Dental Fillings

If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.

Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.

Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.

We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.

Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.

Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.

A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.

The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile to help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.

Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.

Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of Flossophy Dental, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.

Dental fillings are restorations placed to repair teeth damaged by decay or physical injury. They restore the tooth's shape and function so you can chew and speak comfortably while closing off spaces where bacteria could enter. Fillings also strengthen weakened tooth structure and help prevent the problem from progressing to more invasive care.

Dentists commonly recommend fillings when decay is detected early or when a small portion of the tooth has fractured. Timely treatment preserves remaining healthy tooth and often avoids procedures such as root canal therapy or extraction. Our team focuses on conservative preparation and long-lasting results that maintain oral health and appearance.

Choosing a filling material depends on the cavity size, the tooth's location, esthetic priorities, and the functional demands placed on the tooth. Posterior teeth that endure heavy chewing force may require stronger materials, while visible front teeth often benefit from tooth-colored options that blend with the smile. Your dentist will explain the advantages and trade-offs of each material to help you make an informed decision.

Common options include composite resins for a natural look, glass ionomer for certain pediatric or subgingival areas, ceramic inlays or onlays for larger restorations, and traditional metal alloys when exceptional durability is needed. The final recommendation balances longevity, conservation of healthy tooth, and how the restoration will perform in your bite. Treatment planning also takes into account your overall oral health and any restorative needs adjacent to the tooth in question.

The procedure typically begins with a clinical exam and digital X-rays when needed to confirm the extent of decay. Local anesthesia is commonly used to ensure comfort while the dentist removes decayed tissue and shapes the cavity for the restoration. After tooth preparation, the chosen material is placed and shaped to restore form and function, then finished and polished for a comfortable bite and smooth surface.

Most routine fillings are completed in a single visit and the appointment length varies by complexity and location of the cavity. For larger defects, an interim restoration may be placed and a follow-up scheduled for definitive work such as an inlay, onlay, or crown. Throughout the visit the team will explain each step and answer questions to help you feel at ease.

Tooth-colored composite resins have improved significantly and offer a strong, esthetic option for many small- to medium-sized cavities. Composites bond to the remaining tooth structure, which can allow for more conservative preparations and a seamless appearance in the smile zone. While composites perform well under normal conditions, their wear characteristics can differ from those of metal or laboratory-fabricated restorations in very high-stress situations.

For large restorations or teeth that sustain heavy biting forces, indirect options such as ceramic inlays, onlays, or metal-based restorations may provide superior long-term durability. Your dentist will evaluate the size of the cavity, occlusal forces, and esthetic priorities to recommend the most appropriate material. The goal is a restoration that balances appearance, strength, and preservation of healthy tooth structure.

Good oral hygiene supports the longevity of any restoration, so continue regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing to keep margins clean and gum tissue healthy. Avoid chewing very hard foods or using your teeth as tools for the first 24 hours if your restoration requires time to fully set or if you experienced prolonged numbness. If you were given specific instructions for a temporary restoration, follow those guidelines until your definitive restoration is placed.

Short-term sensitivity to hot, cold, or biting pressure is common and usually resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks. If sensitivity increases, the bite feels uneven, or you notice roughness or a fracture in the restoration, contact the office for an evaluation so smaller repairs can be made before a larger problem develops. Routine dental checkups allow your provider to monitor restorations and recommend maintenance when appropriate.

The lifespan of a filling varies by material, location, size of the restoration, and individual habits, with many lasting several years to over a decade under normal conditions. Composite fillings may show more wear or staining over time compared with indirect ceramic restorations or metal alloys, while glass ionomer materials may be used in lower-stress areas or as temporary solutions. Proper oral hygiene, the absence of heavy parafunctional habits, and regular professional care all contribute to longer-lasting restorations.

Factors that can shorten a filling's lifespan include recurrent decay at the margins, fractures from biting hard objects, bruxism, and poor oral hygiene. Periodic clinical exams and digital radiographs let your dentist detect early changes and recommend conservative repairs or replacements when necessary. Prompt attention to minor issues often preserves more tooth structure than waiting until a restoration fails completely.

Common signs that a filling may require attention include persistent or increasing sensitivity, a rough or uneven surface, visible cracks, or changes in how your bite feels. New pain when biting, swelling, or repeated episodes of discomfort around the treated tooth can indicate recurrent decay or a compromised restoration. Early detection allows for simpler, more conservative interventions.

During regular exams your dentist inspects restorations visually and with radiographs when appropriate to identify leaks, recurrent decay, or structural failure. If a filling is loose, fractured, or permitting bacteria to infiltrate the tooth, the clinician will recommend repair options or replacement based on the extent of damage and the condition of the remaining tooth structure. Addressing concerns promptly supports long-term tooth preservation.

Yes, fillings are commonly used in pediatric dentistry to treat cavities and restore primary teeth when appropriate. Glass ionomer materials are often chosen for young children or for cavities near the gumline because they bond to tooth structure and release fluoride, offering additional protection. Behavior management, the child's cooperation, and the expected lifespan of the primary teeth all factor into the material choice and treatment approach.

For children who have difficulty tolerating traditional drilling, alternatives such as minimally invasive techniques or short-duration appointments may be considered. The pediatric team will balance conservation of tooth structure with durability and preventive strategies to reduce future decay. Regular dental visits, anticipatory guidance for oral hygiene, and dietary counseling are important components of pediatric restorative care.

When a cavity involves a large portion of the tooth or the remaining structure is insufficient to support a direct filling, indirect restorations such as inlays, onlays, or crowns are viable alternatives. These restorations are fabricated in a lab or milled in-office and then bonded to the tooth, providing enhanced strength and wear resistance compared with large direct fillings. The choice depends on how much tooth remains, the tooth's role in the bite, and esthetic needs.

In some cases root canal therapy may be required before placing a definitive restoration if the decay has reached the nerve. Your dentist will discuss the full range of restorative options, explain what to expect from each, and recommend a plan that preserves as much natural tooth as possible while restoring function and comfort. A staged approach can be used when interim protection is needed prior to final restoration.

Preventing future cavities relies on consistent daily oral hygiene, including twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily interdental cleaning to remove plaque between teeth. Reducing frequent exposure to sugary or acidic snacks and drinks, drinking water, and maintaining regular professional cleanings and exams help control the factors that contribute to decay. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can offer additional protection in susceptible areas when clinically indicated.

Habits such as avoiding chewing on ice or hard objects, treating bruxism if present, and addressing dry mouth or other underlying conditions also support long-term oral health. If you would like personalized prevention recommendations, Flossophy's team can assess your risk and create a tailored plan that fits your lifestyle and dental needs.