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


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.
The procedure for a dental filling is swift and comfortable, usually completed in just one office visit. Here's what you can anticipate:
The majority of patients can return to their usual activities right after their appointment.

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
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
Caring for Your Dental Fillings
Avoiding recurrent decay and maintaining your dental restorations are essential. Follow these steps:
Should your filling become loose or dislodge, contact us promptly for repair.

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