Restore Strength, Stop Decay, and Preserve Your Natural Smile

A dental filling is one of the most common and effective ways to restore a tooth that has been affected by tooth decay, minor fractures, or small areas of surface damage. At Point Meadows Dentistry, we use modern, tooth-colored materials to repair and protect your teeth while preserving the natural appearance of your smile.

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Fillings work by removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and replacing it with a durable material that bonds to your natural tooth structure. This not only stops the progression of decay but also strengthens the tooth and prevents further damage.

 

Types of Dental Fillings We Offer

At Point Meadows Dentistry, we offer two advanced types of filling materials to meet your needs:

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Composite Fillings

Composite resin fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. These tooth-colored fillings are carefully matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible in your smile. Composite is a popular choice for both front and back teeth because it blends seamlessly and bonds tightly to the tooth surface.

• Ideal for small to moderate cavities

• Excellent aesthetic results

• Last at least 5–7 years with proper care

• Can be placed in a single visit

 

Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings

Ceramic fillings, also known as porcelain inlays or onlays, are extremely durable and resistant to staining. These are typically crafted in a dental lab and then bonded to your tooth. Ceramic is a great option for larger restorations or for patients looking for a long-term solution with exceptional cosmetic appeal.

• Highly durable—last 7–15 years or longer

• Stain-resistant and natural-looking

• Well-suited for larger areas of decay

• Custom-crafted for a precise fit and finish

 

When Do You Need a Dental Filling?

You may need a filling if you are experiencing:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets

• Pain when chewing or biting

• Visible pits or dark spots on the tooth

• A chipped or cracked tooth

• Worn-down enamel due to grinding or acidic wear

We perform a thorough exam and digital X-rays to detect decay early—sometimes before you feel any symptoms. Catching and treating cavities early helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure and avoids the need for more complex treatments down the road.

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A Gentle, Efficient Experience

Whether you need your first filling or a replacement for an old metal one, our team ensures your visit is comfortable and stress-free. We use local anesthesia to numb the area, explain each step, and work with a gentle touch. Most fillings take less than an hour and require no downtime.

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We’ll also review the best way to care for your restored tooth—brushing twice daily, flossing, and scheduling regular checkups will keep your fillings and your smile in top shape for years to come.

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What’s the Difference Between Composite, Porcelain, and Amalgam Fillings?

When it comes to restoring a decayed or damaged tooth, the material used for your dental filling matters. At Point Meadows Dentistry, we offer several types of dental filling materials, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here’s how composite, porcelain, and amalgam(we do not offer this type) fillings compare:

 

Safety & Biocompatibility

Composite resin and porcelain fillings are both metal-free and mercury-free, making them a safer choice for many patients—especially those with metal sensitivities or concerns about mercury exposure. Amalgam fillings, which contain a mixture of metals including mercury, have been used for decades but may cause sensitivity in some patients and are no longer the preferred material for those seeking a more holistic or cosmetic approach.

 

Aesthetics & Tooth Color Matching

Both composite and porcelain fillings can be matched to the natural color of your teeth, making them ideal for visible areas like front teeth. Amalgam, by contrast, is silver-colored and can darken over time, making it more noticeable and less desirable for cosmetic purposes.

 

Durability & Longevity

• Composite Fillings: Require less drilling and preserve more of your natural tooth structure. However, they can be more prone to leakage or wear over time, especially in larger fillings.

• Porcelain Fillings (Inlays/Onlays): Extremely strong and resistant to stains and abrasion. They are often recommended for larger restorations but may be more brittle and prone to chipping under heavy pressure.

• Amalgam Fillings: Known for their long-lasting durability, especially in back teeth that take on more chewing force. However, they often require the removal of more healthy tooth structure during placement and may contribute to microfractures in the tooth over time.

 

Tooth Preservation & Preparation

Composite and porcelain materials allow for more conservative preparation, meaning less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam. This is especially important for long-term tooth health and strength.

 

Appointment Time & Convenience

Most composite fillings can be placed in a single visit. Porcelain restorations, such as inlays and onlays, may require two visits if they are custom-made in a dental lab—though same-day options may be available in certain cases. Amalgam fillings are also typically completed in one appointment but are used less frequently today due to aesthetic and health considerations.

 

Understanding Enamel Loss and Treatment Options

Enamel loss is a common sign of tooth decay and often leads to increased tooth sensitivity. In many cases, placing a dental filling can significantly reduce or even completely eliminate this sensitivity by restoring and protecting the affected area.

However, if the decay or damage is more extensive, a filling alone may not be enough. Depending on the condition of the tooth, additional or alternative treatments may be necessary, such as:

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Dental Crowns: If the tooth is weakened or needs additional support, a crown may be placed over the filling to provide long-term strength and protection.

Dental Implants & Dental Bridges: In cases of severe or irreparable damage, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or bridge to restore function and appearance.

Root Canals: If the decay has reached the tooth’s nerve or caused an infection or abscess, a root canal may be required to remove the damaged tissue and save the tooth. 

 

At Point Meadows Dentistry, we’ll carefully assess your situation and recommend the most effective, conservative treatment to protect your smile and prevent further damage.