Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings are restorative treatments used to repair cavities, minor chips, cracks, and minor damage caused by decay. When a tooth is affected by decay or minor trauma, its structure weakens, increasing the risk of further deterioration.
A filling restores your tooth’s structure, function, and appearance by:
- Sealing the damaged area
- Preventing bacteria from spreading
- Ensuring your tooth remains stable and intact
At Hampden Ave Dental, our providers use modern materials and advanced techniques to ensure that your dental filling offers lasting protection against further decay.
Services
Signs You May Need a Tooth Filling
Your mouth contains various bacteria, some of which are beneficial, while others contribute to plaque formation. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, harmful bacteria break down these carbohydrates and produce acid as a byproduct.
Over time, this acid erodes the protective enamel, creating small openings or cavities in the tooth’s surface. If left untreated, decay can progress into your tooth’s inner layers (dentin and pulp), leading to pain, infections, and tooth loss.
Tooth decay and damage often develop gradually, sometimes without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, common signs that may indicate tooth decay include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing
- Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on the tooth
- Chipped or fractured tooth
- Frequent occurrence of food getting stuck
Ignoring these warning signs can allow decay to progress, eventually affecting the tooth’s inner layers. In severe cases, untreated decay may lead to infections, abscesses, or the need for further treatments, such as root canals or dental crowns.
Early intervention with a simple filling can effectively restore your tooth, stop the progression of decay, and help maintain your oral health.
Types of Tooth Fillings We Offer
At Hampden Ave Dental, we provide a range of high-quality filling materials, such as gold, amalgams, resin composite, porcelain, and glass ionomer. Our team carefully considers factors such as the location of the filling, durability requirements, and cosmetic preferences to recommend the best option for you.
With the right choice of material and proper oral care, some fillings can last up to 20 years, offering lasting strength and protection for your smile.
Direct Fillings
Direct fillings are placed directly into the cavity during a single office visit without needing a dental laboratory or temporary restoration. They help rebuild your tooth’s structure, function, and appearance while preventing further decay.
Common materials for direct fillings include:
- Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings): Amalgam fillings are a strong and durable option, particularly for molars that endure heavy chewing. These fillings are made from a combination of mercury, silver, tin, zinc, and copper. While their silver color makes them less aesthetic for visible areas, their longevity and affordability make them a popular choice for back teeth.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a natural, tooth-colored solution, making them ideal for front teeth or visible areas. Composed of a resin base mixed with powdered quartz, silica, or glass, they bond directly to the tooth, restoring its strength while preserving more of the natural structure. They are highly versatile for restoring cavities as well as for repairing chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: Glass ionomer fillings are also tooth-colored and made from a blend of acrylic and silica glass powder. These fillings are commonly used below the gum line or in young children. One of their key benefits is their ability to release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. However, glass ionomer is weaker than composite fillings, making it more prone to wear and fractures.
Indirect Fillings
Indirect fillings are a durable and long-lasting restorative option for teeth that have sustained too much damage for a direct filling but not enough to require a full dental crown. They offer a middle-ground solution, restoring the tooth's strength and function without the need to fully cover it, as a crown would.
Indirect fillings are custom-crafted in a dental laboratory before being placed in your tooth. This process typically requires two appointments—one to take impressions and another to bond the filling securely to your tooth.
Common materials used for direct fillings include:
- Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are extremely durable and long-lasting, often 10 to 15 years or more. They are highly resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing. Though less common due to their higher cost, gold fillings remain a preferred choice for patients seeking maximum strength and longevity.
- Porcelain Fillings: These fillings provide a tooth-colored restoration that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. They are highly durable and stain-resistant, often lasting more than 15 years with proper care. Porcelain is an excellent choice for patients who want a natural-looking restoration.
Our team carefully evaluates your dental needs to determine the best filling material for your smile.
Our Tooth Filling Procedure
Our team prioritizes comfort, precision, and long-lasting results when restoring your teeth. Here’s what you can expect during your filling appointment:
- Examination & Diagnosis: We begin with a thorough dental exam, often using digital X-rays to detect cavities and assess the extent of decay. If an indirect filling is needed, our providers take precise impressions to create a custom restoration.
- Numbing & Preparation: Our providers may administer a local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable experience. Then, we carefully remove the decayed portion of your tooth.
- Filling Placement: We apply, shape, and bond the selected filling material to your tooth. In the case of composite and porcelain fillings, we carefully color-match fillings to blend naturally with your teeth.
- Polishing & Final Adjustments: Once the filling is securely in place, we polish and refine it for a smooth feel and proper bite alignment, ensuring a comfortable and functional result.
The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. You can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure is complete.
Benefits of Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings offer several benefits in preserving your oral health, function, and appearance.
- Prevents Further Decay: By sealing off the damaged area, fillings stop cavities from worsening and help prevent infections that could lead to more extensive treatments like root canals.
- Restores Strength & Function: A filling reinforces the tooth’s structure, allowing you to chew, bite, and speak comfortably without discomfort or further damage.
- Aesthetic & Natural Appearance: Fillings can blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, maintaining the beauty of your smile.
- Minimally Invasive with Lasting Results: The procedure is minimally invasive and preserves as much of your natural tooth as possible while offering long-term durability.
Get Tooth Fillings in Lakewood, CO
If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect a cavity, early intervention with a filling can protect your tooth and help you avoid more complex treatments. Our team offers high-quality, durable fillings customized to meet your dental needs.
To schedule a consultation for tooth fillings, please call us at 303-985-1263 or request an appointment online.
