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When a tooth’s structure is undermined by decay or trauma, a carefully placed filling restores both form and function. A modern filling rebuilds the chewing surface, seals the vulnerable area against bacteria, and helps the tooth withstand daily forces so you can eat and speak comfortably.
Dental caries remains a common health concern across age groups, which is why filling procedures are among the most frequently performed treatments in general dentistry. Early detection and timely repair preserve more of the natural tooth and reduce the likelihood of more complex care later on.
Our goal is to deliver restorations that perform well and look natural. At Kahana Family Dental, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques that remove only diseased tissue and preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
People have been attempting to fix teeth for thousands of years, using whatever materials were available. Over time those rudimentary repairs evolved into the metal alloys and cast restorations of the 19th and 20th centuries. Amalgam and gold offered durability, but they emphasized function over appearance.
In the last several decades, dentistry has benefited from advances in materials science. Tooth-colored and adhesion-based restoratives now allow clinicians to match shade, texture, and translucency while bonding directly to the tooth. This combination of cosmetics and conservation has changed how we approach most restorations today.
A contemporary filling does more than fill a hole — it reinforces the tooth and seals the margins to reduce the risk of recurrent decay. Adhesive materials bond to enamel and dentin, creating a stable interface that distributes biting forces and helps maintain tooth integrity.
Choosing the right material and technique depends on the tooth’s location, the extent of damage, and the patient’s priorities. The best outcome balances longevity, compatibility with surrounding teeth, and a restoration that blends seamlessly with the smile.
When you walk into our office, we’ll review all appropriate options, explain the advantages of each approach, and recommend a plan tailored to your needs. Our emphasis is on predictable, comfortable care that supports long-term oral health.
We favor conservative treatment that preserves as much natural tooth as possible. That often means using bonding protocols and precision preparation techniques to retain healthy tissue and strengthen the repaired tooth. A thoughtful approach reduces sensitivity, improves aesthetics, and extends the life of the restoration.
Today’s restorative palette ranges from traditional metals to advanced ceramics and engineered resins. Each category has distinct properties — strength, wear resistance, ease of repair, and aesthetic potential — so the ideal choice depends on the clinical situation and your expectations for appearance and durability.
Below are commonly used materials and the situations in which they are most helpful. Your dentist will explain why a particular option is recommended for your tooth and what you can expect from it over time.
Composite resins are tooth-colored materials that blend resin polymers with finely ground glass or ceramic particles. They are versatile, polishable, and available in multiple shades so they match surrounding teeth. Because composites bond to the tooth surface, they often require less removal of healthy structure than older restoratives.
Composites are ideal for front teeth and small to moderate restorations on chewing surfaces. They can be repaired intraorally if minor wear or staining occurs, making maintenance straightforward when paired with good oral hygiene.
Amalgam is a longstanding option valued for its durability, particularly in large restorations on back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Although it lacks the cosmetic appeal of tooth-colored materials, amalgam remains a reliable choice when strength and longevity are the primary concerns.
Glass ionomer materials bond chemically to the tooth and release fluoride, which can be helpful for patients with elevated decay risk. They are often used for pediatric restorations, for decay near the gumline, or as a temporary or transitional material while a longer-term solution is planned.
Ceramic restorations are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded into place. They offer excellent aesthetics and wear resistance, closely mimicking the optical qualities of natural enamel. Because they are highly durable and stain-resistant, ceramics are often selected for larger restorations where an exact match to adjacent teeth is desired.
Gold is less common today but remains an effective restorative material. Its long-term stability and biocompatibility make it a suitable choice in specific situations where a strong, precise restoration is needed and appearance is less of a priority.
When a cavity is identified, the first step is a clear explanation of findings and recommended options. Treatment planning considers the size and location of the lesion, the condition of the surrounding tooth, and any medical or functional factors that may influence care.
Most fillings are placed in a single appointment using local anesthesia so treatment is comfortable. We use precise removal methods — such as high-speed instruments, air abrasion, or laser-assisted systems when appropriate — to eliminate decay while conserving healthy tissue.
