When dental decay compromises a tooth's structural integrity, a dental filling gets placed to rebuild its natural form and restore its strength and function.
Because tooth decay, also known as dental caries, remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting both children and adults worldwide, procedures to place fillings are routinely performed each and every day.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we provide precise and gentle treatment and maintain a position at the forefront of advances in dental care to provide patients with the highest quality of aesthetically pleasing and durable dental fillings.
According to archaeological findings, for as long as dental problems have existed, there have been efforts to provide emergency and restorative care. In fact, attempts to place dental fillings have been found in the skeletal remains of people who lived around the year 8000 BC. However, it wasn't until thousands and thousands of years later, in the 19th century, that a variety of metal fillings, including dental amalgam, appeared on the scene. Although gold achieved status as a popular restorative material, it was soon apparent that amalgam fillings, consisting of a mixture of mercury and an alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper, offered a less expensive, durable, and simpler alternative.
Until recent decades, the vast majority of dental fillings remained silver-colored, amalgam restorations. However, as dentistry has evolved in the last 50 years, new filling materials have been developed. While amalgam fillings are long-lasting and durable, today's newer dental materials offer the benefits of being mercury-free, metal-free, and much more aesthetic. These "tooth-colored or white fillings" invisibly restore the form and function of the involved tooth, while seamlessly blending in with the remaining tooth structure and the entire smile.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we tailor dental treatment to address specific dental needs and expectations of dental care. As with all the dental services our practice provides, we'll explain all your options in care, including the type of dental filling materials we offer to restore your tooth. Our goals are to gently remove the dental decay and the damaged tooth structure and then rebuild your tooth's form and function while providing you healthy, durable, long-lasting, and cosmetically pleasing results.
While traditional dental materials like gold and amalgam have been in use for over a century, recent advances in dental technology have made a more expansive and improved selection of restorative choices widely available. Beyond offering strength and durability, these new filling materials provide aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results.
Composite fillings, which are frequently referred to as either "tooth-colored fillings" or "white fillings," consist of a combination of biocompatible resins and finely ground, glass-like filler materials that become strong and durable when set. Available in a complete range of natural-looking shades, composite fillings offer a cosmetically pleasing alternative to traditional "silver" fillings. Composite resins are also used in dental bonding procedures to improve a tooth's color or shape, mask defects, or close minor gaps between teeth.
Composite fillings adhere to natural tooth structure through a bonding process, which also serves to seal and strengthen the tooth. Beyond providing a close match to your natural tooth color, a composite filling does not require removing of as much tooth structure for placement, nor are they subject to expansion or contraction with temperature changes as is the case with dental amalgams. However, composite restorations can be more vulnerable to wear and staining and may require replacement down the road.
For many years, amalgam fillings represented the standard of care for restoring decayed teeth. While they don't offer the cosmetic appeal of other types of filling materials, amalgam restorations are strong, durable, and less likely than some other types of fillings to break or wear down.
Another type of white filling material, glass ionomer cements bond to the tooth's surface to provide a tight seal between the tooth and surrounding oral environment. Besides offering a natural-looking restoration, glass ionomer cements slowly release fluoride to strengthen and help protect the involved tooth from future decay. Since they are not as durable or wear-resistant as other filling materials, glass ionomers are most frequently used to treat baby teeth, cavities near the gumline, and in temporary fillings.
Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are fabricated from the highest quality of dental porcelain and ceramics. As the most stain and wear-resistant option in tooth-colored fillings, these restorations offer durable, attractive, and long-lasting results. While "direct" fillings such as dental amalgam and composite fillings get placed immediately after the tooth is prepared, "indirect" fillings such as inlays or onlays get fabricated outside of the mouth before insertion and cementation or bonding.
Far less common these days and more expensive than any of the other materials, gold fillings remain excellent restorations. With excellent physical and chemical properties, gold fillings are strong, long-lasting, kind to the surrounding tissues, and remain stable over time.
Once our dental team has a chance to assess your smile, we'll advise you of our findings and outline a comprehensive treatment plan to help ensure your smile is healthy and functions at its best. If any tooth decay is detected, we'll schedule appointments to treat those cavities and place the fillings or restorations that are needed.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, patient care and comfort are our top priorities. While treating cavities and placing fillings are among the most routine procedures in dentistry, our office understands you have questions and concerns and will keep you well informed every step of the way.
