Make teeth look and feel natural again
Dental fillings are the most common treatment we perform. They help restore the strength of a damaged tooth and stop decay from spreading. At our office, we use composite resin fillings that are carefully matched to your tooth shade. Compared to traditional metal fillings, composite resin bonds more securely with your tooth structure and allows us to preserve more of your natural tooth since less drilling is needed.
Why are fillings so important?
It can be tempting to delay a filling, especially if you are not in pain yet. But waiting can lead to more serious problems. Here is why getting a filling early is important:
- Stops cavities from spreading
- Prevents painful infections and abscesses
- Restores strength and function to your tooth
- Saves you money by avoiding more complex treatments later
- Reduces tooth sensitivity to temperature
- Helps you keep your natural smile longer
How is a cavity filled?
Gentle Freezing
Before we start, we take the time to gently numb your gums. This helps freeze the area so you feel very little, if anything at all, during the procedure. Many patients are nervous about this step, but we do everything we can to make you feel at ease.
Filling the Tooth
Once the area is fully numb, we clean the cavity and prepare the tooth. A bonding gel is applied, and then we shape the composite resin to match your bite and natural contours. This allows the filling to blend in seamlessly.
Curing the Composite
To harden the filling, we use a special LED light that quickly sets the material. We then check your bite, make any necessary adjustments, and finish with a polish so your filling feels smooth and comfortable.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
With good daily care, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, your composite fillings can last more than ten years.
Older fillings were often made from a metal blend called dental amalgam, which is sometimes referred to as silver or mercury fillings. While there has been ongoing discussion about their safety, the American Dental Association reports that scientific research has not confirmed any risk to the general population. If you currently have silver fillings, there is no need to be alarmed.
Some over the counter kits may offer temporary relief for a chipped tooth or cavity, but they are not a replacement for professional dental care. A cavity is a permanent form of damage that needs to be cleaned and filled by a dentist. Ignoring dental decay can lead to serious infections, tooth loss, or worse.
If your pain is severe and interfering with sleep or eating, it could be a dental emergency. Contact us right away so we can offer guidance and arrange for a visit. In the meantime, you can place a cold compress on the outside of your face near the painful area. Over the counter pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help take the edge off. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and make note of what you took and when, so you can tell us during your appointment.
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