After the tooth is prepared, the chosen material is placed and shaped to restore anatomy and occlusion. Your provider will check how the tooth fits with opposing teeth and make any necessary adjustments so your bite feels natural and comfortable.
For patients who feel anxious about dental procedures, we provide a calm, supportive environment and can discuss options for reducing discomfort and stress during treatment. If a case requires extended or staged treatment, temporary protection will be used to safeguard the tooth between appointments.
Proper care after a filling helps the restoration last and prevents future problems. In the hours immediately following a procedure, avoid chewing on the treated side until any numbness has worn off, and follow any specific instructions your clinician provides regarding diet or temporary restorations.
Sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a short time after a filling. That sensation typically diminishes over days to weeks. If sensitivity increases or you notice persistent discomfort, contact the office so the situation can be evaluated and managed promptly.
Long-term success depends on regular oral hygiene, professional cleanings, and routine examinations. A well-placed filling paired with good home care can provide years of reliable service, but restorations will eventually require maintenance or replacement as part of normal dental aging.
Protect the numb area: Avoid chewing and hot drinks until sensation returns to prevent accidental bites or burns.
Expect a short adjustment period: Minor bite changes or sensitivity can occur — these are usually temporary and often resolve without intervention.
Keep up with daily care: Brushing, flossing, and routine checkups preserve both restorations and natural teeth.
Report concerns early: If you experience increasing pain, prolonged sensitivity, or any new symptoms, schedule an evaluation so we can address the issue before it progresses.
In summary, dental fillings are a practical, proven way to restore tooth health and function while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. If you have questions about which material is best for your situation or need guidance following a restoration, the office of Kahana Family Dental is ready to help. Contact us for more information or to discuss the treatment options that best fit your needs.
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 Kahana Family Dental, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or minor trauma. They replace lost tooth structure, rebuild the chewing surface, and seal the vulnerable area to prevent bacterial invasion. By restoring anatomy and occlusion, fillings help the tooth withstand normal biting forces and preserve function.
The procedure for placing a filling is designed to remove diseased tissue while conserving healthy enamel and dentin. Modern adhesive materials bond to the tooth and can strengthen weakened areas by distributing stress across the restoration. With appropriate aftercare, a properly placed filling supports long-term oral health and helps avoid more extensive treatment later.
Common filling materials include tooth-colored composite resin, glass ionomer cement, amalgam (silver), ceramic inlays/onlays, and gold restorations. Composites are favored for their cosmetic match and bonding ability, glass ionomers release fluoride and are useful for certain high-risk or pediatric cases, and amalgam is known for strength in large posterior restorations. Ceramics and gold are fabricated outside the mouth for larger repairs where durability and precise fit are priorities.
Each material has distinct properties such as wear resistance, reparability, translucency, and how much natural tooth must be removed for placement. The dentist will recommend an option based on the tooth’s location, extent of damage, aesthetic needs, and functional demands. Understanding these differences helps patients make informed decisions aligned with their priorities for appearance and longevity.
A filling is typically recommended when decay is limited to a portion of the tooth and the remaining structure is strong enough to support a direct restoration. Your dentist will evaluate the lesion’s size, depth, and position using visual examination and diagnostic imaging, and will consider any symptoms such as sensitivity or pain. If decay is extensive or the tooth is fractured, other options such as inlays, onlays, or crowns may be more appropriate.
At Kahana Family Dental Center, we aim to present all appropriate options and explain the reasoning behind each recommendation so you can choose a treatment that balances preservation, function, and appearance. The goal is always to use the most conservative approach that reliably addresses the problem while minimizing future risk. If a staged or protective treatment is needed, your provider will describe the sequence and expected outcomes.
Most fillings are completed in a single visit under local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is comfortable and pain-free. The dentist removes decay using precise instruments or adjunctive technologies, isolates the tooth to keep the area dry, and then places the chosen restorative material, shaping it to restore natural anatomy. Occlusion is checked and adjusted so the repaired tooth meets opposing teeth comfortably when you bite.
