Restorative Dentistry
Dental Fillings in Irving, TX
Tooth-colored fillings that seal a cavity, stop the decay spreading, and disappear against the tooth.
A filling is the most common restoration in dentistry and the one that prevents the most trouble. At Dental Concepts & Orthodontics we use composite and amalgam, chosen for where the tooth sits and how much force it takes.
Dentistry with the patience of a private studio.
Restore Your Tooth with a High-Quality Filling
A dental filling repairs a cavity, a crack or minor damage. Just as importantly, it seals off the spaces where bacteria get in, which is what stops decay progressing into something that needs a root canal or a crown. Modern materials let us do that while keeping the tooth looking untouched.
The Materials We Use
- Composite Tooth-colored resin with a natural finish that matches the teeth around it. Ideal for anywhere in the mouth that shows, and it needs less of the natural tooth removed.
- Amalgam Traditional silver fillings — highly durable, and commonly used for back teeth where chewing pressure is greatest.
Why Composite Is Usually Our First Choice
- Aesthetic Appeal Composite blends seamlessly with your natural smile, so a filled tooth does not announce itself.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure The technique requires less removal of healthy tooth than other materials do — and healthy tooth, once gone, does not come back.
- Durability With proper care composite fillings last for many years, giving a strong and lasting repair.
Where a back tooth takes very heavy load, amalgam still has the edge on longevity. We will tell you which one we would choose for that particular tooth and why.
The Filling Procedure
Straightforward, and usually done in a single appointment.
- Examination We assess the tooth, confirm the extent of the decay and determine which type of filling suits it.
- Removing the Decay The damaged tissue is removed so that what is left is sound and the repair has something solid to bond to.
- Cleaning and Preparing The area is cleaned and prepared, which is what allows the filling to seal properly rather than merely fill.
- Placing and Finishing The filling is placed, shaped and polished, and your bite is checked before you leave.
Looking After Your Fillings
Brush, floss and keep up your regular check-ups, avoid biting hard objects, and let us know promptly if you notice any discomfort. Good habits are what carry a filling from a few years to many.
Book a Filling Appointment
If a tooth is sensitive, catching or simply does not feel right, it is easier to deal with now than later. Call us on (469) 702-8482 or visit us at 4500 N MacArthur Blvd. Suite #100, Irving, TX 75038.
Dental Fillings FAQ
- How long does a dental filling last?
- It depends on the material and on how you look after it. Composite fillings typically last around 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance.
- Are composite fillings better than amalgam?
- Composite is usually preferred for teeth that show, because of the natural appearance. Amalgam is more durable and better suited to back teeth where the chewing pressure is higher.
- Can I have a filling if my tooth is sensitive?
- Yes. We will first work out what is causing the sensitivity and whether a filling is the right answer. If it is, we can use materials that help reduce sensitivity afterwards.
- How do I care for my fillings?
- Brush, floss and keep up your check-ups. Avoid biting hard objects, and come and see us promptly if anything starts to feel uncomfortable.
- Does having a filling hurt?
- The tooth is numbed first, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Some sensitivity for a day or two afterwards is normal and settles on its own.
- What if the cavity is too large for a filling?
- Where too much of the tooth has gone, a crown restores the strength a filling cannot. We will tell you at the exam which one the tooth needs.
