When a tooth is weakened by decay, a carefully placed filling restores its shape and function while preventing further damage. Addressing cavities early keeps chewing surfaces intact, reduces the risk of infection spreading to the tooth's nerve, and helps maintain overall oral health. A filling is often the most conservative option to return a tooth to serviceable condition without removing more tooth structure than necessary.
Tooth decay remains common across all age groups, which is why restorative care like fillings is a routine but essential part of dentistry. The goal of treatment is not only to remove diseased tissue but to rebuild a durable surface that resists future wear and safeguards the tooth’s remaining healthy structure. Modern techniques emphasize precision and preservation to extend the life of natural teeth.
At the office of Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, we combine clinical experience with contemporary materials and methods to deliver restorations that look natural and perform reliably. Patients benefit from an approach that prioritizes comfort, conservative preparation, and long-term oral health. When you and your dentist decide a filling is the best option, the procedure is planned to optimize outcomes for both appearance and function.
Human efforts to repair damaged teeth go back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence showing early attempts at dental repair. Over centuries, techniques and materials evolved—from rudimentary repairs to metal restorations in the 19th century—each advance improving durability and accessibility. Understanding this history helps us appreciate how far restorative dentistry has come.
For many decades, metal restoratives such as dental amalgam and gold were the primary solutions for cavities. Their longevity and ease of placement made them widespread. However, as dental science progressed, new materials were developed that could mimic natural tooth color while reducing the need for extensive removal of healthy tooth structure.
Today’s materials allow clinicians to provide restorations that are both cosmetically pleasing and functionally robust. This progress means patients no longer have to choose between strength and aesthetic integration—modern dentistry offers options that meet both needs.
Restoration begins with a careful diagnosis and a conversation about your priorities for comfort, appearance, and longevity. We explain the treatment steps, the materials suitable for your situation, and what to expect during recovery. This shared decision-making ensures the chosen solution aligns with your oral health needs and cosmetic goals.
Precision in decay removal and restoration placement matters. Minimally invasive preparation preserves as much natural tooth as possible, and modern bonding techniques strengthen the remaining structure. The result is a restoration that blends with surrounding enamel, restores function, and reduces the likelihood of future problems.
Comfort and safety are always a priority. Procedures are performed with local anesthesia when appropriate, and we use the latest techniques to limit discomfort and speed recovery. Our team focuses on clear communication so you understand each step and feel confident in your care.
Not all fillings are created equal. Material selection affects appearance, strength, longevity, and the amount of tooth preparation required. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the cavity’s size and location, functional demands on the tooth, and your cosmetic preferences. Understanding the main categories of filling materials helps you participate in an informed treatment decision.
Some materials bond chemically to the tooth and allow for more conservative preparations, while others rely on mechanical retention and may withstand heavy chewing forces with less wear. Different options also vary in stain resistance and how they respond to temperature changes in the mouth. Each has trade-offs that your clinician will explain.
Choosing the right material involves balancing functional needs and aesthetics. For visible teeth, color-matching and translucency are important to achieve a natural look. For back teeth, durability under high bite forces can take precedence. Tailoring the choice to your situation helps maximize the restoration’s success.
Composite fillings are resin-based materials reinforced with fine glass or ceramic particles. They are matched to tooth color and bonded to the tooth, which can preserve more natural structure. Composites are versatile and can also be used for cosmetic bonding to improve shape or close small gaps. With proper care, they provide a pleasing and practical solution for many cavities.
While composites offer an excellent aesthetic match and good strength, they can be more prone to staining and gradual wear than some indirect restorations. Still, their ability to bond to tooth enamel and dentin makes them a preferred choice for conservative, visible restorations.
Amalgam has a long track record for durability and resistance to wear, especially in large restorations on back teeth. It performs well under heavy chewing forces and is less likely to fracture than some direct materials. For many years it was the standard for longevity and reliability.
Because amalgam does not match tooth color, it is used less frequently in visible areas. When strength and longevity are the primary concerns, amalgam remains a viable option for certain clinical situations.
Glass ionomer materials chemically bond to tooth surfaces and are valued for releasing fluoride, which can help protect the surrounding tooth from new decay. They are often used in pediatric dentistry, near the gumline, or as interim restorations. Their physical properties suit situations where minimal stress will be placed on the filling.
Because they are less wear-resistant than composite or ceramic options, glass ionomers are typically selected for specific clinical needs rather than as a first-line choice for high-load posterior restorations.
Ceramic or porcelain restorations are fabricated outside the mouth and bonded into the prepared cavity. These indirect restorations are highly resistant to staining and wear and can reproduce the natural translucency of tooth enamel. Ceramic inlays and onlays are a durable, aesthetic alternative for larger cavities where a direct filling might not offer the needed long-term strength.
Because they are made in a lab or milled with CAD/CAM systems, ceramics often require two visits or single-visit milling technology. Their precision fit and longevity make them an excellent option when preserving tooth structure and appearance are both priorities.
Gold has excellent mechanical properties, is gentle to opposing teeth, and can last for decades when well maintained. It is biocompatible and resistant to corrosion. Although less common today due to cost and aesthetics, gold inlays and onlays remain a high-quality restorative option for certain patients and clinical situations.
A typical filling appointment begins with a detailed exam and diagnosis. X-rays or other imaging may be used to determine the extent of decay. Once treatment is recommended, your dentist will numb the area as needed and gently remove the decayed tissue using precise instruments or modern alternatives like air abrasion or lasers when appropriate.
After removing decay, the cavity is shaped to receive the chosen filling material. Bonding agents or liners may be used to protect the pulp and enhance adhesion. For direct fillings such as composite or amalgam, the material is placed and contoured in the mouth. For indirect restorations like ceramic inlays, impressions or digital scans are taken for fabrication, and a temporary restoration may be used until final placement.
Your comfort and safety are emphasized throughout the visit. Local anesthesia is commonly used so the procedure is pain-free, and the team will explain each step and answer questions. Treatment time varies with the extent of the cavity and the type of restoration chosen, but the process is designed to be efficient and patient-centered.
Not every damaged tooth can be fully repaired with a filling. If decay reaches deeply into the tooth, the nerve may be affected, necessitating endodontic (root canal) treatment before the tooth can be reliably restored. In other situations where too much tooth structure is missing, a full-coverage crown or an onlay may be a better long-term solution than a direct filling.
Assessing whether a simple filling will suffice or whether a more extensive restoration is needed depends on the tooth’s remaining strength, the cavity’s location, and functional demands. Your dentist will explain the risks and benefits of each option, aiming to preserve the tooth whenever possible while providing a durable result.
In cases where a tooth cannot be saved, replacement options such as implants or bridges can be discussed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The priority is to maintain oral health, chewing comfort, and an attractive smile through thoughtful, individualized care.
Once a filling is placed, proper care helps maximize its service life. You may experience temporary numbness and short-lived sensitivity to hot or cold; these symptoms typically resolve within days. Until anesthesia fully subsides, avoid chewing on the treated side to prevent accidental injury to soft tissues.
Good oral hygiene—brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental cleaners, and maintaining regular dental checkups—protects both restorations and natural teeth. Routine examinations allow your dentist to monitor fillings and address early signs of wear or secondary decay before they become larger problems.
While modern filling materials are resilient, they can be affected by heavy wear or accidental trauma. If you notice persistent pain, a change in bite, or visible damage to a restoration, contact our office for an evaluation. Timely attention helps preserve the tooth and prevents more complex treatment down the road.
We are dedicated to providing thoughtful, conservative restorations that support your long-term oral health. For more information about dental fillings and which option may be best for your smile, please contact our office.
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 Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
