Dental Fillings

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 Nova Dental, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.

Dental fillings are restorations used to rebuild teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. They replace lost enamel and dentin so the tooth can resume normal function for chewing and speaking. Fillings also seal the area to prevent bacteria from progressing deeper into the tooth.

When placed conservatively, fillings preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while restoring form and strength. Modern techniques focus on precise bonding and materials that integrate with the remaining tooth to resist fracture and wear. Early treatment with a filling often prevents the need for more extensive restorative procedures.

Common materials include tooth-colored composite resins, glass ionomer cements and resin-modified variants, indirect ceramic inlays and onlays, and traditional metal restorations such as gold or amalgam. Each material has distinct properties related to strength, wear resistance and aesthetic match to natural teeth. Some materials release fluoride or bond chemically to tooth structure while others rely on laboratory fabrication for superior wear characteristics.

Selection balances functional demands with cosmetic expectations; for example, composites are favored in visible areas while metal or ceramic restorations may be chosen for high-stress molars. Durability, appearance and technique sensitivity vary among options, and your clinician will explain the trade-offs. Understanding these differences helps you participate in the treatment decision.

Material choice starts with a thorough assessment of the defect, including its size, location and the condition of adjacent teeth. The clinician evaluates occlusal forces, moisture control during placement and the tooth’s remaining structure to determine whether a direct or indirect restoration is indicated. Diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays and intraoral scans supplement the visual exam and guide planning.

Patient-specific factors like aesthetic goals, history of grinding or clenching and any allergies or sensitivities also influence the recommendation. The dentist will review the expected performance of each option and discuss how the choice will affect long-term maintenance. Shared decision-making ensures the restoration meets functional needs while aligning with your preferences.

A typical appointment begins with a focused examination and any necessary digital X-rays to define the extent of decay or damage. When needed, local anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort before the clinician removes decay and prepares the cavity. Careful isolation of the tooth using dental dams or other techniques helps produce a predictable bond between the filling material and the tooth.

For direct materials such as composites or glass ionomer, the dentist places and shapes the restoration incrementally, curing layers with a light when required. Indirect restorations like ceramic inlays require impressions or digital scans and a second visit for bonding the finished piece. Before you leave, the clinician checks and adjusts your bite so the restoration feels natural and comfortable.

Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure due to effective local anesthesia and modern techniques. Sedation options or additional comfort measures are available for patients with dental anxiety and can be discussed prior to treatment. Communication with the clinician during care allows for adjustments if any discomfort arises.

Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for several days after a filling as the tooth recovers from treatment. This sensitivity usually resolves on its own but persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated promptly. Protecting numb tissue until sensation returns and following post-operative instructions help reduce the risk of accidental injury and discomfort.

After a filling, maintain diligent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing to keep margins free of plaque. Avoid chewing very hard foods on the treated side for the first 24 hours if you received a larger or indirect restoration. Protecting the area while anesthesia wears off prevents inadvertent bites to lips or tongue.

Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings let the clinician monitor the integrity of the filling and the health of surrounding teeth. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can reduce wear on restorations and extend their lifespan. Report any new roughness, sensitivity or changes in the bite promptly so minor issues can be repaired before they progress.

Filling longevity varies by material, size of the restoration and individual oral habits; composites may last many years while ceramic and metal restorations can endure longer under the right conditions. No restoration is permanent, but many perform well for a decade or more when properly placed and cared for. Smaller repairs generally outlast large restorations because more natural tooth structure remains.

Factors that influence lifespan include oral hygiene, diet, bruxism and the location of the filling in the mouth where chewing forces differ. Regular professional examinations allow early detection of wear, leakage or secondary decay so timely repairs can extend the restoration’s functional life. Maintaining good home care and addressing contributing conditions helps maximize how long a filling serves you.

Minor chips or marginal breakdown can often be repaired without removing the entire restoration, particularly with tooth-colored composite materials. The clinician assesses whether repair is predictable based on the extent of damage and the condition of the surrounding tooth. When repair is not appropriate, replacing the restoration or choosing a more substantial option such as an onlay or crown may be recommended.

Repair typically involves cleaning the affected area, roughening the margin for bonding and placing a new layer of restorative material. Replacement requires removing the existing material, reassessing tooth structure and restoring form with the chosen material or an indirect restoration. Prompt evaluation of any sudden problems improves the chances of a conservative solution.

For pediatric patients, materials such as glass ionomer cements are often used because they bond chemically and release fluoride, and clinicians tailor techniques to the child’s development and cooperation level. Behavior management strategies and preventive focus guide early restorative care to preserve developing teeth. Selecting minimally invasive options helps maintain tooth structure while addressing decay in young patients.

Patients with medical conditions that affect oral health—such as dry mouth, certain autoimmune disorders or prior head and neck radiation—may require modified material choices and closer monitoring. Allergies, sensitivities to dental materials and anticoagulant therapy are also important to review before treatment. Your dentist will coordinate care with your medical providers when necessary to ensure restorations are safe and effective.

Nova Dental uses evidence-based techniques, digital imaging and modern bonding protocols to deliver conservative, long-lasting restorations for patients of all ages. Our clinicians emphasize clear communication so patients understand the rationale behind material selection and the expected performance of each option. Attention to comfort and meticulous technique helps produce results that restore function and blend with your natural smile.

For patients in the area, our North Haven and Cromwell offices provide consistent follow-up and preventive care to help restorations remain healthy over time. Regular checkups and proactive maintenance allow the team to identify and address concerns early, preserving tooth structure whenever possible. If you have questions about fillings or would like to schedule an evaluation, contact the practice to discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs.