When a tooth’s structure is weakened by decay, a filling restores its shape, strength, and ability to function comfortably. Fillings stop the progression of decay, rebuild the chewing surface, and protect the remaining tooth from further damage. The goal is to return the tooth to normal form while preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
Dental cavities remain common across age groups, which is why filling procedures are among the most frequently performed treatments in general dentistry. Advances in materials and techniques mean that today’s restorations are more conservative and more lifelike than ever, allowing dentists to blend strength with a natural appearance.
Our approach emphasizes precise diagnosis and gentle treatment. At Dentistry on the Square, we focus on restoring teeth in ways that maintain long-term function and deliver results that look and feel natural.
People have been attempting to repair damaged teeth for millennia, using whatever materials were available at the time. Over centuries the practice became more scientific: metals like gold and dental amalgam were introduced and offered durability that earlier solutions lacked. These developments made restorative care both more practical and more widely available.
In the past fifty years, however, dentistry has shifted toward materials that prioritize conservation and cosmetics. Innovations in tooth-colored restoratives and adhesive techniques allow clinicians to preserve more of the natural tooth while achieving an appearance that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. This evolution reflects a broader emphasis on minimally invasive care.
Today’s restorative toolkit gives clinicians multiple options so they can tailor care to each tooth’s needs, the patient’s preferences, and the demands of the smile. Your dentist will explain how different approaches balance durability, appearance, and biological preservation.
Selecting a filling material involves weighing several factors: the location and size of the cavity, the amount of remaining tooth, aesthetic priorities, and the forces the tooth must withstand during chewing. There is rarely a single “right” answer; instead, the best choice fits the clinical situation and the patient’s expectations.
Materials differ in how they bond to tooth structure, how they respond to temperature changes, and how resistant they are to wear and staining. Your clinician will present options, explain the trade-offs, and recommend a solution that preserves tooth health while meeting your cosmetic goals.
When treatment is planned thoughtfully, modern restorations can deliver long service with minimal disruption to surrounding teeth. Good oral hygiene and routine checkups also play a central role in extending the life of any filling.
Composite resins are a blend of biocompatible polymers and glass-like fillers that can be closely matched to the shade of your natural teeth. They bond to the tooth surface, which allows for more conservative preparation and helps reinforce fragile enamel and dentin. Because they are placed and shaped directly in the mouth, composites are a popular choice for visible areas and smaller to medium-sized cavities.
These restorations deliver excellent aesthetics and eliminate the need for metallic restorations in many situations. They can be used for bonding and minor cosmetic enhancements as well as traditional cavity repairs. Over time they may be more susceptible than some ceramic options to wear or surface staining, but routine maintenance preserves their appearance and function.
Amalgam has a long track record of durability, particularly in high-stress areas such as the back molars. While not tooth-colored, amalgam remains a resilient choice when strength is a primary concern. It does not bond to the tooth the way composites do and typically requires slightly more tooth reduction to create a secure mechanical seal.
Glass ionomer materials release fluoride and chemically bond to tooth structure, making them useful for certain clinical scenarios such as restorations near the gumline, primary (baby) teeth, and temporary repairs. They are generally less wear-resistant than composites or ceramics, so they are selected when fluoride release or gentle adhesion is a priority over maximal strength.
Ceramic restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory or milling center and then bonded into the prepared tooth. They offer excellent color stability and resistance to wear and staining, which makes them a strong aesthetic choice for larger restorations that require durability. Because they’re crafted outside the mouth, ceramics often require two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions and another to cement the finished piece.
Gold is less commonly chosen today because of its cost and appearance, but it remains one of the most durable and biocompatible restorative materials. Gold inlays and onlays provide excellent longevity and are gentle on opposing teeth, qualities that still make them a viable option for certain patients and clinical situations.
An initial examination will determine the extent of decay and whether a direct filling (placed in a single visit) or an indirect restoration (fabricated outside the mouth) is indicated. Digital x-rays or intraoral images may be used to visualize areas that are not visible on the surface. Your dentist will review the findings and outline a treatment plan before any work begins.
Treatment typically starts with local anesthesia to ensure comfort. With the tooth numb, decay is removed using rotary instruments, lasers, or air-abrasion devices, depending on the situation and clinician preference. The cavity is then cleaned and prepared to receive the chosen material.
