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Dental Fillings (Restorations)

Get strong, natural-looking dental fillings in Thornton, CO, to restore cavities and protect your teeth.

Restore and Protect Your Teeth

Why Choose The Dental Team for Dental Fillings?

Cavities and tooth decay are frequent dental problems, but with effective treatment, they don't need to affect your oral health over the long term.

Here at The Dental Team, we deliver top-notch dental fillings to fix damaged teeth, halt further decay, and restore your natural tooth structure. With cutting-edge dental filling materials like tooth-colored composite resin, we provide tailored solutions to fit your unique dental requirements. Whether you require a new filling or need an old one replaced, our expert team guarantees a comfortable, long-lasting, and natural-appearing restoration.

Dental Fillings At a Glance

  • Fixes cavities and small tooth issues to restore strength and function
  • Fast, minimally invasive treatment using local anesthesia for comfort
  • Halts further damage by blocking bacteria that cause decay
  • Durable and long-lasting, with various materials providing different durations

From Cavities to Confidence

What are dental fillings?

A dental filling is a material used to restore a tooth that has been compromised by decay, fractures, or general wear and tear. This procedure restores the tooth's structure, helps prevent further decay, and enhances both function and appearance.

Fillings come in different materials, each with distinct advantages. Choosing the right type of filling depends on factors such as the cavity's position, personal preference, and insurance considerations.

Patient receiving dental examination and treatment.

Choosing the Right Filling for You

Types of Dental Filling Materials

Various dental filling materials are available, each offering distinct benefits. During your visit to our Thornton, CO office, your dentist will assist you in selecting the ideal filling material tailored to your needs.

Composite Resin Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings) Composed of a tooth-colored composite resin, these fillings integrate naturally with your teeth and are perfect for front teeth and areas that are visible. They adhere directly to the tooth structure, ensuring a durable and visually pleasing restoration.

Glass Ionomer Fillings These incorporate fluoride to aid in preventing further decay and are frequently used in children's teeth or adult teeth with recession or on root surfaces.

Indirect Fillings (Inlays and Onlays) Crafted in a dental laboratory, these indirect restorations offer more strength than direct fillings and are suitable when a tooth is too compromised for a standard filling but does not require a full crown.

Comfort and Precision

The Dental Filling Procedure

The procedure for a dental filling is swift and comfortable, usually completed in just one office visit. Here's what you can anticipate:

  1. Preparing the Tooth – A local anesthetic is administered by the dentist to numb the area, guaranteeing a pain-free procedure.
  2. Removing Decay – The affected tooth is meticulously cleaned with an acid gel, eliminating bacteria that cause decay.
  3. Placing the Filling – The selected restorative material is layered and contoured to match your natural tooth shape.
  4. Completing the Restoration – The filled tooth is polished, removing any rough spots, for a smooth, natural finish.

The majority of patients can return to their usual activities right after their appointment.

Dental sealants on white teeth model.

Safeguard Your Smile

Am I a candidate for a dental filling?

While tooth decay can cause symptoms like pain or sensitivity, it is not always immediately detectable. Regular exams and cleanings help your dentist catch cavities early before treatments like a root canal or crown are necessary. A filling may be needed if you have:

Tooth sensitivity or discomfort, particularly when consuming cold items, sugary snacks, or warm beverages

Noticeable holes or dark areas on your teeth

A rough or damaged filling that requires attention

Cavities found during a regular dental examination

Restore Your Smile's Integrity

Dental Filling Recovery

Most patients experience minimal downtime following a dental filling procedure. However, proper aftercare is crucial for achieving optimal results. Here's what you should anticipate and how to maintain your newly restored tooth.

What to Expect After a Dental Filling

  • Numbness from Local Anesthesia – If a local anesthetic was administered, numbness in your lips, tongue, and cheeks may persist for several hours. Refrain from chewing on the affected side to avoid accidental bites.
  • Tooth Sensitivity – Temporary sensitivity to cold foods, sweet foods, or hot drinks may occur. This is typical and should subside within a few days. Using desensitizing toothpaste can help.
  • Mild Discomfort – Some people experience slight soreness in the filled tooth or jaw, especially when a large filling is involved. Over-the-counter pain relief can be helpful if necessary.
  • Bite Adjustment Needs – Should your filling feel too high or uncomfortable when biting, reach out to your dentist for an adjustment.

Caring for Your Dental Fillings

Avoiding recurrent decay and maintaining your dental restorations are essential. Follow these steps:

  • Brush and floss daily, ensuring plaque and bacteria do not accumulate around the filled tooth.
  • Avoid biting hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, which could damage the filling.
  • Monitor for signs of wear, including sharp edges, rough surfaces, or sensitivity, indicating the potential need for replacement.
  • Attend regular dental visits to maintain your dental fillings and overall oral health.

Should your filling become loose or dislodge, contact us promptly for repair.

Strong, Healthy Teeth

Dental Filling Results

After your filling treatment, your tooth's structure will be restored, allowing you to return to regular eating and speaking once the local anesthetic wears off.

  • Your restored tooth will feel sturdy and natural, enabling you to chew with ease.
  • Tooth-colored restorations will blend with your existing teeth, making them nearly invisible.
  • The repaired tooth will be shielded from future decay and breakage.
  • With proper maintenance, your dental restoration will perform like a natural tooth for many years.

Dental Fillings Frequently Asked Questions

You may need a dental filling if you experience tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, visible holes or dark spots on your teeth, or rough edges on a tooth. A dentist places fillings to restore tooth structure after diagnosing tooth decay or minor fractures during an exam. If left untreated, decay can worsen, requiring a root canal or more extensive dental restorations.

The dental filling procedure is generally painless, thanks to local anesthesia. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity to cold foods or sweet foods after treatment, but this typically fades within a few days. If discomfort persists, a desensitizing agent or adjustment may be necessary.

For front teeth, tooth-colored composite resin fillings are the best option because they blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite restorations provide a more natural look. Glass ionomer fillings are another option, especially for patients needing fluoride-releasing properties to help prevent further decay.

If you received a composite filling, you can eat as soon as the local anesthetic wears off, as the material hardens immediately. it’s a good idea to avoid hot or cold foods for the first day if you experience sensitivity.

  • Direct fillings (such as composite resin or amalgam fillings) are placed and hardened directly in the tooth during a single office visit.
  • Indirect fillings (such as inlays, onlays, or gold crowns) are custom-made in a dental laboratory and require two office visits. These restorations are stronger than standard cavity fillings and are used for larger areas of decay or damage.

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the filling material used and your oral hygiene habits:

  • Composite resin fillings – Last about 5-10 years
  • Gold fillings – Often last 20+ years
  • Glass ionomer fillings – Typically last 5-7 years

Good dental care, including regular checkups with your dentist and dental hygienist, helps extend the lifespan of your fillings.

Yes, a dental filling can become loose or fall out due to chewing pressure, recurrent decay, or normal wear over time. If you notice a lost filling, sharp edges, or increased sensitivity, contact your dentist immediately for a replacement filling or temporary filling to protect the tooth structure from further damage.