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When a tooth’s structure has been weakened by decay or minor trauma, a dental filling restores both form and function so you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Fillings rebuild lost tooth material and create a sealed surface that helps stop decay from progressing deeper into the tooth.
Dental caries remains one of the most common oral health concerns across all age groups, which is why restorative treatments like fillings are among the most frequently performed procedures in general dentistry. The goal is straightforward: remove the damaged tissue, preserve as much healthy tooth as possible, and choose a restoration that suits the tooth’s role in your bite and your cosmetic preferences.
At the office of Joanna Tricorache, DDS, our team focuses on precise, conservative care. We use up-to-date materials and techniques to deliver restorations that are reliable, comfortable, and visually pleasing so that the repaired tooth blends naturally with the rest of your smile.
Attempts to repair damaged teeth go back thousands of years, with early cultures using a range of rudimentary materials to patch cavities and reduce pain. Modern restorative dentistry, however, has advanced significantly, particularly since the 19th century when metal-based restorations became widely used.
For many decades, metal restorations such as amalgam and gold were the standard because of their durability and relative ease of placement. Over time, materials science introduced tooth-colored options that combine aesthetics with strength, allowing clinicians to provide restorations that are less conspicuous while still performing well under chewing forces.
Today’s options let patients and clinicians balance longevity, conservation of tooth structure, and appearance. Understanding the evolution of filling materials helps explain why several distinct options exist and why certain choices may suit specific clinical situations better than others.
Every tooth presents a different challenge. Factors such as cavity size, location, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and the forces applied during biting determine which materials and techniques are best. Our approach centers on tailoring treatment to each individual while explaining the clinical rationale in plain terms.
We aim to preserve healthy enamel and dentin whenever possible, using adhesive techniques and minimally invasive preparations that extend the life of the natural tooth. When larger restorations are required, we discuss indirect solutions that offer improved strength and wear resistance.
Conservative planning, careful placement, and attention to bite alignment all contribute to restorations that perform well over time. We prioritize transparent communication so you understand what to expect from treatment and how to care for your new restoration afterward.
Not all fillings are the same. Materials differ in strength, appearance, technique of placement, and how they interact with the tooth over time. Selecting the right option involves weighing durability against appearance and considering the tooth’s position and function.
For small to moderate cavities in visible areas of the mouth, tooth-colored materials are often preferred for their ability to blend with surrounding enamel. In high-stress areas toward the back of the mouth, materials with greater wear resistance may be recommended to withstand chewing forces.
We’ll review the pros and cons of available materials so you can make an informed decision. Our focus is on choosing a solution that restores function, looks natural, and preserves the underlying tooth whenever possible.
Composite resins are a blend of acrylic polymers and fine glass or ceramic particles that can be closely matched to your natural tooth shade. They bond to tooth structure, which allows for more conservative preparations and helps reinforce the remaining tooth.
These restorations are versatile and commonly used for front and back teeth. They require a dry, controlled environment for proper placement and may be more susceptible to staining and wear than some indirect restorations, but modern composites are very durable when placed correctly and maintained through good oral hygiene.
Dental amalgam consists of a metal alloy that has been used for many years because of its proven durability and resistance to wear. Amalgam restorations are strong and can be cost-effective for large restorations in posterior teeth.
Although not tooth-colored, amalgam remains a reliable choice in certain clinical scenarios where strength and longevity are priorities, particularly when minimal aesthetics are required.
Glass ionomer materials bond chemically to tooth structure and gradually release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from future decay. They are often used in areas where moisture control is a challenge or for pediatric restorations.
While convenient and beneficial for specific indications, glass ionomers typically wear faster than composites or ceramics, making them more suitable for low-stress areas or temporary restorations.
Ceramic or porcelain inlays and onlays are fabricated outside the mouth—often in a dental lab or by a chairside milling system—and then bonded to the prepared tooth. Because they’re custom-made, these restorations offer excellent anatomy, color match, and resistance to staining and wear.
Indirect restorations are commonly selected when a conservative yet durable solution is needed for a large defect that would be less ideal with a direct filling material.
Gold alloys are exceptionally durable and friendly to opposing teeth under proper conditions. While they are less commonly chosen today for aesthetic reasons, gold remains one of the most long-lasting restorative materials when used appropriately.
Because gold restorations require lab fabrication, they are typically reserved for cases where long-term strength and precise fit are primary concerns.
Some situations call for treatments beyond a standard filling. Large areas of decay, fractures that compromise the tooth’s walls, or recurrent decay under an existing restoration may require an indirect restoration such as an inlay, onlay, or full crown to restore strength and protect the tooth long-term.
In certain cases where decay reaches the inner pulp or the tooth becomes painful or infected, endodontic therapy (a root canal) may be necessary before placing a permanent restoration. The chosen pathway depends on preserving tooth structure while ensuring comfort and function.
We’ll explain why a particular option is advised, including the expected benefits and what you can expect during treatment, so you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for your oral health.
Diagnosing and treating decay begins with a careful clinical exam and, when appropriate, diagnostic imaging. Once a problem is identified, our priority is to remove disease while conserving healthy tooth structure and restoring the tooth to dependable function.
Most fillings are placed in a single visit under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. We use modern rotary instruments, and where suitable, alternative technologies such as air abrasion or laser preparation to minimize discomfort and preserve more natural tooth structure.
When a tooth requires a more extensive restoration, we may place a temporary material and schedule a follow-up appointment for the final restoration. Throughout the process, we focus on accurate shade matching, proper contouring, and careful bite adjustment to help your restoration feel natural and last.
For patients who experience anxiety about dental care, we are happy to discuss options such as nitrous oxide or other sedation methods to help you stay relaxed during treatment. Our goal is to make the experience as calm and comfortable as possible while maintaining high clinical standards.
Following placement of a filling, it’s normal to experience temporary sensations as tissues recover and your bite adapts. Numbness from local anesthesia usually fades within an hour or two; during that time, take care to avoid biting soft tissues inadvertently.
A newly restored tooth may feel slightly different while you adjust. If your bite feels uneven after the anesthetic wears off, contact the office so we can make minor adjustments. Small areas of sensitivity to temperature or pressure are common and typically resolve within a few days to weeks.
Protecting your restoration starts with good oral hygiene—brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and maintaining regular dental checkups. Avoid habits that place excessive force on teeth, such as chewing ice or using teeth as tools, and discuss any night-time grinding with your provider since protective appliances can reduce wear on restorations.
Protect numb areas
After treatment, your lips, cheeks, and tongue may be numb for a short time. Avoid chewing, hot beverages, or anything that could cause an accidental bite until sensation returns.
Adjustments are normal
If your bite feels high or you notice that the filling interferes with chewing, schedule a brief follow-up visit. Minor polishing or reshaping typically resolves these issues quickly.
Temporary sensitivity
Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure may occur and usually diminishes in days to a few weeks. If sensitivity persists or increases, contact the office to rule out other causes.
Caring for longevity
With routine oral care and periodic professional exams, most restorations provide years of dependable service. If a filling wears or the tooth sustains new damage, we will discuss the appropriate options for repair or replacement.
Our team is committed to clear communication and skilled craftsmanship in every restoration we place. If you have questions about a recent filling or are noticing changes in a previously treated tooth, please contact us so we can address your concerns promptly.
Summary: Dental fillings are a core component of conservative restorative care—designed to halt decay, restore function, and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. If you would like more information about materials or treatment options, please contact us for a consultation.
If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.
Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.
Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.
We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.
Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.
Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.
A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.
The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile to help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.
Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of Joanna Tricorache, DDS, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Joanna Tricorache, DDS is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.