Direct materials such as composites and glass ionomers are shaped and cured in the mouth. For larger or more complex defects, a temporary restoration may be placed while a ceramic or gold inlay/onlay is made. Your team will check the bite, make any necessary adjustments, and polish the final restoration so it feels natural with surrounding teeth.
For patients who experience dental anxiety, providers can discuss comfort-focused options, including varying levels of relaxation dentistry. The primary objective is to deliver precise care while keeping the patient comfortable and informed throughout the procedure.
Once a restoration is in place, there are a few practical considerations to ensure the best long-term outcome. Because local anesthetic can leave lips and cheeks numb for a short time, avoid chewing until normal sensation returns to prevent accidental injury. Routine precautions help the restoration seat comfortably and reduce the chance of irritation.
Sensitivity to hot or cold is common for a short period after a filling and usually resolves on its own. If sensitivity persists or increases, or if you notice any sharp edges or bite discrepancies, contact the office so adjustments can be made. Timely follow-up helps prevent minor issues from becoming more significant.
Watch chewing habits: Avoid using the restored tooth to open packages or bite hard objects, which can stress any restoration.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings reduce the risk of recurrent decay around the margins of any filling.
Report changes promptly: If you experience ongoing pain, a loose restoration, or visible damage to the filling, schedule an evaluation so the problem can be addressed before it worsens.
With attentive home care and routine dental visits, most modern fillings provide many years of reliable service. Your dental team will help you choose the best preventive strategies to protect both the restoration and the tooth it preserves.
In summary, dental fillings are a cornerstone of tooth-saving care. They stop decay, restore function, and—when selected with care—blend seamlessly with your smile. For more information about the options available and what to expect during treatment, please contact us to speak with our team.
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 Dentistry on the Square, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
Dental fillings are restorative materials placed into a tooth after decay or minor damage has been removed to rebuild the tooth's form and restore its strength and function. They stop the progression of decay by sealing the prepared area and preventing bacteria from re-entering the void left by removal of diseased tissue. Fillings can also be used to repair small fractures or to replace worn or failing restorations so the tooth can continue to function normally.
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical exam and radiographs to assess the extent of decay and the remaining tooth structure. Early treatment preserves more healthy tooth structure and reduces the likelihood of more involved care later on. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate restorative approach based on the tooth's condition and your oral health needs.
Common filling materials include composite resin (tooth-colored), dental amalgam (silver-colored), glass ionomer cements, ceramic inlays and onlays, and gold restorations. Each material offers distinct properties: composites are esthetic and bond to tooth structure, amalgam is durable for heavy chewing surfaces, glass ionomers release fluoride, and ceramic or gold restorations provide high wear resistance for larger repairs.
The choice of material depends on factors such as the size and location of the cavity, aesthetic considerations, and the amount of remaining tooth structure. Your dentist will explain the advantages and limitations of each option so you can choose a material that meets both functional and cosmetic goals.
The process begins with a thorough exam and any necessary X-rays followed by local anesthesia to keep the tooth comfortable. Decayed and weakened tooth structure is removed using a dental handpiece, laser, or air abrasion, then the area is shaped to receive the chosen restorative material. For bonded restorations, the tooth surface is prepared and adhesives are applied before the composite is placed in layers and cured with a light.
In most cases a single appointment is sufficient and the dentist will check your bite and polish the restoration before you leave. At Dentistry on the Square we take time to explain each step and confirm the restoration fits comfortably and functions properly. If a cavity is extensive, a temporary dressing may be placed and a follow-up visit scheduled for a definitive restoration.
After a filling you will usually experience temporary numbness from the local anesthetic that resolves within an hour or two, and mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a few days. It is important to avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off to prevent biting the lip or cheek, and to eat cautiously on the restored side if sensitivity persists. Most patients return to normal function quickly, but any sharp or prolonged pain should be reported.
We routinely check the bite and polish the restoration to minimize adjustments, though occasional minor bite modifications may be required. If you notice persistent discomfort, a high bite, or cracking in the restoration, contact our office so the tooth can be evaluated and adjusted as needed. Prompt attention helps prevent further wear or damage to the tooth.
