When decay or injury removes healthy enamel and dentin, a filling rebuilds the damaged portion of the tooth so it can withstand normal chewing forces. Rather than simply covering a problem, a modern restoration re-establishes the tooth’s shape and function while preventing further breakdown.
Cavities remain one of the most common oral health issues across age groups, so filling a tooth is one of dentistry’s most frequently performed restorative procedures. Timely treatment stops decay from spreading and helps patients avoid more extensive care later on.
At Ballston Dental Center in Arlington, Virginia, our approach emphasizes careful diagnosis and minimally invasive preparation to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. We combine clinical precision with patient-focused communication so you understand each step of treatment.
Human efforts to repair teeth date back thousands of years, evolving from rudimentary patching to the sophisticated materials used today. While metal restorations were once the dominant option, innovations over recent decades have introduced tooth-colored alternatives that better meet aesthetic and biocompatibility expectations.
Understanding this evolution helps patients appreciate why multiple options exist and how the right material can be selected based on a tooth’s location, the extent of damage, and a patient’s priorities for appearance and longevity.
The goal of any filling is durability without sacrificing appearance. We tailor material choices to each patient, aiming to create restorations that blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth and stand up to everyday use. Clear explanations and conservative techniques are central to our care philosophy.
There are several reliable filling materials available now, each with distinct strengths. Some focus on maximum durability for back teeth under heavy chewing forces, while others prioritize a natural appearance for visible front teeth. Your dentist will discuss which option best balances form, function, and aesthetics for your situation.
Material selection also depends on how much tooth structure remains after decay is removed and whether the restoration must withstand high stress or simply seal a small area. Advances in adhesive dentistry allow many tooth-colored restorations to bond directly to enamel and dentin, improving seal and strength.
Choosing the right restoration is a collaborative process. We consider the tooth’s position, bite dynamics, and the patient’s long-term oral health plan to recommend a material that delivers a predictable, comfortable result.
Composite fillings are formulated from a resin matrix and microscopic glass or ceramic particles, producing a durable, aesthetic restoration that can be color-matched to surrounding enamel. Because they bond to the tooth, composite restorations often require less removal of healthy structure than traditional metals.
Composites are versatile: they’re used for small to moderate cavities, minor cosmetic repairs, and direct bonding to reshape teeth. With proper care they perform well, although they can be more susceptible to staining and wear over many years compared with some indirect materials.
Amalgam has a long track record as a strong, wear-resistant material for posterior restorations. It remains an effective solution for certain clinical situations where maximum load-bearing strength is a priority.
Glass ionomer materials chemically bond to tooth surfaces and gradually release fluoride, which can provide an added protective benefit to the treated tooth. These restorations are especially useful for situations requiring gentle adhesion or temporary repair, including treatment in areas near the gumline or on primary (baby) teeth.
Ceramic restorations are crafted outside the mouth and then bonded into place, offering excellent color stability and wear resistance. Because they are custom-made, ceramics provide a close anatomic fit and are a durable, aesthetic option for larger defects that are not ideal for direct fillings.
Gold remains a premium choice for durability and biocompatibility, delivering reliable long-term performance. Today it is used less frequently, but it still offers excellent strength and a gentle interaction with opposing teeth when selected for specific restorative needs.
Treating a cavity begins with a careful exam and any necessary imaging to determine the size and depth of decay. Your dentist will explain the recommended approach before treatment begins, answering questions about anesthesia, technique, and expected outcomes.
During the procedure, local anesthesia is typically used so the area feels numb and the experience is comfortable. The decayed tissue is removed using precise instruments—this may include a dental handpiece, air abrasion, or laser tools—followed by preparation of the remaining tooth to receive the selected material.
Direct materials like composite or glass ionomer are placed and shaped in the same visit, while indirect options such as ceramic inlays require a laboratory phase and a subsequent appointment to cement the finished restoration. Throughout, we focus on restoring proper contact, contour, and bite so the tooth performs naturally with surrounding dentition.
For patients who feel nervous about dental care, our team offers a calm, reassuring environment and can discuss comfort-enhancing options to make your visit as relaxed as possible. We prioritize clear communication and gentle technique at every step.
Right after a filling, you may notice temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure. This is a common, transient response as the tooth adjusts; most sensitivity resolves within days to weeks. If discomfort persists or worsens, we encourage patients to contact the office so we can evaluate and adjust the restoration if needed.
In the hours following treatment, avoid chewing very hard foods on the filled tooth until any anesthetic has fully worn off and the material has set. Your dentist will provide specific guidance based on the material used—for example, some indirect restorations require a brief waiting period before normal function resumes.
Long-term success depends on consistent home care and routine dental checkups. Good brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings help prevent new decay at the margins of a filling. We will review individualized recommendations tailored to your oral health and restorative needs.
Although fillings are designed to last, changes can occur over time. Wear, fractures, recurrent decay, or changes in bite can mean a restoration needs repair or replacement. Detecting these changes early—during regular examinations—allows for simpler, more conservative solutions.
If a filling becomes loose, painful, or shows discoloration at the edges, it’s important to have the tooth assessed promptly. Early intervention often preserves more natural tooth structure and reduces the need for more extensive procedures later on.
At Ballston Dental Center, we focus on preventive care and timely restorative treatment to keep smiles healthy and functional for years to come. Our team is available to discuss options and answer questions about maintaining your restorations.
Choosing the right filling is a balance between durability, appearance, and preserving tooth structure. Ask questions about materials, expected lifespan, and how a particular restoration fits into your overall oral health plan.
