Restore Your Smile with Modern Dental Fillings in Tempe, AZ
If tooth decay or a cracked tooth is causing you discomfort, dental fillings may be the ideal restorative dentistry solution to protect your oral health and bring back a natural look. Whether you’re dealing with a small cavity or minor damage, our range of filling materials and advanced dental methods ensure you receive a comfortable, long-lasting restoration.
At IGO Dental, we explain how dental fillings work, the types available, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for your new filling—so you can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Why Dental Fillings Matter?
Dental fillings repair cavities and damage, restoring your tooth’s strength and preventing further decay.
Stop Decay:
A filling seals off the decayed portion of your tooth, preventing future damage and reducing the risk for tooth loss. By removing the infected area and filling the space, you stabilize the tooth structure, stopping the spread of dental decay that could otherwise lead to more complex treatments like a root canal or even dental crown placement.
Restore Function:
When you have a cavity, broken, or cracked tooth, everyday tasks like chewing, speaking, and smiling can become uncomfortable or even painful. By placing a new filling to reinforce your damaged teeth, you can return to your normal activities—pain-free. A secure tooth filling also helps maintain a functional smile, ensuring you can eat a variety of foods without worrying about discomfort.
Blend Seamlessly:
Many tooth-colored fillings (e.g., composite resin fillings or porcelain fillings) blend seamlessly with natural teeth, so there’s no need to worry about metal that might show when you talk or laugh. This aesthetic benefit makes fillings a go-to option in cosmetic dentistry, especially if you want to enhance your smile while preserving a natural look.
Preserve Oral Health:
Untreated decayed or damaged teeth can become a gateway for further dental issues, including gum inflammation or infection. By opting for a filling procedure, you’re actively safeguarding your oral health and preventing complications down the line. The American Dental Association recommends treating cavities promptly to avoid escalating concerns.
Types of Dental Fillings?
Selecting the right type of filling depends on the tooth’s location, how much it’s used for chewing, your aesthetic goals, and budget considerations. Here are the most common types of dental fillings:
Composite Resin:
A popular choice in cosmetic dentistry, composite resin fillings use a resin material that matches your natural teeth for a discreet, enhanced smile. They bond directly to the tooth, offering structural support while requiring less removal of healthy tooth structure. Although composite resin is durable, it may need replacement after several years due to daily wear and tear.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings:
Known for durability and affordability, amalgam fillings are safe, well-tested, and have been used to repair damaged teeth for decades. These silver fillings are more visible compared to tooth-colored fillings, so they’re often placed in molars or areas of the mouth not easily seen. Still, many patients trust amalgam fillings because amalgam fillings are safe and can withstand heavy chewing forces.
Glass Ionomer:
Often used in areas of low chewing pressure, glass ionomer fillings release fluoride over time to combat dental decay and protect against future damage. While not as strong as composite resin or amalgam, glass ionomer can be an excellent choice for children or for cavities near the gum line. This material also chemically bonds to the tooth, reducing the chance of leakage underneath the filling.
Inlays & Onlays:
Also called indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are typically made in a dental laboratory (or via a milling machine equipped with advanced technology). An inlay fits within the tooth’s biting surface, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. Both can be made from porcelain, composite resin, or even gold alloys for added strength. Inlays and onlays are an excellent alternative when a crown is not entirely necessary but a basic filling isn’t sufficient.
Dental Filling Procedure: What to Expect at IGO Dental
Getting a filling is often completed in one visit, making it a convenient dental procedure for those pressed for time. Here’s a step-by-step outline of what to expect:
Assessment & Prep:
Our dentist examines the decayed or damaged teeth, using X-rays or an intraoral camera to gauge the extent of tooth decay. Once confirmed, we administer local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring minimal discomfort.
Removing Decay:
Our dentist carefully removes all decay or weakened tooth material, cleaning the cavity to prepare for the filling material. By eliminating the source of dental decay, we minimize the risk for tooth loss in the future.
Filling Material Placement:
Our dentist places a filling—be it amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, or an inlay/onlay—into the cleaned cavity or crack. For composite filling, a special light may be used to harden each layer, building up the tooth structure incrementally.
Shaping & Polishing:
Once the filling or inlay/onlay is in place, we shape it to match your bite, ensuring a natural look and comfortable feel. A final polish leaves the new filling smooth and functionally sound.
