Restore your tooth with a tooth-colored filling
When a cavity forms, treating it promptly is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term oral health. Composite fillings repair the damaged area, stop decay from spreading, and help preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite resin is color-matched to your tooth for a natural-looking result. It also bonds directly to the tooth structure, which means less drilling and a stronger, more conservative restoration overall.
Why fillings matter more than you might think
It’s easy to put off a filling, especially when your tooth doesn’t hurt yet. But cavities don’t stay the same size. Left untreated, they grow deeper and can lead to more serious problems down the line.
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Getting a filling sooner rather than later helps you:
- Stop decay from spreading and making the cavity larger.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses from developing.
- Restore strength and durability to a tooth weakened by decay.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Avoid more extensive and costly treatment in the future.
- Preserve your natural tooth for as long as possible.
Restore your tooth with a tooth-colored filling
Numbing the area
Before anything begins, the area around your tooth is carefully numbed with a local anesthetic. Your comfort is the priority, and the team will make sure you’re fully settled before moving forward.
Cleaning and filling the tooth
Once you’re comfortable, the decayed portion of the tooth is gently removed and the area is cleaned and prepared. An adhesive is applied, and then the composite resin is carefully placed and shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth and bite.
Curing and polishing
The composite resin is hardened using a special LED curing light. Once set, your tooth is examined, any final adjustments are made, and the surface is polished for a smooth, natural finish.
What does a filling cost in Charlotte, NC?
The cost of a filling varies depending on several factors specific to your situation. Many dental insurance plans provide meaningful coverage for fillings, since they’re considered a preventive and restorative essential.
Factors that influence the total cost include:
- Your current oral health and the extent of the decay.
- How many fillings you need at the time of treatment.
- Where the cavity is located in your mouth.
- Whether updated x-rays are needed before treatment.
- The time and materials required to complete your care.
Treating a cavity early is almost always more affordable than waiting. When decay is left to progress, it can reach the inner tooth and require more involved treatment such as a root canal or dental crown.
Schedule your exam and consultation
Your visit begins with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and bite. We want to understand the full picture of your oral health before recommending any course of treatment.
Before moving forward, we take the time to learn about your health history, any concerns you may have, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way. Contact us today to book your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
With consistent brushing, flossing, and regular teeth cleanings, composite fillings can last ten years or more. The longevity of your filling also depends on its size and location, as well as habits like grinding or clenching your teeth. Your dentist can advise you on how to get the most out of your restoration.
Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver and mercury, and have been used in dentistry for well over a century. Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material that bonds directly to the tooth. Beyond aesthetics, composite resin requires less removal of healthy tooth structure during placement, making it a more conservative option for many patients.
The area around your tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic before treatment begins, so most patients feel little to nothing during the procedure. Some mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth is normal in the days following your appointment and typically resolves on its own. If discomfort persists or worsens, contact your dental office.
In its very earliest stage, before a cavity has fully formed, demineralization of the enamel can sometimes be reversed through fluoride treatments and improved oral hygiene. However, once a cavity has developed into the tooth structure, it will not heal on its own. The decay will continue to grow and deepen until it is professionally treated. Early intervention is always the better option.
Some cavities cause noticeable symptoms like sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold temperatures, or a visible dark spot on the tooth. Others cause no discomfort at all, especially in the early stages. This is why regular dental exams and teeth cleanings are so important. X-rays allow your dentist to detect decay that may not yet be visible or symptomatic.
It is best to wait until the numbness has fully worn off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. With composite fillings, the material is cured and hardened during your appointment, so there is no extended wait time before you can eat. Your dentist may recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the first day or two while the area settles.
Amalgam fillings were the standard for many decades and are still considered safe and functional. If you have older metal fillings that are worn, cracked, or beginning to fail, they can often be replaced with tooth-colored composite resin. Your dentist will assess the condition of any existing restorations at your exam and walk you through your options.
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