Dental Fillings in Houston, Texas
Dental Composite Fillings and Cavity Treatments at Champions Dental
What are Dental Fillings?
A filling is a dental procedure that is utilized to repair a decayed or damaged tooth. For patients that have a chipped or broken tooth, a tooth that has been worn down, or a tooth with a dental cavity, a dental filling may be necessary to restore the tooth’s structure, health, and integrity. The reconstructive, durable nature of the filling allows it to replace missing or damaged parts of the tooth that have been lost or that require removal due to decay.
Because ignored tooth decay and structural damage can lead to deeper deterioration, pain, and discoloration, it’s important to address it early on. Dental fillings provide us with a customized solution that can stop a cavity in its tracks. A number of materials may be used for a dental filling:
Types of Tooth Fillings
Composite Fillings
One of the most common materials used for a tooth filling is a composite filling. Made from a plastic compound, this resin tooth-colored material can blend in with the natural color of your teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
An amalgam filling is made from a mixture of metals such as silver, zinc, tin, copper, and mercury. This type of filling is typically the most economical and the most durable.
Gold Fillings
Gold tooth fillings are constructed from a gold alloy, which is a mixture of gold and other metals. These types of fillings are long-lasting and highly durable, but also more costly compared to other filling materials.
Ceramic Fillings
Typically crafted from porcelain, ceramic fillings boast the benefit of being tooth-colored like composite fillings, but with an added resistance to staining and wearing away when compared to the composite material.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are often used to fill in areas of damaged or missing tooth structure that extend past the gum line, near the root of the tooth. Fillings constructed from this material can release fluoride, protecting the tooth from further decay.
What to Expect During Your Dental Fillings Procedure
During the procedure, Dr. Garza will apply a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding area. For fillings that first require removal of tooth decay, a special instrument will be used to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. After all the decay has been removed, your tooth will be carefully cleaned to clear the area of all debris and potential bacteria, further preparing the space for your filling.
Once the area has been thoroughly prepped, Dr. Garza will place the filling, curing each layer as applied if necessary. This application process will vary slightly depending on the material chosen. For areas of decay that extend past the gum line and are closer to the root of the tooth, a special material may be used to line the area in order to further protect the nerve. After the filling has been applied, it will be polished and shaped to restore the original look of the tooth and to maximize comfort and function. Following the procedure, our team will provide care instructions and insight that will help you adjust to your new filling.
Am I a good candidate for Dental Fillings?
Tooth fillings are a common, non-invasive dental procedure that can be used to address numerous dental concerns. If you have chipped, cracked, broken, or fractured teeth, teeth worn down from grinding or nail-biting, or have tooth decay, a dental filling may be a beneficial treatment option that can restore the health, integrity, and strength of your tooth. Having said that, before any tooth filling procedure takes place, our team will thoroughly evaluate your tooth and the surrounding structure to determine if a dental filling is right for you. If you have any of the following dental concerns, take the first step toward a healthier, more radiant smile by scheduling a consultation today:
- Tooth pain or discoloration that could be caused by tooth decay
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Broken teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Teeth that are worn down due to grinding and nail-biting
Why Champions Dental?
We believe a beautiful, healthy smile goes hand in hand with confidence and contributes to a greater sense of overall wellness. This motivates us to provide each of our patients with supportive, proactive, and educational dental services. Utilizing our more than 15 years of experience, we make it our goal to impact our community with a helpful, impassioned approach to dentistry.
Visit our team at Champions Dental today for a consultation or call to schedule your first appointment. Your beautiful smile awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is used for dental fillings?
Dental fillings are made from a variety of materials, including amalgams (metal mixtures), composite-resin, gold alloys, glass ionomer, and ceramic. Each type of material has a different cost, esthetic appeal, purpose, and level of durability that will need to be taken into account during the decision-making process. Once our Champions Dental team has determined that a dental filling is right for you, we’ll go over each material to help you determine which is best suited to meet your needs.
What is the most common type of filling?
Though each material type has its own advantages in terms of durability, cost, and appearance, the most common material is composite. Made from a plastic compound, this resin material is one of the more economical options that boasts the advantage of blending in with your natural teeth.
How can I determine which filling type is right for me?
Each type of filling has its own advantages and characteristics that make it appealing. Upon determining that a dental filling is right for you, our Champions Dental team will provide more detailed insight on the cost, level of durability, and function of each material and will help you decide which is best suited for you.
Can dental fillings be used for cavity treatment?
Yes, dental fillings are a common, non-invasive solution used for cavity treatment. A cavity is tooth decay brought on by numerous factors such as bacteria, poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, or a diet high in sugar. When a filling is used to treat a cavity, the damaged, decayed part of the tooth is removed and replaced with a durable material (filling) in order to stop the cavity in its tracks and prevent deeper deterioration. The restorative nature of the dental filling allows the patient to regain the function and integrity of the tooth.
How much do dental fillings cost?
The cost of a dental filling depends on the extent and depth of the damaged tooth as well as the type of damage. For example, a dental filling for a chipped or broken tooth will cost differently than a filling used to treat a cavity. The material you choose for your dental filling with also play a factor in determining the cost of the procedure.
Are dental fillings covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans will cover the cost of a dental filling when used as a treatment for cavities. Having said that, this will ultimately be determined by your insurance plan and benefits offered.
Are dental fillings painful?
During your tooth filling procedure, a local anesthetic will be applied to the area surrounding the damaged tooth. This will prevent any pain felt during the procedure. Following treatment, you may experience soreness or increased sensitivity, however, this will quickly subside. Our Champions Dental team is dedicated to providing you with an attentive and supportive dental experience, so we will offer care instructions and tips to maximize your comfort post-procedure.
How do I take care of my dental fillings?
Your dental filling is designed to restore the health and strength of your tooth. In order to enhance the life of your filling, it’s important to prioritize proper oral hygiene. Daily brushing, flossing, and a nutritious diet can help you prevent plaque build-up. It’s also important to minimize your sugar intake, stay away from staining foods, and refrain from biting on hard objects that could damage your filling.