Composite Fillings

A cavity can announce itself with sensitivity and pain, or it can show no symptoms at all until it's spotted during a routine checkup. Either way, a filling is the easiest restorative option available — much simpler than the root canal or extraction that untreated decay can eventually require. A filling stops the damage from progressing and restores the tooth to full function.

The traditional filling material was amalgam — the silver filling many people remember. Composite fillings are made from quartz and glass and can be color-matched to your tooth, giving a natural, barely visible result. Beyond looking better, composite fillings offer real advantages over amalgam: they don't expand and contract with hot and cold the way amalgam can (which over time can cause fissures in the tooth), and amalgam contains a small but notable amount of mercury. Composite fillings also have a smoother texture, require less enamel removal, and bond more securely for a more durable result. The same tooth-colored material is also used in cosmetic bonding to cover chips, fill gaps, and reshape teeth.

Most fillings are completed in one simple appointment. We start with digital X-rays to determine the extent of decay, then Dr. Jobst numbs the affected area — you shouldn't experience pain with a filling, but if anxiety or fear is a concern, ask about sedation options. Once numb, Dr. Jobst gently removes the decay, disinfects and reshapes the tooth as needed, then mixes and color-matches the composite material to fill the cavity, using a curing light to harden it. Finally, he trims any excess material, checks your bite, and polishes the new restoration.

It's normal to notice increased hot and cold sensitivity for a short time after a filling, but this subsides quickly. With good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits, composite fillings can last for many years.

If you need a filling, or think you might, one of our helpful team members would be happy to answer your questions. Call Grand Lake Dental today to speak with a team member or schedule an appointment.