Restoring Teeth With Dental Fillings
When tooth decay compromises a tooth, a filling restores its strength and function. Since cavities are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide, filling procedures are performed daily.
At LIV Dentistry, we provide precise, gentle care using the latest advancements to offer durable, aesthetically pleasing restorations.
The Evolution of Dental Fillings
Efforts to treat dental issues date back to 8000 BC, but modern fillings emerged in the 19th century with metal options like gold and amalgam. While amalgam remains durable, today’s mercury-free, tooth-colored fillings provide a more aesthetic alternative, seamlessly blending with natural teeth.
Our Commitment to Your Smile
We customize treatment to meet each patient’s needs, explaining all filling options. Our goal is to remove decay, restore function, and deliver healthy, long-lasting, and cosmetically pleasing results.
How are cavities treated?
After assessing your smile, we’ll outline a treatment plan to keep it healthy and functional. If cavities are found, we’ll schedule appointments to treat them with necessary fillings or restorations.
At LIV Dentistry, patient care and comfort are our priorities. While cavity treatment is routine, we ensure you're well-informed and comfortable throughout the process. The procedure typically takes about an hour, with local anesthesia ensuring a pain-free experience. Decay is removed using a dental drill, laser, or air abrasion, and fillings—whether composite, glass ionomer, or amalgam—are carefully placed and adjusted for comfort.
For anxious patients, we offer gentle dentistry and sedation options to make your visit as stress-free as possible.
What are the different types of dental fillings?
While gold and amalgam have been used for over a century, modern dental materials now offer stronger, more aesthetic restorative options.
Common Filling Materials
- Composite Fillings (Tooth-colored) – Made from biocompatible resins and glass particles, these fillings bond to the tooth for a natural look. They require minimal tooth removal but may wear or stain over time.
- Silver (Amalgam) Fillings – Durable and long-lasting, but lack cosmetic appeal.
- Glass Ionomers – White fillings that bond to the tooth and release fluoride for added protection. Best for baby teeth, gumline cavities, or temporary fillings.
- Ceramic Fillings – Stain-resistant and highly durable porcelain restorations, often used for inlays and onlays.
- Gold Fillings – Strong, stable, and long-lasting, though less common and more expensive.
Advancements in dental technology provide a variety of durable, natural-looking options to restore and protect teeth.
What Do I Need To Know Following The Placement Of My New Filling?
At the office of LIV Dentistry, our goal is to help our patients enjoy optimal oral health and to keep them well informed every step of the way.
Until the anesthesia wears off
Immediately following your dental visit, you may experience a period of lingering numbness. Normal sensation typically returns within an hour or two. However, until the anesthetic has completely worn off, it's essential to protect yourself from unintentionally biting or injuring your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue. Be mindful of chewing, drinking hot beverages, or smoking.
Now that your tooth has been restored and rebuilt, it may feel slightly different
While we take the utmost care to polish your new filling and make sure the bite is correct, on rare occasions, a patient may feel additional minor smoothing or further bite adjustment is required.
You may experience short-term sensitivity
It's perfectly normal for a tooth to feel a little sensitive following the placement of a filling. You may experience a twinge when eating cold or hot foods and beverages. This sensitivity should subside by itself within a few days. If your sensitivity worsens, you experience ongoing pain or develop any other symptoms; please contact our office.
Caring for your new restoration
Our office uses the latest generations of strong and durable filling materials. With proper oral hygiene and routine care, your new filling should last for many years to come. However, in cases of extensive tooth decay or injury to the underlying tooth, even the best restoration may need to be replaced, or further dental work may be needed down the road.
