven biting forces or teeth grinding
- The health of the surrounding teeth and gums
This assessment helps your dentist to determine whether the affected tooth can be predictably restored with a biomimetic composite filling or if other restorative options are more suitable.
Digital Imaging
In many cases, your dentist will carry out digital imaging to assess the structures in your mouth that cannot be seen during a visual examination. These may include:
- Dental X-rays
- Intraoral photographs
- Digital intraoral scans
These scans allow your dentist to evaluate the depth of the decay, detect hidden cracks or infection, assess existing restorations and determine how much healthy tooth structure is left. Not every patient requires every type of imaging, and your dentist will only recommend the investigations that are necessary for your individual circumstances.
Determining Whether Biomimetic Composite Filling is Suitable
Once your consultation and assessment are complete, your dentist will determine whether a biomimetic composite filling is appropriate for your specific needs.
One of the main factors that determines whether a biomimetic filling is suitable for you is the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining. Biomimetic dentistry focuses on preserving as much tooth tissue as possible. Thus, this treatment is best suited for patients with sufficient healthy tooth structure left to support a durable bonded restoration.
Your dentist will also evaluate the size and location of the cavity, as well as the amount of bite force the tooth is exposed to. Larger cavities or teeth that are subject to high bite forces may require other restorative treatments, such as a full zirconia inlay or onlay, to ensure better long-term support.
Furthermore, your dentist will evaluate if the affected tooth has any cracks, fractures or nerve damage. Teeth with extensive structural damage may not be suitable for biomimetic fillings.
If a biomimetic filling is not suitable for you, your dentist will explain the reasons to you and provide alternative treatment options that better suit your needs. The aim is always to go for the most conservative treatment option and save as much natural tooth structure as possible. Your dentist will clearly explain the benefits and limitations of the available treatment options to allow you to make an informed decision about your oral health.
Your Biomimetic Composite Filling Procedure
If a biomimetic composite filling is an appropriate treatment option and you wish to proceed, your dentist is usually able to complete the procedure on the spot.
Local Anaesthesia
Depending on the size and location of the cavity, your dentist may administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area before treatment begins. This ensures that you are comfortable throughout the treatment process. If your cavity is small, local anaesthesia may not be necessary.
Removing Decay
Once the area has been numbed, your dentist will carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Unlike conventional fillings that require removing a greater portion of the tooth, biomimetic dentistry focuses on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
If you are treating an existing filling that has failed, it will be carefully removed so that the underlying tooth can be assessed before proceeding with the restoration.
Tooth Preparation
After all the decay has been removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for bonding. The surface is conditioned using specialised adhesive techniques that allow the composite to bond with the tooth.
Layering the Composite
Unlike conventional fillings that are placed in a single layer, biomimetic fillings rebuild the tooth using thin layers of tooth-coloured composite resin. Each layer is shaped and light-cured before the next layer is applied.
This unique layering technique helps recreate the natural structure of the tooth while improving the strength and durability of the restoration. Your dentist will also ensure that the restored tooth looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
Finishing
Once the restoration is in place, your dentist will check your bite and ensure that it feels natural when you close your mouth and chew. If necessary, minor adjustments can be made at this point to ensure a smooth finish.
After Your Treatment
Once your treatment is complete, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your restored tooth and what to expect during the recovery. As biomimetic composite fillings are a minimally invasive treatment, most patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after the appointment.
If local anaesthesia was used, you may experience some numbness for a few hours. It is advisable to avoid eating until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental biting of the cheeks, lips or tongue. Some patients may also notice temporary sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure after the procedure. This is temporary and usually improves as the tooth settles.
While it may take some time for you to get used to your new filling, if your bite continues to feel uncomfortable or too high after the anaesthesia wears off, it is important to contact the clinic as an adjustment might be necessary.
Looking After Your Biomimetic Composite Filling
With the appropriate dental care, a biomimetic filling can last for decades. Some important tips include:
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris
- Attend regular dental check-ups
- Attend regular professional dental cleanings
- Avoid habits that place excessive stress on your teeth, like biting on ice or pens, using your teeth to open packaging or clenching or grinding
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
If you notice any changes to your restored tooth, such as persistent sensitivity, discomfort when biting, or a chipped or loose filling, book an appointment with your dentist immediately. Early intervention often prevents the symptoms from developing into more complex issues.
Your Long-Term Oral Health Journey
A biomimetic composite filling is more than simply repairing a damaged tooth. By preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible, it supports the long-term strength, function and health of your natural smile.
If you have tooth decay, a chipped tooth or a worn filling, seeking treatment early can often help preserve more of your natural tooth. At kohe™ Dental, we take the time to understand your concerns, thoroughly assess your oral health and recommend personalised treatment that is tailored to your individual needs.
Book a holistic consultation with our team today to find out whether a biomimetic composite filling is the right solution for your smile.