If your smile has been compromised by tooth decay, fractures, chips, or cracks, dental fillings offer an effective way to repair and restore your teeth. At Dr. Richard Robinette’s modern dental office in Spring Hill, TN, Dentistry By Design, we provide a wide range of filling options and use advanced techniques for natural-looking, long-lasting repairs.
Whether you need a small composite filling in a visible tooth or a large amalgam filling in the back, Dr. Robinette and the team at Dentistry by Design can restore your smile. Call (931) 391-3089 today to schedule your filling appointment at our Spring Hill, TN, dental office.
Dr. Robinette offers the latest dental filling options at our Spring Hill office. This includes both tooth-colored composite fillings as well as metal amalgam fillings. The right type of filling depends on the location and severity of the tooth defect, along with considerations like the cost of materials. We’ll explain the options and help determine which is best for your situation. Common filling types include:
Composite resin is the most popular option for white, natural-looking fillings. This tooth-colored material is a ceramic and plastic compound material. It matches the color of your natural teeth and provides excellent durability. Composite fillings are ideal for minor to moderate cavities, especially in visible front or side teeth.
Amalgam is a stable, affordable metal alloy material used for fillings. It contains a mixture of metals such as silver, mercury, and tin. Amalgam has been used for over a century and is known for its strength and longevity. It is often used for larger cavities or in back teeth. Amalgam fillings are also known as silver fillings due to their silver-gray color.
Glass ionomer is made from acrylic acids and fluoride materials. It releases fluoride to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Glass ionomer costs less than composite resin and bonds well to tooth structure. It’s for small fillings, temporary fillings, or fillings in baby teeth.
Gold is one of the longest-lasting filling materials. Traditional gold foil fillings involve compacting thin sheets of gold into the cavity. Gold is durable, can last decades, and won’t corrode. Gold foil provides excellent longevity but is less commonly used today due to the high cost.
Dr. Robinette strives to make even extensive dental filling procedures as comfortable as possible. We use advanced technology and techniques to maximize your comfort. Here is an overview of what to expect:
We can complete most fillings in a single appointment. With advanced materials and equipment, the restored tooth looks and functions like your natural tooth. We also provide tooth-colored fillings matched to your exact tooth shade.
With good oral care, a filling can last several years or even decades. However, fillings do not make teeth as strong as they were before decay. Some factors that determine the lifespan of a filling are the location of the filled tooth, the materials used, chewing habits, and oral hygiene practices. Your dentist will advise you on how long your fillings may last.
The risks associated with fillings are low. The tooth and surrounding area may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures after getting a filling, but this usually fades within a few weeks. In rare cases, a filling may irritate the nerve of a tooth and require additional dental treatment. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help minimize risks.
You may need a filling replaced if the existing one becomes damaged, decayed around it’s detected, or the filling deteriorates over time. Fillings don’t last forever, so you should have your dentist examine your fillings periodically to look for signs they need replacement. Cracks, loosening, discoloration, or holes around existing fillings indicate it may be time for a new one.
Follow your dentist’s post-filling care instructions, such as avoiding hard foods on the filled tooth for a while. Avoid crunchy, sticky, and hard foods which could damage the new filling. Brush and floss carefully around fillings.Â
See your dentist regularly to ensure your fillings remain in good condition. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience pain, sensitivity, or changes around a new filling.
If you’ve been putting off getting a cavity filled, don’t wait any longer! Untreated tooth decay only worsens over time, leading to further dental work. Dr. Robinette provides top-quality dental fillings using advanced materials and techniques. We accept most major insurance plans and work to maximize your benefits.Â
To schedule your consultation and exam, call our friendly Spring Hill, TN, dental team at (931) 391-3089 today!
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