Dental Fillings San Antonio

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures. After removing the decayed portion of your tooth, we fill the cleaned cavity with a durable material to restore the tooth’s shape, function, and strength. Today’s filling materials include tooth-colored composites, amalgam, gold, and porcelain, each offering unique benefits.

The filling process begins with numbing the area around the affected tooth for your comfort. We then carefully remove all decay and clean the cavity thoroughly. After preparing the tooth surface, we place the filling material in layers, shaping it to match your natural tooth contours. For composite fillings, we use a special light to harden each layer. Finally, we polish the filling to ensure a smooth, comfortable bite.

Types of Dental Fillings

Understanding your filling options helps you make informed decisions about your dental care. Each material offers distinct advantages depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Composite Fillings

Composite resin fillings have become the most popular choice for their natural appearance and versatility. These tooth-colored fillings blend perfectly with your existing teeth, making them ideal for visible areas. Benefits of composite fillings include:

• Natural appearance matching your tooth color
• Strong bonding to the tooth structure
• Less tooth removal required compared to amalgam
• Ability to repair chips and worn teeth

Composite fillings work well for small to medium-sized cavities and can last many years with proper care.

Amalgam Fillings

Silver amalgam fillings have been used successfully for over 150 years. While less aesthetically pleasing than composites, amalgam remains a reliable option for back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. These durable fillings can withstand heavy biting pressure and typically last longer than composite materials.

Amalgam fillings offer excellent durability at a lower cost than tooth-colored alternatives. They’re particularly suitable for large cavities in molars where strength matters more than appearance.

Signs You May Need a Filling

Recognizing cavity symptoms early allows for simpler, less invasive treatment. Contact our office if you experience any of these warning signs.

Common Symptoms

Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods often indicates decay requiring attention. You might notice discomfort when biting down or a persistent ache in a specific tooth. Visible holes, dark spots, or rough areas on your teeth suggest cavities have formed.

Sometimes cavities develop without obvious symptoms, especially in early stages. Regular dental checkups help us detect decay before it causes pain or requires more extensive treatment. Our digital X-rays reveal hidden cavities between teeth or under existing fillings.

Benefits of Prompt Filling Treatment

Addressing cavities quickly provides numerous advantages for your oral and overall health.

Preventing Further Damage

Left untreated, cavities grow larger and deeper, eventually reaching the tooth’s nerve. This progression leads to severe pain, infection, and potentially tooth loss. A simple filling today prevents the need for root canals, crowns, or extractions tomorrow.

Restoring Function

Dental fillings restore your tooth’s normal shape and function, allowing you to chew comfortably again. Modern filling materials strengthen weakened teeth and protect against fractures. With your tooth restored, you can enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort or worry.

Long-term Oral Health

Treating cavities promptly helps maintain your overall oral health. Fillings prevent bacteria from spreading to neighboring teeth or causing gum problems. By preserving your natural teeth, you avoid the complications and expense of tooth replacement options.

Choose Advanced Smile Care for Dental Fillings in San Antonio

For nearly four decades, Advanced Smile Care has been San Antonio’s premier dental practice for restorative care, including all types of dental fillings. Our experienced team takes time to understand your needs and recommend the best filling material for each situation. We use advanced techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

At Advanced Smile Care, we combine state-of-the-art technology with a gentle touch to make filling appointments as pleasant as possible. Our award-winning dentists bring nearly 100 years of combined experience to every procedure. Discover how Amazing Smile Dentistry can transform your smile and boost your confidence by calling (210) 366-3606 or using our contact form to schedule an appointment.