Tooth-Colored Fillings
in Scottsdale
Even with the most meticulous oral hygiene practices, tooth decay can develop, and we at Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics are here to help. We are proud to offer dental fillings in a variety of materials to restore your healthy smile. You can always count on our team for exceptional, personalized care.
The short answer
A filling repairs a tooth after decay is removed. We use metal-free, tooth-colored materials matched to the shade of your tooth. Most fillings are done in one visit under local anesthetic, and you can eat normally once the numbness wears off.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Unlike the rest of the body, your teeth cannot heal themselves when they are decayed or damaged. Dental fillings are materials used to repair cavities, restoring the health and function of your smile. They also offer an effective solution to restore chipped, broken, fractured, or worn teeth.
Restoring a damaged tooth with a dental filling will protect the tooth structure from further deterioration. A cavity left untreated can lead to deep decay and complications requiring root canal therapy or even extraction, which may necessitate a tooth replacement option such as a dental implant or a bridge.
At Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics, we use biocompatible, non-toxic materials including zirconia, porcelain-based ceramics, glass, resin, and lithium disilicate. These restorations are carefully designed to replicate the natural shade and translucency of your teeth, offering both functional reliability and an aesthetically pleasing, smooth appearance.
Restorative Options
Types of Dental Fillings
There are many options available for cavity repair. A consultation with our dentist will help you determine the best type of tooth filling for your budget and aesthetic preferences.
Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam is the most affordable filling material and has been used for more than a century to repair cavities. It is very strong and durable, making it ideal for filling cavities in molars that need to withstand considerable chewing pressure. However, the silver material can interfere with your smile.
Composite Resin Fillings
Today's tooth-colored fillings are constantly reinvented and improved. Modern white fillings work well for any tooth, fortifying your tooth structure and preventing future decay, all with virtually unnoticeable results. They blend seamlessly with your natural enamel for a beautiful finish.
Ceramic & Porcelain Fillings
These tooth-colored fillings are incredibly durable and resistant to staining. They are closely color and texture-matched to your natural teeth, leaving you with incredibly natural-looking and feeling results. Their only drawback is how costly they can be compared to other filling materials.
What to Expect
The Dental Filling Procedure
Numb the Area
We start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic for your complete comfort. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the entire procedure.
Remove Decay
We carefully remove any decayed or damaged tooth structure and thoroughly clean and sterilize the space to ensure a healthy foundation.
Place the Filling
Next, we place the filling material and shape it to resemble a natural tooth. Depending on the type of material used, we may use a curing light to harden it.
Polish & Finish
Repairing a damaged tooth with a dental filling restores its health, function, and integrity. We polish the restoration so it feels smooth and looks natural.
Caring for Teeth with Dental Fillings
Caring for teeth with dental fillings requires proper oral hygiene practices, just like your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly and steering away from sugary foods or carbonated drinks will help keep dental problems at bay.
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, we may recommend a custom-made mouthguard to protect your dental filling and natural tooth enamel from wear or damage.
Do not forget to schedule your routine, twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings to keep your restorations and natural teeth in tip-top shape. Caring for your oral health will lower your risk of future tooth decay and gum disease and will help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about dental fillings and cavity repair.
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Written by the Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics team. Treatment is provided by Dr. Omar Karaboulad, DMD and Dr. Richard Alverson, DDS.
Last updated . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Call (480) 991-3244 to ask about your own situation.
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