If you experience dental anxiety, the team will discuss options to help you relax and remain comfortable during treatment, and temporary protection can be used when multiple visits are required. After placement, the clinician will review any immediate precautions such as avoiding hard foods until numbness wears off and will provide tailored aftercare advice. Clear communication about what to expect helps reduce stress and promotes a smooth recovery.
Composite resins have improved substantially and can provide excellent durability for many types of restorations, particularly in small to moderate-sized cavities and visible areas of the mouth. Because composites bond to tooth structure, they often require less removal of healthy tissue and can reinforce remaining enamel and dentin. Longevity depends on factors like cavity size, location, patient bite forces, and oral hygiene habits.
In very large posterior restorations where the tooth bears heavy chewing loads, materials such as amalgam, ceramic inlays/onlays, or indirect restorations may offer superior long-term performance. Your dentist will recommend the material that best balances strength and aesthetics for your particular situation. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to wear can extend the life of any restoration.
Ceramic inlays and onlays are indirect restorations fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded into prepared cavities, making them a conservative alternative to full crowns for larger defects. They offer excellent aesthetics, stain resistance, and wear properties that closely mimic natural enamel, making them suitable when a precise match to adjacent teeth is important. Because they are made in a lab or milled digitally, ceramics provide a durable, well-fitting option for larger posterior restorations.
These restorations are recommended when decay or fracture is too extensive for a direct filling but the tooth still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full-coverage crown. The process usually requires two visits: one for preparation and impression or digital scan, and another for final cementation. Proper bonding and occlusal adjustment are essential to maximize longevity and function.
Immediately after a filling, avoid chewing on the treated side until numbness wears off to prevent accidental biting of the cheek or tongue. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily to protect the restored tooth and surrounding teeth from recurrent decay. Routine dental cleanings and examinations allow your provider to monitor the restoration’s condition and catch any early signs of wear or marginal breakdown.
Avoiding very hard foods and using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth can reduce excessive stress on restorations and prolong their life. If a filling becomes chipped or shows new staining at the margins, contact the office for an evaluation so small repairs can be made before the problem progresses. Timely maintenance preserves both the restoration and natural tooth structure.
Sensitivity after a filling is common and usually results from irritation of the tooth’s nerve or changes in temperature conduction through the new material; this typically subsides within days to a few weeks. Minor bite adjustments or transient thermal sensitivity are normal and often resolve without intervention as the tooth adapts. Over-the-counter analgesics and avoiding very hot, cold, or hard foods can help manage discomfort during the short recovery period.
You should contact the office if sensitivity increases, becomes sharp or persistent, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or a change in bite that does not improve after a brief adjustment period. These signs may indicate issues such as an imperfect marginal seal, recurrent decay, or deeper involvement of the tooth that requires further attention. Early evaluation allows the dentist to correct problems while preserving as much tooth as possible.
Dental materials used today have been extensively studied for safety and biocompatibility, and clinicians choose options based on clinical need and patient preferences. Amalgam has a long track record of durability; while it contains mercury in an alloy form, major health organizations consider dental amalgam to be a safe choice for most people when used appropriately. Alternatives such as composite, glass ionomer, and ceramic provide options for patients seeking metal-free restorations.
If you have specific health concerns, allergies, or sensitivities, discuss them with your dentist so the treatment plan can be tailored accordingly. The practice follows evidence-based protocols for material selection and placement to minimize risk and maximize outcomes. Open communication ensures the chosen restorative material aligns with your medical history and oral health goals.
Preventing future cavities centers on a combination of effective daily hygiene, dietary choices, and regular professional care. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting frequent exposure to sugary or acidic snacks reduces the conditions that allow decay to form. Professional cleanings and periodic examinations help identify early lesions that can be managed conservatively before they require restorations.
Additional preventive measures such as fluoride applications, dental sealants for vulnerable chewing surfaces, and addressing habits like bruxism or dry mouth can further reduce risk. Your dentist will assess your individual risk factors and recommend a personalized prevention plan to protect your teeth and preserve restorations for as long as possible.
