New Patients
(860) 218-9463
Existing Patients
(860) 421-0144
Our Office
Visit Us Online
When tooth structure is lost to decay or fracture, a filling restores strength and function while preserving as much natural tooth as possible. Fillings are conservative restorations: they stop active decay, rebuild the chewing surface, and protect the deeper parts of the tooth from further damage.
Dental caries remains one of the most common oral health issues across age groups, so filling teeth is a routine yet essential part of preventive and restorative care. Timely treatment helps patients avoid more invasive procedures later, such as crowns or root canal therapy, by protecting the tooth’s remaining healthy structure.
Our approach emphasizes precision and patient comfort. We use up-to-date materials and proven techniques to place restorations that look natural and stand up to everyday use. At Newpoint Family Dental, our priority is to help patients keep their teeth healthy and functional for the long term.
Human attempts to repair teeth go back thousands of years, but the materials and methods available today are dramatically more effective and biocompatible. Over the last century, dentistry moved from largely metallic restorations to a diverse palette of tooth-colored and advanced ceramic options.
These advances mean restorations can now be both durable and discreet, allowing patients to maintain a natural-looking smile without sacrificing strength. The shift toward minimally invasive techniques also helps preserve more of the original tooth, which improves long-term outcomes.
Today’s restorative materials are selected to match the clinical needs of each tooth and the expectations of each patient. Options vary by strength, wear resistance, esthetics, and how they bond to the tooth. The correct choice depends on the size and location of the cavity, the patient’s bite, and aesthetic priorities.
Tooth-colored options allow restorations to blend with surrounding enamel, while other materials offer exceptional longevity in high-stress areas like back molars. Our goal is to recommend a material that balances durability with appearance so the restoration performs well and looks natural.
Below are common materials used in contemporary restorative care and the situations where each tends to be most effective.
Composite resins are made from a mixture of durable, biocompatible polymers and glass or ceramic particles. They are placed directly into a prepared cavity and set with a special curing light, making them a popular aesthetic choice for visible teeth.
Because composites bond to enamel and dentin, they can help reinforce the remaining tooth structure and often require less removal of healthy tissue compared with some other materials. They are versatile and commonly used for both small repairs and cosmetic improvements.
Amalgam has a long track record for strength and resilience, especially in large restorations on posterior teeth. While it is less discreet than tooth-colored materials, its durability under heavy chewing forces remains a practical advantage in certain situations.
Because of its proven longevity, amalgam may still be considered for teeth where appearance is a lower priority and maximal wear resistance is needed.
Glass ionomer materials bond chemically to the tooth and slowly release fluoride, which can help protect the surrounding tooth from recurrent decay. They are frequently used in areas where moisture control is difficult or as interim restorations.
While not as wear-resistant as some other materials, glass ionomers are useful for pediatric dentistry, undercuts near the gumline, and temporary or transitional restorations.
Ceramic restorations are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded into place. They offer excellent stain resistance and superior esthetics, making them a strong choice when a more substantial restoration is needed but full coverage is not yet required.
Because they are custom-made and highly wear-resistant, ceramic inlays and onlays can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for larger cavities or previously restored teeth.
Gold is still recognized for its longevity, biocompatibility, and precise fit. While less commonly chosen for cosmetic reasons, it remains a reliable material for patients who prioritize durability and a proven track record.
Gold restorations wear similarly to natural tooth enamel and are gentle on opposing teeth when properly designed and polished.
Treating a cavity begins with a careful clinical exam and appropriate imaging to determine the extent of decay. From there, we outline a treatment plan that prioritizes tooth preservation and patient comfort. Scheduling and timing depend on the scope of the work required.
On the day of treatment, local anesthesia is commonly used to ensure the tooth is numb and the patient feels little to no discomfort. Modern techniques — including air abrasion, lasers, or rotary instruments — allow for precise removal of decayed tissue while conserving healthy tooth structure.
Once the damaged material is removed, the tooth is cleaned and prepared to receive the chosen filling. Placement techniques vary by material: direct restorations like composites are shaped and cured in the mouth, while indirect restorations such as ceramic inlays may require an interim filling and a second appointment for final cementation.
Throughout the procedure, the dental team focuses on maintaining a dry, clean field and checking bite alignment so the finished restoration feels comfortable and functions smoothly with surrounding teeth.
Most filling appointments are straightforward and well tolerated. Patients may feel pressure or vibration during preparation, but anesthesia keeps the experience pain-free. We take extra care with anxious patients, and can discuss relaxation techniques or sedation options if needed.
After the procedure, a temporary change in the tooth’s sensitivity or perception is normal as the nerve adapts. Minor sensitivity to hot, cold, or chewing can last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the depth of the restoration and individual factors.
We verify the occlusion (bite) and make any necessary adjustments to eliminate high spots or uncomfortable contacts. Proper bite alignment helps prevent premature wear and ensures the filling integrates well with normal chewing patterns.
With sensible care, modern fillings can provide many years of reliable service. Daily oral hygiene — brushing twice, flossing once, and using fluoride-containing toothpaste — supports the health of the restored tooth and the surrounding dentition.
Avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods immediately after placement helps the restoration settle. Over time, regular dental checkups let us monitor the restoration’s integrity, polish surfaces if needed, and detect any new decay early.
If you notice persistent sensitivity, a change in bite, roughness, or any new symptoms, contact the office so we can evaluate the restoration and recommend any necessary follow-up care. Prompt attention to small concerns often prevents more extensive treatment later.
Protect numb tissues
After anesthesia, avoid chewing or drinking hot foods until normal sensation returns to prevent inadvertent injury to the lips, cheeks, or tongue.
Expect temporary differences
It is common for a restored tooth to feel slightly different in the hours and days after placement. Minor adjustments can usually be made quickly during a follow-up visit.
Short-term sensitivity may occur
Sensitivity to temperature or pressure typically resolves as the tooth adjusts. If it increases or persists, schedule an evaluation so underlying causes can be addressed.
Maintain good hygiene to extend longevity
Routine brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help prevent recurrent decay around restorations and identify wear or breakdown early.
We are committed to providing careful, evidence-based restorative care that protects teeth while respecting patient comfort and appearance. If you have questions about fillings or want to discuss which material is best for your situation, please contact Newpoint Family Dental for more information.
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 Newpoint Family Dental, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
