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 Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.

Tooth-colored composite fillings are made from a resin-based material that mimics the color and translucency of natural enamel. Manufacturers blend particles and pigments to recreate the light-reflecting qualities of teeth. That combination of form and function allows restorations to blend in with surrounding dentition.

Composites bond directly to enamel and dentin, which helps preserve healthy tooth structure during preparation. Because the material is applied in layers and sculpted to match the natural anatomy, clinicians can achieve precise contours and a comfortable bite. These properties make composites a commonly chosen solution for both front and back teeth when appropriate.

Composite materials adhere to the remaining tooth through adhesive techniques, which often allows the dentist to remove less healthy tooth tissue compared with traditional metal fillings. Preserving more of the natural tooth helps maintain structural integrity and reduces the need for more extensive restoration later. This conservative approach supports long-term oral health by keeping more of the original tooth intact.

Because bonding reinforces the tooth, it can improve resistance to fracture in many cases and contribute to a more stable restoration. Layering and incremental curing help control shrinkage and ensure a close fit at the margins. Regular monitoring during checkups lets clinicians address small concerns early and protect the underlying tooth structure.

At the appointment the dentist will first numb the area with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, then isolate the tooth and remove any decay or damaged tissue. The prepared surface is conditioned and composite is applied in thin layers, with each layer shaped and cured using a special light to create a strong bond. Layering helps prevent shrinkage and allows precise sculpting of the tooth anatomy for an accurate bite.

After the material is fully cured the dentist will contour and polish the filling to create a smooth finish that resists staining and feels natural. Your bite will be checked and adjusted as needed to ensure comfortable chewing and even contact with opposing teeth. At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS we emphasize clear communication and comfort throughout the procedure so patients know what to expect.

Yes, composites are designed for aesthetic blending and can be closely matched to the color and translucency of surrounding teeth. Dentists use a range of shades and translucency levels to create a seamless appearance, which is especially important for front teeth and other visible areas. Skilled shading and finishing make it difficult to distinguish a well-placed composite filling from natural enamel.

While composites resist staining when properly polished, they are not completely impervious to discoloration over many years, particularly with certain dietary habits. Regular dental cleanings and good home care help keep restorations looking their best. If color change occurs, the dentist can evaluate whether a simple polish, repair, or replacement is the appropriate response.

Modern composite materials are engineered for durability and wear resistance, and they perform well for many types of restorations when placed correctly. Longevity depends on factors like the size and location of the filling, a patient’s bite forces, and daily habits such as diet and oral hygiene. With proper care and routine monitoring, many composites function reliably for several years.

Certain behaviors, such as grinding or chewing very hard foods, can accelerate wear or lead to chipping, so addressing those risks helps extend restoration life. Routine examinations allow the dentist to detect early signs of wear or marginal breakdown and recommend adjustments or protective measures. In some cases an occlusal guard or alternative restoration may be advised to protect the tooth long term.

One advantage of composite restorations is their reparability; because the material bonds to tooth structure, small chips or defects can often be repaired directly without removing the entire filling. Repairs are typically less invasive than full replacement and can restore function and appearance with minimal removal of healthy tooth. The dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage and determine whether a repair is clinically appropriate.

If damage is extensive or the remaining tooth structure is compromised, replacement or a different restorative option such as an onlay or crown may be recommended to provide greater strength and protection. Timely evaluation during routine visits lets your clinician address minor concerns before they progress. Proactive maintenance and early repairs can reduce the need for more involved treatment later on.

Full-coverage crowns or partial coverage onlays are typically recommended when a tooth has extensive decay, a large fracture, or insufficient remaining structure to support a filling. These restorations provide greater reinforcement and distribute biting forces more evenly across the tooth, which can prevent future fractures. The decision depends on the amount of healthy tooth left and the functional demands on that tooth.

Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and discuss long-term treatment planning that balances preservation with durability. In many cases composites and conservative adhesive techniques remain the first choice for smaller defects, while crowns and onlays offer a more protective solution for larger restorations. The goal is to choose an option that maintains function, protects the tooth, and supports oral health over time.

Some sensitivity to temperature, pressure, or sweet foods is common in the days to weeks following a new filling as the tooth adjusts to the restoration. This sensitivity often decreases gradually and resolves on its own as the nerve calms and the bite settles. Over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding very hot or cold foods for a short period can help manage temporary discomfort.

If sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks, increases in intensity, or is accompanied by swelling or severe pain, contact your dentist for an evaluation. Persistent symptoms can indicate a need for adjustment to the restoration, treatment of an underlying issue, or further investigation. Prompt assessment allows clinicians to address problems early and protect the tooth.

Good oral hygiene is the foundation for long-lasting restorations: brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily, and attend regular professional cleanings and examinations. Avoid using your teeth as tools and resist chewing very hard objects, which can stress fillings. Managing habits such as nail biting or ice chewing reduces the risk of chipping or premature wear.

The office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS recommends routine exams so your dentist can monitor restorations for wear, marginal breakdown, or recurrent decay and intervene early when needed. If you have a history of grinding, your dentist may suggest an occlusal guard to protect fillings and natural teeth. Consistent home care combined with professional oversight is the best way to preserve your investment in oral health.

Composite fillings are tooth-colored resins that bond to the tooth and are chosen for their aesthetic qualities and conservative preparation requirements, while amalgam fillings are metal alloys known for strength and durability in certain posterior situations. Composites allow clinicians to remove less healthy tooth structure because the material adheres to the remaining enamel and dentin. This adhesive approach often preserves more natural tooth and can produce a more natural-looking result.

Each material has advantages and limitations, and the best choice depends on factors such as the size and location of the defect, occlusal forces, and patient priorities. Dentists evaluate these factors and discuss the clinical rationale for the recommended option. Advances in adhesive dentistry and restorative materials have expanded conservative options while maintaining predictable outcomes.