When tooth structure is lost to decay, a filling is more than a cosmetic repair — it restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and ability to chew comfortably. Left untreated, a small cavity can grow, weakening the surrounding enamel and dentin and increasing the chance that a more invasive procedure will be needed later. Addressing decay early with a carefully placed filling helps protect your natural tooth and supports long-term oral health.
Cavities remain one of the most common dental conditions across all ages, which is why restorative care like fillings is routine in modern dentistry. Contemporary techniques let dentists remove harmful decay while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible. That balance — conservative removal of damaged tissue and precise restoration — is key to keeping teeth functional and comfortable for years.
Our goal is to make the process predictable and straightforward. At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we combine gentle technique with up-to-date materials so repairs look natural and perform reliably. When you understand why a filling is recommended and how it will be placed, the treatment becomes a proactive step toward greater comfort and durability.
Attempts to repair teeth date back centuries; people have long sought ways to manage pain and restore chewing ability. Over time, materials and methods have evolved dramatically. The 19th and 20th centuries introduced metal restorations that were durable but visible. More recent advances focus on materials that match tooth color and biocompatibility without sacrificing strength.
Today’s options let clinicians balance longevity, aesthetics, and conservation of healthy tooth structure. That progress means patients can choose restorations that maintain a natural appearance while resisting wear and protecting the surrounding tooth and gum tissue.
The material selected for a filling influences its appearance, strength, and how much tooth must be removed to place it. In many situations there are several acceptable choices; the right option depends on the cavity’s size and location, the patient’s priorities, and the tooth’s functional demands. Your dentist will review the benefits and limitations of each material to arrive at a plan tailored to your needs.
Advances in dental chemistry have expanded the available materials to include both direct restorations (placed in a single visit) and indirect restorations (fabricated outside the mouth and bonded in later). Each category has trade-offs in durability, esthetics, and the amount of tooth preparation required.
Composite resin fillings blend resin and fine glass particles to create a restoration that closely mimics natural tooth color. They bond directly to the tooth, which can strengthen the remaining structure and reduce the need for extensive removal of healthy enamel. Composites are versatile and widely used for front and back teeth where a discreet result is important.
While composite restorations provide excellent aesthetics, they can be more sensitive to heavy wear and staining over many years and may require replacement sooner than some indirect restorations in high-stress areas.
Amalgam has a long history as a robust, wear-resistant material for posterior teeth. It tolerates chewing forces well and can be an appropriate choice when durability is a primary concern. Because amalgam does not replicate tooth color, it is typically selected for areas where esthetics are less critical.
Glass ionomer cements bond chemically to tooth structure and gradually release fluoride, which can help protect the repaired area from future decay. These materials are useful for small restorations near the gum line, for temporarily stabilizing a tooth, or for primary (baby) teeth where longevity needs differ from adult restorations.
Fabricated outside the mouth from high-quality ceramics, inlays and onlays offer an esthetic, durable solution when a cavity is too large for a direct filling but a full crown is unnecessary. Because they are made of stable, stain-resistant ceramics, these indirect restorations can provide excellent long-term results with a natural appearance.
Metal restorations such as gold are exceptionally durable and biocompatible. Although they are less commonly chosen for visible teeth today, they remain a viable option for patients prioritizing longevity and tissue-friendly materials in areas where metal visibility is acceptable.
A careful diagnosis guides every restorative decision. Visual inspection, tactile evaluation with dental instruments, and digital radiography are standard tools to reveal the size and depth of a cavity and whether decay has reached the inner tooth layers. Digital imaging helps the team see beneath the surface so treatment can be planned precisely.
Once a treatment plan is agreed upon, the procedure is typically straightforward. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the clinician removes the decayed tissue and shapes the cavity in a way that preserves healthy tooth while creating a stable space for the restoration. For many patients this is completed in a single visit.
The method used to remove decay can vary: traditional rotary instruments, air abrasion, and, in select cases, laser tools are all options. The choice depends on the lesion’s characteristics, patient comfort, and the clinician’s assessment. If a patient experiences anxiety about dental care, sedation options can be discussed to make the experience more comfortable.