Treating a cavity involves the precise and gentle removal of decayed and damaged tooth structure and any preparation of the remaining tooth structure needed to secure your new filling. Although every patient and every smile is different, you can expect your visit to take about an hour.
In most cases, this visit is performed under local anesthesia. As the work gets performed, your tooth is completely numb, and you should not feel any discomfort. A dental drill, dental laser, or air abrasion technology can be used to remove decay. Once the cavity gets excavated, and healthy tooth structure remains, it's time to place the filling. The type of dental filling material being used determines the manner of placement. Composite fillings, glass ionomer cements, and amalgam fillings are typically placed right away. However, in the case of an extensive cavity, a tiny palliative dressing and a temporary filling may be placed. Whatever type of filling is used, our office will check the fit, do any necessary polishing, and meticulously adjust the bite to ensure your optimal comfort and function.
For patients who are anxious about dental work, you can rest assured the office of Bahri Dental Group is mindful of your needs. As skilled and experienced providers of care, we pride ourselves on providing gentle dentistry and do all we can to make your visit comfortable and stress-free. While we perform dental procedures under local anesthesia, we're also happy to discuss options in dental sedation.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, our goal is to help our patients enjoy optimal oral health and to keep them well informed every step of the way.
Immediately after the placement of a new filling, it's essential to keep the following in mind:
Until the anesthesia wears off
Immediately following your dental visit, you may experience a period of lingering numbness. Normal sensation typically returns within an hour or two. However, until the anesthetic has completely worn off, it's essential to protect yourself from unintentionally biting or injuring your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue. Be mindful of chewing, drinking hot beverages, or smoking.
Now that your tooth has been restored and rebuilt, it may feel slightly different
While we take the utmost care to polish your new filling and make sure the bite is correct, on rare occasions, a patient may feel additional minor smoothing or further bite adjustment is required.
You may experience short-term sensitivity
It's perfectly normal for a tooth to feel a little sensitive following the placement of a filling. You may experience a twinge when eating cold or hot foods and beverages. This sensitivity should subside by itself within a few days. If your sensitivity worsens, you experience ongoing pain or develop any other symptoms; please contact our office.
Caring for your new restoration
Our office uses the latest generations of strong and durable filling materials. With proper oral hygiene and routine care, your new filling should last for many years to come. However, in cases of extensive tooth decay or injury to the underlying tooth, even the best restoration may need to be replaced, or further dental work may be needed down the road.
We're passionate about what we do and dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office.
Dental fillings are restorative materials used to rebuild tooth structure that has been lost to decay or minor damage. They restore the tooth's form so it can function normally for biting and chewing and help prevent further deterioration of the tooth. Fillings also seal the treated area to limit bacterial infiltration and protect underlying tooth tissue.
Placement of a filling typically involves removing decay, preparing the cavity, and placing a compatible material that bonds or adapts to the remaining tooth. The chosen material and technique aim to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while providing strength and a comfortable bite. Modern materials allow restorations that are both durable and blended to match the natural tooth color when appropriate.
Common filling materials include composite (tooth-colored) resins, dental amalgam (silver-colored alloy), glass ionomer cements, ceramic inlays or onlays, and gold restorations. Composite resins are popular for their aesthetic match and conservative tooth preparation, while amalgam has a long history of durability in posterior teeth. Glass ionomers release fluoride and are useful near the gumline or for pediatric restorations, and ceramics and gold are often chosen for strength and longevity in larger restorations.
Each material has distinct properties such as wear resistance, esthetics, and bonding capability, which influence the best choice for a given tooth and patient. Your dentist will consider the location of the cavity, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and functional needs when recommending a material. The goal is to select an option that balances appearance, durability, and preservation of tooth health.
Composite fillings have improved substantially and offer durable performance for small to medium restorations, especially in areas with moderate biting forces. They bond to tooth structure, which can strengthen the remaining tooth and allow for more conservative preparation compared with some traditional materials. However, composites may be more susceptible to wear and staining over many years in high-stress areas compared with gold or high-quality ceramics.
Gold and ceramic restorations remain among the most wear-resistant and long-lasting options for large restorations and complex occlusal demands. In many cases, composite resins provide an excellent aesthetic and functional solution, while ceramics or gold may be recommended when maximal longevity and strength are primary concerns. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material based on the tooth's position, size of the defect, and your long-term expectations.
