Dental Fillings
Restoring Teeth and Your Smile
Say goodbye to decay with modern, aesthetic fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and restore strength to your bite.
A dental filling is a common restorative treatment used to fix a tooth that has a cavity. Cavities form when oral bacteria produce acids that erode the hard enamel and dentin layers of your tooth, creating a hole. If the cavity is not cleaned out and filled, it will continue to grow, potentially leading to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
By removing decay and sealing the tooth, a filling keeps the tooth intact and functional for years to come. Most cavities don’t hurt at first, which is why regular check-ups are important – we can catch and treat decay with a small filling before it causes pain or requires more complex treatment like a root canal.
Cavities often result from a combination of factors, including inadequate oral hygiene, frequent snacking on sugary or acidic foods, and a lack of fluoride. Our goal is not only to repair cavities with fillings but also to help you understand how to prevent new ones. Regular dental visits and good daily habits greatly reduce your risk of needing fillings in the future.
Fillings essentially do three things:
Remove the Decay
First, the dentist clears out all the decayed (infected) tooth material, thoroughly cleaning the cavity to remove bacteria.
Restore the Tooth’s Structure
Next, the hole in the tooth is filled with a special material that rebuilds the shape and stability of the tooth so you can bite and chew normally.
Seal the Tooth to Prevent Further Damage
Finally, the filling material seals off the area, preventing bacteria from re-entering and causing new decay under the filling.
What to expect
1. Anesthesia
To ensure you feel no pain, the dentist will begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth. A local anesthetic is gently injected, which momentarily stings for a second or two. After that, the tooth and surrounding gums become numb. We also offer comfort options for anxious patients – such as a topical numbing gel before the injection, calming music, or even sedation options upon request – to make the experience as easy as possible.
2. Decay Removal
Once you’re numb, the dentist uses a dental drill or laser to remove all decayed portions of the tooth. You may hear the sound of the drill and feel slight pressure or vibration, but you should not feel pain. We take care to remove only the damaged areas, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
3. Tooth Preparation
After all decay is cleared, the dentist will shape and prepare the cavity space for the filling material. Different filling materials require different prep: for example, composite fillings involve applying a weak acid gel to “etch” (microscopically roughened) the enamel, then adding a bonding agent so the composite will adhere strongly. If the cavity is deep or near the nerve, a protective liner may be placed to shield the nerve before filling.
4. Filling Placement
The dentist places the filling material into the prepared cavity. For composites, the resin is usually added in small increments and each layer is hardened with a special blue curing light. This technique ensures a strong, well-bonded filling. Amalgam, if used, is packed tightly into the cavity and shaped. With glass ionomer, it’s placed and allowed to chemically set. Layer by layer, the tooth is rebuilt.
5. Shaping and Polishing
Once the cavity is filled, the dentist will shape the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth, making sure your bite feels right when you close your teeth together. High spots are adjusted so that you don’t hit the filling first when biting. After shaping, the filling is smoothed and polished. Polishing is important for comfort, appearance, and to make the filling surface less likely to attract plaque.
You’ll be asked to gently bite down on carbon paper to mark any areas where the filling might be too thick or tall. The dentist will fine-tune these spots until your bite is even and natural. We ensure that your new filling feels like a part of your tooth and that you can bite and chew comfortably.
The entire process for a single filling typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the cavity and the material used. After the procedure, your mouth will likely stay numb for a couple of hours, but you can generally eat on the filled tooth as soon as the numbness wears off (we’ll advise you if otherwise).
Common treatments
Why choose Nüvodent?
At Nüvodent, we balance advanced dental science with a comfort-first approach to ensure your oral health enhances how you move through the world. Our preservation-focused philosophy utilizes digital diagnostics and precise restorations to save natural teeth and restore function in a calm, pain-free environment. From kid-friendly education to custom-crafted implants and crowns, Nüvodent provides a seamless, personalized journey toward a confident and healthy smile.
Your Smile. Your Story.
We always are welcoming new patients.
Our multidisciplinary team is ready for every aspect of your oral health.