For larger losses of tooth structure, a direct filling may be replaced by an indirect restoration such as an inlay, onlay, or crown. These alternatives are designed to restore form and function while extending the life of the remaining tooth.
The hours and days after a filling are important for comfort and for establishing how the restoration performs in daily use. Immediately after the appointment, you may notice numbness from local anesthetic for an hour or two — avoid chewing until normal sensation returns to prevent accidentally biting soft tissues. Minor sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common and usually resolves within a few days.
When you leave the office, we’ll check the bite and make final adjustments so your chewing surfaces feel natural. If you notice persistent high spots, or if biting causes discomfort beyond the short healing period, contact the office so the bite can be fine-tuned. Proper occlusion helps the filling last and prevents undue stress on the tooth.
Daily oral hygiene and routine professional care are the best ways to extend the life of any restoration. Brush with a soft-bristled brush, floss daily, and keep regular checkups so small issues can be addressed early. Avoid using teeth as tools and limit habits that place excessive stress on restorations, such as opening packages with your teeth.
Protect numb tissues
Wait until the anesthetic wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting the lips, cheeks, or tongue.
Expect brief sensitivity
Slight sensitivity to hot or cold is normal and typically subsides over days to weeks. If sensitivity increases or pain persists, call to schedule an evaluation.
Watch your bite
If your bite feels uneven after the numbness fades, return for a quick adjustment to prevent long-term wear or discomfort.
Care and monitoring
With good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, most fillings provide many years of reliable service. Any restoration can eventually require repair or replacement if exposed to unusual wear or new decay.
We aim to make your restorative care as comfortable and long-lasting as possible. If you have questions about what you experienced following treatment, our team is available to help.
Not every cavity can be managed with a simple filling. Large areas of decay, fractures that compromise tooth integrity, or recurrent decay beneath an existing restoration may require an elevated approach. In those cases, the clinician will outline restorative options such as inlays, onlays, crowns, or root canal therapy followed by a protective restoration.
Indirect restorations are designed to distribute chewing forces across more tooth surface, reducing the chance of future fractures. When a tooth has significant structural loss, placing a crown or a custom-fitted onlay often provides a more durable solution than repeating direct fillings.
Decisions about advanced restorative care balance function, esthetics, and conservation of healthy tooth. Our team will explain the rationale for recommending a more comprehensive restoration and will work with you to plan predictable treatment that supports chewing comfort and long-term oral health.
In summary: fillings remain a cornerstone of conservative dentistry because they address decay while preserving natural tooth structure. Whether you need a small repair or a plan for a more complex restoration, our approach combines clear communication, modern materials, and careful technique. Contact us to learn more about how we diagnose and treat cavities and which restorative options might be best for your smile.
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 Contemporary Dentistry, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
A dental filling restores a tooth damaged by decay to its normal shape and function. It replaces lost tooth structure and seals the cavity to prevent bacteria from spreading. Fillings can relieve sensitivity, restore chewing ability and help avoid more invasive procedures.
Early treatment preserves as much healthy tooth as possible and often allows a direct restoration in a single visit. At Contemporary Dentistry, our approach emphasizes conservative removal of decay and use of materials that match your tooth's appearance. This helps maintain strength and esthetics while minimizing future complications.
Selecting a filling material depends on the size and location of the cavity, the tooth's functional demands and the patient's priorities. Smaller, visible restorations often favor tooth-colored composite resin for its bonding ability and esthetic match. Larger defects may call for indirect restorations such as inlays, onlays or crowns that are fabricated outside the mouth for added durability.
Factors like wear resistance, biocompatibility, fluoride release and the need to conserve tooth structure all influence the recommendation. Your dentist will review the pros and cons of each option and tailor a plan that balances longevity and appearance. When multiple choices are appropriate, care is taken to preserve healthy enamel and dentin while providing a stable restoration.
A typical filling appointment begins with a focused exam and local anesthesia to ensure comfort. The clinician removes decayed tissue with rotary instruments, air abrasion or, in select cases, lasers, shaping the cavity to receive the restoration. Direct fillings are placed, cured and finished in the same visit while indirect restorations require impressions or digital scans and a second appointment for bonding.