Treatment begins with a clinical and radiographic evaluation to determine the extent of decay and the health of the surrounding tooth and tissues. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed using a dental drill, laser, or air abrasion, and the remaining cavity is shaped to receive the selected filling material. When necessary, local anesthesia is used to ensure the procedure is comfortable for the patient.
After cavity preparation, the dentist will place the chosen restorative material using established bonding and layering techniques for composite resins or appropriate condensation and finishing methods for other materials. The restoration is checked for proper contact and bite, polished, and adjusted as needed to ensure comfort and function. At Bahri Dental Group in Jacksonville, we follow careful protocols to minimize sensitivity and promote a lasting restoration.
During the procedure you can expect local anesthesia to numb the area so you feel little to no discomfort while the tooth is prepared and the filling is placed. The appointment length varies with the size and location of the cavity but often takes about an hour for a single filling. Your dentist will check your bite and make adjustments so the restored tooth feels natural when you close.
Immediately after treatment you may experience numbness for an hour or two and short-term sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, which typically subsides within a few days. Avoid chewing on hard foods on the treated side until any temporary sensitivity resolves and the bite feels comfortable. If sensitivity persists or you notice prolonged pain or swelling, contact the office to schedule an evaluation.
Good oral hygiene is essential to preserve a filling: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings. Avoid using teeth as tools and minimize frequent consumption of very hard or sticky foods that can stress restorations. Routine professional exams allow your dentist to monitor the restoration's margins and detect any wear, recurrent decay, or issues early.
Nighttime teeth grinding can shorten the life of a filling, so discussing protective options such as a nightguard with your dentist is worthwhile if you clench or grind. Timely attention to small problems often prevents the need for more extensive treatment later. With proper care and periodic evaluation, many restorations provide years of reliable service.
When a cavity is extensive and little healthy tooth structure remains, or when a tooth is fractured or weakened, a crown or an onlay/inlay may be the preferred option to restore strength and function. These indirect restorations cover more of the tooth surface and can better distribute biting forces for teeth that sustain heavy occlusal loads. A crown may also be recommended after root canal therapy to protect the treated tooth.
Onlays and inlays are conservative indirect solutions made from ceramic or gold that preserve more natural tooth structure than full crowns while providing superior durability for larger defects. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth's structural integrity, aesthetic needs, and long-term prognosis to determine whether a direct filling or an indirect restoration is the safest and most predictable choice.
Dental fillings are considered safe and effective forms of restorative care when placed by a licensed dental professional using approved materials. Modern materials have a strong track record for biocompatibility and function, and dentists follow established protocols to minimize any risks during placement. For patients with specific material sensitivities or medical conditions, your dentist will review options and choose materials that are appropriate and well tolerated.
Concerns about particular components, such as mercury in amalgam, have led many patients and providers to prefer mercury-free alternatives; regulatory bodies continue to monitor safety and issue guidance as needed. If you have questions about the materials recommended for your treatment, discuss them with your dentist so you can make an informed decision tailored to your health and restorative goals.
Minor defects such as small edge fractures, marginal staining, or limited wear can sometimes be repaired or smoothed, depending on the material and the extent of the issue. When a restoration shows recurrent decay under the margin, extensive breakdown, or persistent symptoms, replacement is usually the best option to fully restore tooth health. The decision to repair or replace depends on a clinical examination, radiographs, and evaluation of the remaining tooth structure.
Early assessment and intervention help avoid more complex treatment such as root canal therapy or extraction. During routine visits your dentist will monitor older restorations and advise when maintenance, repair, or replacement will improve long-term outcomes. Timely treatment supports tooth preservation and reduces the risk of future complications.
Yes, many dental practices provide a range of comfort measures and sedation options to help anxious patients receive necessary care calmly and comfortably. Local anesthesia is used for virtually all restorative procedures to eliminate pain, and additional options such as oral sedatives or nitrous oxide may be discussed for patients who experience significant dental fear. The choice of sedation depends on the patient's medical history, the complexity of the procedure, and the level of anxiety.
Before recommending sedation, the dental team will review your medical history and explain what to expect before, during, and after the appointment. Discussing comfort preferences and concerns ahead of time allows the office to tailor care to your needs and help ensure a safe, positive experience. Bahri Dental Group is committed to providing gentle dentistry and will discuss appropriate comfort options during your consultation.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental and orthodontic needs and expectations of care.
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