A common misconception in dental care is that if it doesn’t hurt or cause pain then you don’t need to fix it. Nothing is further from the truth!
A cavity doesn’t hurt or cause pain until it is close to or into the nerve. By that time, a more costly and time-consuming process will likely be needed. The best time to treat a cavity is when smaller areas of decay are present. That is why cleaning and exams are recommended at least twice a year.
To treat a cavity, Dr. Thiel will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and then “fill” the removed area. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse.
What Types of Filling Materials Are Available?
A variety of materials are used to fill a cavity. Dr. Thiel will recommend the best material for you based on the location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, and your insurance coverage.
Cast Gold Fillings
Pros:
• Durable: lasts 10-15 or more years
• Strong: can withstand years of use
Cons:
• Expense: up to 10 times higher cost than amalgam fillings, may not be covered by insurance
• Time: requires at least two office visits
• Aesthetics: most patients prefer silver or composite over gold
Silver Fillings (Amalgams)
Pros:
• Durable: last at least 15 years and usually outlasts composite fillings
• Strong: can withstand years of use
• Cost: less expensive than composite fillings
Cons:
• Aesthetics: fillings don’t match the color of your natural teeth
• Space-taking: healthy parts of the tooth must often be removed to accommodate the filling
• Discoloration: can create a grayish hue on surrounding tooth structure
• Cracks and fractures: compared to other materials, amalgams may expand and contract with hot and cold more than other materials, leading to potential cracks and fractures
Tooth-colored Composite Fillings
Pros:
Aesthetics: can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth – good for visible teeth
Better bonding: composite fillings chemically bond to the tooth, providing greater support
Versatile: composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken or worn teeth
Tooth-sparing: less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgams
Cons:
Less durable: composite fillings wear out sooner than amalgams (last five years compared with 10 to 15 for amalgams)
• Increased chair time: these fillings can take up to 20 minutes longer than amalgams to place
• Chipping: depending on location, composite materials can chip off the tooth
• Expense: composite fillings can cost up to twice the cost of amalgams
Other Tooth-Colored Filling Materials
Ceramics and glass ionomers are two other types of tooth-colored filling materials:
• Ceramics: most often made of porcelain, ceramic fillings are more resistant to staining than composites, and are also more abrasive. This material generally lasts more than 15 years and can cost as much as gold fillings.
• Glass ionomers: made of acrylic and glass materials, these are most commonly used for fillings below the gum line and fillings in young children. Glass ionomers release fluoride, which can protect the tooth from further decay. They generally last five years or less with costs comparable to composite resin.
Indirect Fillings
Indirect fillings are considered when there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling, but the tooth is not so severely damaged that it needs a crown. Indirect fillings are similar to composite or tooth-colored fillings except that they are made in a dental laboratory and require two visits before being placed.
See Dr. Thiel before you have pain! Call for your preventive care appointment today.
A cavity doesn’t hurt or cause pain until it is close to or into the nerve. By that time, a more costly and time-consuming process will likely be needed. The best time to treat a cavity is when smaller areas of decay are present. That is why cleaning and exams are recommended at least twice a year.
To treat a cavity, Dr. Thiel will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and then “fill” the removed area. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse.
See Dr. Thiel before you have pain! Call or contact us online for your preventive care appointment today.
Dental Fillings FAQ
A lot of patients put off dealing with a cavity because it isn’t bothering them yet. But cavities don’t usually hurt until decay is close to the nerve—and by then, treatment gets more involved. Here are answers to some of the questions our Worthington patients ask most about dental fillings.
How do I know if I need a dental filling?
Sometimes you won’t feel a thing, which is why routine dental exams are so important. Other times, you may notice sensitivity to sweets or hot and cold temperatures, a rough spot on a tooth, or visible discoloration. Dr. Thiel can often detect cavities early during a checkup, before they become painful or require more extensive treatment.
What happens if I leave a cavity untreated?
Tooth decay continues to spread if it isn’t treated. As the cavity grows deeper, it can reach the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to pain, infection, or an abscess. At that stage, treatment may require a root canal or even an extraction instead of a simple dental filling.
How are dental fillings placed?
After numbing the treatment area, Dr. Thiel removes the decayed portion of the tooth and thoroughly cleans the space. The cavity is then restored with the appropriate filling material, such as tooth-colored composite, amalgam, gold, or another suitable option. Most fillings can be completed in a single appointment.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used and your oral habits. Composite fillings often last five to ten years, while amalgam and gold fillings may last 10 to 15 years or longer. Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits like chewing ice can help extend the life of your restoration.
Can I replace my old silver fillings?
Yes. Many patients choose to replace older amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings for a more natural appearance. During your exam, Dr. Thiel can evaluate your existing fillings and determine whether replacement is recommended based on their condition and your treatment goals.
What can I eat after getting a filling?
If local anesthesia was used, wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Once the numbness has resolved, most patients can return to their normal diet, although avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours may help protect a new filling.
Will people be able to see my filling?
In most cases, no. Tooth-colored composite fillings are carefully matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them difficult to notice when you smile or speak. Silver and gold fillings are more visible but remain durable options for restoring teeth that experience heavy chewing forces.
Protect Your Smile with Early Treatment
Don’t wait for a cavity to become painful before seeking treatment. Catching tooth decay early often means a simpler procedure, less discomfort, and better long-term oral health. Call Signature Dental at (614) 846-7828 or request an appointment online to schedule your dental exam.