Dental Fillings - Spring Hill, TN

Dental Fillings

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Don’t Let Cavities Go Untreated

Cavities are more than minor inconveniences; they can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated. Dental fillings provide an effective solution to stop decay and restore tooth integrity.

The dental filling procedure is a restorative dental treatment aimed at repairing minor fractures or decay in teeth, improving tooth function, and reducing sensitivity.

At Dentistry by Design, our Spring Hill, TN dentists offer dental fillings to help eliminate discomfort and potential complications from untreated cavities. To schedule your appointment, contact our dental office today by calling (931) 391-3089.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth affected by decay or damage. When a tooth develops a cavity (dental caries), a dental filling is used to fill the cavity, preventing further decay or infection. Fillings can also repair teeth damaged by trauma or wear.

With dental fillings, our dentist can assist patients by:

Restoring the tooth’s structural integrity, preventing further decay and damage.
Reducing tooth sensitivity and pain from cavities or damaged teeth.
Enhancing the tooth’s appearance, especially with tooth-colored materials.
Maintaining the tooth’s function and aesthetics for years to come.

Why Choose Dentistry by Design for Dental Fillings?

Here are some reasons to choose Dentistry by Design for your dental filling needs:

Skilled Care: Our experienced dentists are skilled in placing dental fillings, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience.
Personalized Approach: We assess your needs and recommend the best filling material, whether it’s a tooth-colored composite or traditional silver amalgam.
State-of-the-art technology: We use advanced dental technology to provide precise and long-lasting fillings.
Comfortable Environment: We create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, making your dental visit stress-free.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are various types of dental fillings, each with unique properties. Types of dental filling materials include:

Composite Fillings: Known as tooth-colored fillings, made of a mixture of plastic and glass particles. They blend with natural teeth, making them popular for visible areas. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, providing support. However, they may need replacement over time.
Amalgam Fillings: Also called silver fillings, made of metals like silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Dental amalgam is a durable mixture of metals used for fillings that has been in use for over 150 years. They’re durable and long-used, though their silver color can be noticeable. Dental amalgams consist of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper, which raises potential health risks due to mercury exposure.
Ceramic Fillings: Made of porcelain or ceramic materials, offering excellent aesthetics. They’re tooth-colored, stain-resistant, and suitable for areas needing strength and durability.
Gold Fillings: Made of a gold alloy with metals like silver and copper. They’re durable and long-lasting, custom-made in a dental laboratory, but more expensive.
Glass Ionomer Fillings: Made of acrylic and glass materials, releasing fluoride to prevent further decay. Often used in children or non-load-bearing areas.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings offer several benefits for oral health and well-being, including:

Removal of decay
Preservation of tooth structure
Restoration of function
Pain relief
Enhanced aesthetics
Durability
Quick procedure
Minimal sensitivity
Prevention of tooth fractures
Cost-effectiveness

Do You Need Dental Fillings?

To determine your need for dental fillings, our general dentists evaluate:

Presence of a Cavity: Fillings primarily treat cavities. We check for cavities using X-rays and visual examination to assess the decay extent.
Tooth Structure: The extent of tooth damage is crucial. Fillings suit minor to moderate decay; extensive decay may require crowns or root canals.
Patient’s Overall Health: We consider overall health and medical history, as certain conditions or medications may impact filling choice or procedure eligibility.
Allergies or Sensitivities: Allergies or sensitivities to specific materials are considered when selecting filling material.
Adequate Tooth Structure for Support: Enough healthy tooth structure must remain to support the filling. Severely compromised teeth may need alternative treatments.
Patient’s Preferences: Cosmetic concerns are considered, with tooth-colored composite fillings preferred by many for aesthetics.
Budget and Insurance: Financial considerations are discussed, including filling cost and insurance coverage.
Alternative Treatments: We discuss alternative treatments if a filling isn’t suitable, like crowns, inlays, onlays, or extractions.

The Dental Filling Process

Our Spring Hill, TN dentist begins the dental filling procedure by numbing the area around the tooth for comfort. We use a dental drill or laser to remove decay, creating a clean area.

Once the decay is removed, Dr. Robinette shapes the cavity for the filling material. The chosen material, like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain, is placed and shaped to match the tooth’s natural contours. The filling is hardened with a curing light.

After ensuring proper fit and bite alignment of your newly filled tooth, we make necessary adjustments. The final step involves polishing the filling for a smooth, natural appearance. The result is a restored tooth that’s functional, aesthetically pleasing, and prevents further decay, maintaining oral health.

Complications of Dental Fillings

While dental fillings are a common and effective treatment for tooth decay, there are some possible complications that can occur. These complications can be divided into two categories: short-term and long-term.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?

On average, a dental filling costs between $50 to $250. Factors affecting the total cost include filling material, dental practice location, and procedure complexity. Most dental insurance covers a portion of filling expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental fillings hurt?

The process of getting a dental filling is usually painless. The dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure, ensuring no pain during cavity removal or filling placement. Some might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after anesthesia wears off, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long do dental fillings last?

The lifespan of a dental filling varies based on material type, filling location, and oral hygiene habits. Amalgam fillings can last decades, while composite resin may need replacement after 5 to 10 years. Regular dental check-ups help monitor filling condition, ensuring timely maintenance or replacement.

Restore Your Smile and Oral Health Today!

Dental fillings are essential for restoring tooth health, function, and aesthetics. Whether addressing cavities, reinforcing structure, or enhancing smiles, getting a filling is a routine yet crucial dental procedure. If you experience discomfort or suspect you need a filling, reach out to our dentist for a thorough examination.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Robinette by calling (931) 391-3089 as a new patient and (931) 486-0700 as a returning patient or filling out our online contact form. We’re excited to meet new and returning patients from around Spring Hill, including Thompson’s Station, Jameson, and Bethesda, TN.

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