Regular dental visits give us the chance to monitor restorations and make adjustments before small issues become larger problems. Good oral hygiene combined with professional care maximizes the life of any filling.
If you’d like to learn more about how fillings can restore your tooth and protect your smile, please contact us for additional information or to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
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 Ballston Dental Center, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
When decay or injury removes enamel and dentin, a filling rebuilds the damaged portion so the tooth can withstand normal chewing forces. Modern restorations aim to restore the tooth's shape and function rather than simply covering a problem, which helps prevent further breakdown. Timely placement of a filling stops decay from spreading and often avoids the need for more extensive treatment later.
Minimally invasive techniques and adhesive materials allow dentists to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible during preparation. A well-placed restoration re-establishes proper contact and contour, helping the tooth perform naturally with surrounding teeth. Clear communication about the chosen material and expected outcome helps patients understand the role of the filling in long-term oral health.
There are several reliable materials used for restorations, each with distinct strengths. Tooth-colored composite resins bond to enamel and dentin, allow for conservative preparations, and can be color-matched for aesthetic results, while amalgam has a long history of durability for high-load areas.
Other options include glass ionomer cements, which chemically adhere to tooth surfaces and release fluoride, and ceramic inlays or onlays, which are lab-fabricated for excellent color stability and fit. Gold remains valued for biocompatibility and long-term performance in specific situations, though it is less commonly selected for visible areas due to appearance.
Treatment begins with a careful examination and any needed imaging to assess the size and depth of decay, followed by a discussion of anesthesia and technique. Local anesthesia is typically used so the area is numb and the procedure is comfortable while decayed tissue is removed with precise instruments.
Direct materials such as composite or glass ionomer are placed, shaped, and cured in the same visit, while indirect restorations like ceramic inlays require a laboratory phase and a second appointment for final cementation. Throughout the appointment the dentist focuses on restoring proper contact, contour, and bite so the restored tooth functions naturally within the mouth.
Composite resins are often an excellent choice for front teeth and other visible areas because they can be closely matched to the natural shade and polished to blend with adjacent enamel. Their adhesive properties allow more conservative removal of healthy tooth structure compared with some traditional materials, which helps preserve the tooth's strength and appearance.
Composites perform well for small to moderate cavities and cosmetic repairs, though they can be more susceptible to staining and gradual wear over many years compared with some indirect materials. Regular hygiene, professional cleanings, and avoiding staining habits help maintain their appearance and longevity.
Ceramic inlays and onlays are typically recommended when a defect is too large for a direct filling but not extensive enough to require a full crown. Because they are crafted outside the mouth and then bonded into place, ceramics offer excellent color stability and a precise anatomic fit for larger restorations.
These indirect restorations are durable and resist staining, making them a strong aesthetic option for teeth that must withstand significant chewing forces while remaining visible. The process usually involves a conservative preparation, a laboratory fabrication phase, and a final cementation appointment to achieve an optimal fit and function.
Some temporary sensitivity to temperature and pressure is common in the days or weeks after a filling as the tooth adjusts; this usually resolves without intervention. In the hours following treatment it is wise to avoid chewing on the treated side until any anesthetic has worn off and the material has set according to the dentist's instructions.
If sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks, becomes severe, or is accompanied by pain while biting, patients should contact the office for evaluation and possible adjustment. Routine oral hygiene and scheduled checkups help monitor the restoration and address minor issues before they become larger problems.
Good daily oral hygiene, including thorough brushing and flossing, is the foundation for long-lasting restorations because it reduces the risk of new decay at filling margins. Avoiding habits that place excessive force on teeth, such as biting hard objects or using teeth as tools, helps prevent chips or fractures in restorations.
For patients who grind or clench their teeth, a nightguard can protect fillings and natural teeth from wear and stress. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings allow the dentist to monitor restorations and make minor repairs when needed to extend their service life.
Fillings may require attention if there is recurrent decay at the margins, a visible fracture, a loose restoration, or persistent discomfort when biting or with temperature changes. Discoloration at the edge of a filling or changes in how the bite feels can also signal the need for an evaluation.
Early detection during routine examinations often allows for conservative repairs rather than complete replacement, preserving more natural tooth structure. If a restoration is failing, the dentist will recommend the appropriate next steps based on the condition of the remaining tooth and overall oral health.
Yes. By removing decayed tissue and sealing the cavity with an appropriate restorative material, fillings stop the active process of decay and protect the underlying tooth from further breakdown. Certain materials, such as glass ionomer, also release fluoride over time, which can provide an added protective effect to the nearby tooth structure.
While a filling halts current decay, long-term prevention still depends on good home care, routine professional cleanings, and regular dental checkups to catch and treat new areas of concern early. A collaborative approach between patient and clinician maximizes the effectiveness of restorations in maintaining oral health.
Selecting the appropriate material is a collaborative process that considers the tooth's position, the size and depth of the defect, bite forces, aesthetic priorities, and the condition of adjacent teeth. Your dentist will explain the benefits and limitations of each option so you can weigh factors such as longevity, appearance, and how much natural tooth structure can be preserved.
At Ballston Dental Center in Arlington, Virginia, the treatment recommendation is guided by conservative preparation, adhesive techniques when appropriate, and an individualized plan that supports long-term oral health. Clear communication about expectations and follow-up care helps ensure the chosen restoration meets functional and aesthetic goals.
We are here to help you take the next step toward a healthier smile.
Whether you have questions about our services, insurance, or scheduling your first visit, our team is ready to assist you.
We welcome new and returning patients and are happy to help you find a time that fits your schedule. Reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can support your oral health. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice.