Final Check:
A quick bite test confirms the filling aligns correctly with opposing teeth, preventing high spots that could cause jaw discomfort. After this, you can walk out of the dental office with a fully restored and functional smile, often in just one visit.
Caring for Your Dental Fillings
Ensuring your dental fillings last requires a commitment to good oral hygiene and certain precautions:
Practice Regular Dental Check-Ups:
Schedule visits every six months (or as recommended) for professional cleanings and exams. This helps us monitor the integrity of your filling and spot any early signs of dental decay or potential fractures.
Brush & Floss Daily:
Remove plaque and food particles that could accumulate around the filling margins. Proper oral hygiene prevents decay from sneaking under the restoration.
Avoid Hard Bites:
Refrain from chewing on ice, hard candies, or other very hard objects. Even though fillings can last for many years, excessive force may crack or dislodge them. This caution is especially crucial for composite filling or glass ionomer restorations.
Stay Informed:
If you experience sensitivity, persistent pain, or notice any cracks in your filling, contact our dental office promptly. Early intervention can save you from needing more extensive restorative dentistry treatment in temp.AZ, such as a dental crown.
Consider Future Dental Options:
If large portions of your tooth are compromised, or if repeated fillings have become necessary, our dentist may discuss crowns, dental implants, or other dental procedures as a more definitive solution for your oral health.
Ready for a Quick, Comfortable Dental Filling in Tempe?
Protect your smile and enjoy renewed confidence with our modern dental fillings. Schedule an Appointment today—let’s restore your teeth and keep your oral health on track!
FAQ's
Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
A dental filling is a restorative treatment that repairs a tooth damaged by decay, cracks, or minor fractures. By sealing off the affected area, a filling stops further decay, preserves tooth structure, and restores normal function. It’s one of the most common solutions in restorative dentistry for preventing future damage and avoiding more invasive procedures.
Common types of dental fillings include amalgam filling (silver), composite resin fillings (tooth-colored), glass ionomer, and porcelain inlays or onlays. Our dentist in tempe will recommend the filling material that best suits your oral health needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Factors such as biting force, location of the cavity, and the look and feel you desire also play a role in deciding the right filling.
Composite fillings blend with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for cosmetic dentistry. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, are made of a silver alloy and are known for durability and affordability—but they’re not as discreet as a tooth-colored filling. Amalgam fillings are safe and often recommended for molars, where dental decay is common due to heavy chewing.
It depends on the severity of decay or damage. If a simple filling won’t suffice, a dental crown or even dental implants may be the best outcome to restore your smile. During the dental filling procedure, we assess the tooth’s condition and discuss any additional dental procedures if necessary. For instance, if a tooth is badly broken or has undergone a root canal, a crown might provide more robust protection.
First, we remove decayed or damaged tooth material. Next, the dentist places a filling—like composite or amalgam—into the cavity and shapes it to match your bite. After a quick polish, you can walk out of the dental office with a newly restored and functional smile—usually in just one visit. This straightforward procedure helps you address dental issues early, preventing complications.
With advanced dental techniques and local anesthesia, most patients feel minimal discomfort. You may experience mild sensitivity after the filling is placed, but that typically subsides quickly. Our goal is to provide a pain-free experience, ensuring you receive the necessary dental care without anxiety or stress.
With proper care, fillings can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Factors like the type of filling material, biting habits, and regular dental check-ups all impact longevity. If you notice any issues like cracks or excessive wear, contact our dental office in tempe promptly to avoid further decay.
Yes—if the damage is minor. For more extensive fractures, your dentist may suggest a dental crown or other restorative dentistry procedures. A quick exam will help us determine if a dental filling alone can repair the tooth. Early intervention can also save you from the potential of needing dental implants if the tooth becomes irreparable.
A cavity can sometimes develop underneath older fillings due to leaks or normal wear and tear. In such cases, we remove the old filling, clean out any dental decay, and place a new composite filling or amalgam filling to ensure your tooth is fully protected. This process prevents deeper decay that could eventually compromise tooth stability.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Brush and floss daily, schedule dental visits regularly, and avoid chewing on very hard objects. With the right practices, your dental fillings can help keep your smile healthy and strong for years. If you ever sense heightened sensitivity or see a visible gap between the filling and tooth surface, it’s important to reach out for an evaluation.