The concept of a “filling” is replacing and restoring your tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture. Tooth colored fillings can also be used to repair chipped, cracked, or worn teeth and to close a space between two teeth. If necessary, we can replace old, broken-down amalgam/metal fillings with white fillings (composites) to restore your smile and teeth to a more natural look and feel.
Composite fillings will typically be placed in one appointment. The dentist will put the affected teeth to sleep with local anesthesia, and then remove all the existing decay. Occasionally, a medication will be placed in the deepest areas that are close to the nerve of the tooth to promote a soothing effect on the nerve. The tooth will be cleaned well and then special substances will be placed on the tooth that allow the filling to bond to the tooth. The tooth colored filling will then be placed, shaped, smoothed and polished to restore the tooth similar to the natural shape. Some minor sensitivity to hot and cold are normal and expected for a short time while the tooth is adjusting to the new filling. This will typically subside within a week or two of placement.
As another option to our patients, we also offer traditional amalgam fillings, or "silver fillings." These fillings are placed in a similar manner as composite restorations. Over and over again, these have been proven through research to be a safe option. With both composite and amalgam fillings, there is a chance for new decay to form around them and they may need to be replaced in the future.
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