Longevity depends on the material used, the size and location of the restoration, your chewing habits, and your oral hygiene routine. Silver amalgam and gold restorations tend to be very durable in high-stress chewing areas, while composite fillings can last many years in both front and back teeth when well maintained. Ceramic inlays and onlays are highly wear-resistant and provide durable tooth-colored alternatives for larger restorations.
Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor restorations and identify early signs of wear or recurrent decay. Good oral hygiene, avoiding excessive forces on the tooth, and managing habits such as grinding can extend the life of any filling. When a restoration shows deterioration, timely replacement or alternative care helps preserve the remaining tooth structure.
Minor chips or marginal defects in certain types of restorations can sometimes be repaired without full replacement, depending on the material and the extent of damage. Composite restorations are often amenable to repairs by adding new bonded material, while other restorations such as large fractured inlays or crowns may require removal and replacement. The decision to repair or replace is based on the integrity of the remaining restoration, presence of recurrent decay, and the overall prognosis for the tooth.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth clinically and with radiographs to determine the best, most conservative option. Preserving healthy tooth structure is a priority, so when a repair can provide a predictable outcome that is preferable to total replacement, that approach will be discussed. If a full restoration is necessary, the treatment plan will outline the recommended steps to restore function and longevity.
Tooth-colored fillings, commonly made from composite resins, are widely used and considered safe for most patients. These materials are resin-based with inorganic fillers and are designed to bond to the tooth and match the natural shade of surrounding enamel. Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury mixed with other metal alloys, and although its use has declined due to aesthetic and material preferences, many patients and clinicians choose mercury-free, tooth-colored options.
If you have concerns about materials or allergies, discuss them with your dentist before treatment so a suitable alternative can be selected. The practice can provide information about the composition and benefits of available materials and recommend restorations that align with your health considerations and aesthetic goals. Patient safety and material biocompatibility are important factors in selecting the appropriate filling.
Many measures are available to help patients who feel nervous about dental care, including clear explanations of each step, breaks during treatment, and behavioral supports. Local anesthesia is routinely used to prevent discomfort during the procedure, and additional options such as nitrous oxide or other forms of sedation may be discussed based on medical history and patient needs. Communicating concerns in advance allows the dental team to tailor the visit for comfort and control.
Before treatment, the dentist will review your medical history and any medications to ensure safe and effective care. Special accommodations for mobility, hearing, or cognitive needs can be arranged to make the appointment as accessible and stress-free as possible. Our office aims to create a calm environment and to work closely with patients to provide gentle, individualized care.
Preventing cavities starts with daily oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners. Limiting frequent snacks and sugary beverages, using fluoride rinses when recommended, and maintaining routine professional cleanings and exams all reduce the risk of recurrent decay around fillings. Sealants and topical fluoride applications may be appropriate for certain patients to add protection to vulnerable chewing surfaces.
Protecting restorations also involves addressing habits that place excessive stress on teeth, such as chewing ice, opening packages with the teeth, or bruxism. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom nightguard can reduce wear and extend the life of restorations. Regular dental visits allow early detection of small problems so they can be managed conservatively before more extensive treatment is needed.
Pediatric dentistry often emphasizes minimally invasive techniques and materials that release fluoride, such as glass ionomer cements, for primary teeth and for areas near the gumline. Behavior management strategies and family education about diet and oral hygiene are central to successful care in children, and timely restoration of cavities helps prevent pain and infection. The size and lifespan of primary teeth influence material selection and the planned longevity of restorations.
In older adults, factors such as root exposure, dry mouth from medications, and existing wear or restorations affect treatment planning and material choice. Restorative care may require special attention to adjacent restorations, periodontal status, and the need to preserve remaining tooth structure. A personalized approach that considers systemic health and functional needs helps ensure predictable, long-lasting results for patients at any life stage.
Your smile deserves care that feels as good as it looks and we’re here to make that happen.
At Dentistry on the Square, reaching out to us is as easy and comfortable as walking through our doors. Whether you're looking to schedule an appointment, curious about a treatment, or just want to chat about your dental goals, our caring team is always happy to help. Give us a call, send us a message or use our quick online form, whatever’s easiest for you. We’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and welcome you with the kind of personalized attention you won’t find just anywhere. Let’s make your next visit something to smile about. We can’t wait to hear from you!
