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Dental Fillings (Restorations)

Restore your teeth and prevent further decay with durable, natural-looking dental fillings. Book your visit with The Dental Team today!

Restore and Protect Your Teeth

Dental Fillings at The Dental Team in Loveland, CO

Tooth decay and cavities are common issues, but with proper care, they don’t have to compromise your long-term oral health.

At The Dental Team, we offer high-quality dental fillings designed to repair damage, stop decay from spreading, and rebuild your tooth’s natural structure. Using advanced materials such as tooth-colored composite resin, we create restorations that are both durable and discreet. Whether you need your first filling or a replacement for an older one, our experienced team ensures a comfortable experience and a natural-looking result that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Dental Fillings At a Glance

  • Repairs cavities and minor tooth damage, bringing back strength and function
  • Quick, gentle procedure performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable
  • Protects your teeth by sealing out bacteria and preventing decay from progressing
  • Built to last, with different filling materials offering varying levels of durability

The Gentle Fix for Stronger Teeth

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have been weakened by cavities, cracks, or everyday wear. This treatment uses composite resin or other materials to rebuild the tooth’s structure, protect it from further decay, and improve both its function and appearance.

There are several types of filling materials available, each offering unique benefits. The ideal choice often depends on the size and location of the cavity, your personal preferences, and your insurance coverage.

Patient receiving dental examination and treatment.

Dental Filling Options

Types of Dental Filling Materials

There are several types of dental filling materials, each designed with unique advantages. At our Loveland, CO office, your dentist will help you choose the option that best fits your oral health needs and cosmetic preferences.

Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored Fillings) Made from a natural-looking resin, these fillings blend seamlessly with your teeth. They’re an excellent choice for front teeth or other visible areas, bonding securely to the tooth for a strong and attractive restoration.

Glass Ionomer Fillings These fillings release fluoride, which helps guard against future decay. They’re often recommended for children’s teeth, as well as for adults with gum recession or cavities on root surfaces.

Indirect Fillings (Inlays and Onlays) Created in a dental lab, inlays and onlays provide more durability than traditional fillings. They are ideal when a tooth has too much damage for a standard filling but doesn’t yet require the full coverage of a crown.

Advanced Fillings for Modern Smiles

The Dental Filling Procedure

Getting a dental filling is a quick and straightforward procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Numbing the Area – Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely comfortable during treatment.
  2. Cleaning the Tooth – Decay is carefully removed, and the area is cleaned to eliminate bacteria and prepare the tooth for restoration.
  3. Placing the Filling – The chosen material is applied in layers, shaped to restore the tooth’s natural form and function.
  4. Final Touches – The restoration is polished for a smooth surface that blends naturally with your other teeth.
Dental sealants on white teeth model.

Stop Decay in Its Tracks

Am I a candidate for a dental filling?

Tooth decay isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it causes pain or sensitivity, but in many cases, it can go unnoticed until it worsens. That’s why routine exams and professional cleanings are so important; they allow your dentist to detect cavities early and treat them before more extensive procedures, like a crown or root canal, are needed.

You may require a dental filling if you experience:

Sensitivity or discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages

Visible dark spots, pits, or holes on a tooth

A worn, chipped, or broken filling that needs repair

Cavities identified during a routine dental checkup

Protect Your Smile's Strength and Beauty

Dental Filling Recovery

Most patients can return to their daily routines right after getting a dental filling, but following the right aftercare steps ensures the best healing and long-term results. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your restored tooth:

What You May Notice After a Filling

  • Lingering Numbness – If anesthesia was used, your lips, tongue, and cheeks may stay numb for several hours. Avoid chewing on that side until full sensation returns to prevent accidental injury.
  • Tooth Sensitivity – It’s common to feel temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This usually fades within a few days. Using sensitivity toothpaste can ease discomfort.
  • Minor Soreness – Mild aching in the tooth or jaw, especially if the filling was large, may occur. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically provide relief.
  • Bite Issues – If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable, call your dentist to have the filling adjusted.

Tips for Maintaining Your Filling

  • Practice daily oral hygiene – Brush and floss thoroughly to keep bacteria and plaque from accumulating around the filling.
  • Avoid chewing on hard items – Things like ice, pens, or hard candy can chip or damage your filling.
  • Watch for changes – Rough edges, sharp spots, or new sensitivity may signal wear and the need for repair.
  • Keep up with dental checkups – Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your filling and overall oral health.
  • Act quickly if problems arise – If your filling loosens or falls out, contact your dentist right away for repair or replacement.

Restore. Protect. Smile.

Dental Filling Results

Once your filling is complete and the numbness from anesthesia fades, you’ll be able to eat and speak comfortably again. The restored tooth will feel strong and natural, giving you the confidence to chew without hesitation. If a tooth-colored material was used, it will blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, making the restoration virtually unnoticeable.

Beyond improving appearance and function, the filling also helps protect the tooth from further decay or damage. With good oral care and regular dental checkups, your restoration can function just like a natural tooth and last for many years.

Dental Fillings Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, pain while chewing, or notice visible dark spots, holes, or rough edges on a tooth, it may be a sign that you need a dental filling. During an exam, your dentist can confirm whether decay or small fractures are present and recommend a filling to restore the tooth’s structure. Addressing cavities early is essential. If left untreated, they can progress and eventually require more complex treatments like a root canal or crown.

The process of getting a filling is typically quick and comfortable, as local anesthesia keeps the procedure pain-free. Some patients may notice slight sensitivity to temperature changes or sweet foods afterward, but this usually fades within a few days. If discomfort lingers, your dentist can make adjustments or apply a desensitizing treatment.

For more visible teeth, composite resin fillings are the most popular choice since they match the natural color of enamel for a seamless look. Glass ionomer fillings are another option, particularly for patients who benefit from fluoride release to help protect against future decay.

After a filling is placed, you can usually resume eating once the numbness wears off. Composite restorations harden instantly, but if you notice sensitivity, it’s best to avoid very hot or cold foods during the first day.

There are two main types of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings, such as amalgam or composite, are applied directly into the cavity and hardened during a single appointment. Indirect fillings, like inlays, onlays, or gold crowns, are fabricated in a dental lab and placed in a second visit, offering added strength for larger restorations.

How long your filling lasts depends on the material and your oral care routine. Composite fillings generally hold up for 5–10 years, glass ionomer lasts about 5–7 years, while gold restorations can remain intact for decades with proper maintenance. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups play a key role in extending the lifespan of your filling.

Though uncommon, fillings can sometimes become loose or fall out due to wear, biting pressure, or new decay. If this happens, you may notice sensitivity, sharp edges, or discomfort. It’s important to see your dentist promptly so the tooth can be protected and restored before more serious damage occurs.