Your dentist will check and adjust the bite before polishing the restoration so chewing surfaces feel natural. If you experience anxiety, sedation options can be discussed to make the procedure more comfortable. Clear explanations of what to expect at each step help make the visit predictable and straightforward.
Composite resin fillings can be used on back teeth when placed correctly and when the restoration's size and load are suitable. They bond to tooth structure, which can strengthen the remaining tooth and allow for a more conservative preparation. Modern composites offer improved wear resistance and shade-matching to blend with surrounding enamel.
In high-stress areas or very large restorations, indirect materials such as porcelain inlays or onlays may provide greater longevity. Your dentist will evaluate chewing forces, cavity size and esthetic needs to determine the best trade-off between appearance and durability. Routine monitoring helps detect wear or marginal breakdown early so repairs can be made before more extensive treatment is needed.
Glass ionomer cements bond chemically to tooth structure and slowly release fluoride, which can help protect against recurrent decay. They are especially useful for small restorations near the gum line, interim repairs or pediatric teeth with different longevity needs. Amalgam and metal restorations remain strong options where maximum wear resistance is required and esthetics are less important.
Each material brings trade-offs: some prioritize esthetics, others strength or fluoride release, and some require more tooth removal during placement. Your clinician will explain why a particular material is recommended based on the tooth's location, your oral habits and long-term goals. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision about the restoration that best fits your needs.
Diagnosis of decay combines visual inspection, tactile evaluation and digital radiography to determine the cavity's size and depth. Digital imaging reveals decay beneath the surface and helps the team plan the most conservative treatment. Early detection allows for simpler restorations and better preservation of healthy tooth structure.
When the extent of damage is uncertain, the dentist may use additional tools such as intraoral cameras or transillumination to confirm findings. A clear treatment plan is then discussed so you understand why a filling or an alternative restoration is recommended. The goal is to match the treatment to the lesion so function and longevity are optimized.
Immediately after a filling you may feel numbness for an hour or two and should avoid chewing until normal sensation returns to prevent biting soft tissues. Mild sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure is common and usually resolves within days to weeks. If sensitivity increases or you experience persistent pain, call the office for an evaluation so the bite or restoration can be adjusted.
Your dentist will check your occlusion and make any needed refinements so the restored tooth shares chewing forces evenly. Good daily hygiene, gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush and flossing help prevent new decay around the restoration. Regular dental visits allow the team to monitor restorations and address minor issues before they become larger problems.
When decay or fracture removes a large portion of the tooth, an inlay, onlay or crown may be a better option than a direct filling. Indirect restorations are fabricated from strong, stable materials that distribute chewing forces across a larger area and strengthen the remaining tooth. In cases where the pulp is compromised, root canal therapy followed by a protective restoration may be necessary to preserve the tooth.
Choosing an advanced restoration balances function, esthetics and conservation of healthy tooth tissue so long-term success is likely. Your dentist will explain the expected lifespan and benefits of the chosen option, and how it supports chewing comfort and structural integrity. When possible, conservative indirect restorations such as onlays are selected to avoid unnecessary removal of healthy tooth.
For patients who feel anxious, the dental team offers gentle techniques, clear communication and scheduling strategies to reduce stress during restorative care. Simple measures like breaks during treatment, calming explanations and the use of topical anesthetic can improve comfort and cooperation. When additional support is needed, oral conscious sedation or other options may be discussed to help you complete necessary care calmly.
At Contemporary Dentistry, we prioritize patient comfort and will review appropriate sedation and comfort measures before treatment. Pre-treatment consultations allow the team to tailor the experience to your needs and to plan for any medical or medication considerations. Open dialogue about concerns helps ensure restorative care proceeds safely and predictably.
The longevity of a filling depends on factors such as the material used, the size and location of the restoration and your oral habits. Some direct restorations provide many years of service while others may wear or discolor sooner under heavy use. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of marginal wear, secondary decay or fractures so repairs can be performed before failure occurs.
You can extend the life of a restoration by maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding using teeth as tools and managing parafunctional habits like bruxism. If you grind or clench, your dentist may recommend a night guard or other protective measures to reduce stress on restorations. Consistent professional care and prompt attention to changes in sensitivity or bite help keep fillings performing well for as long as possible.