When a tooth is weakened by decay or minor damage, a filling rebuilds the lost structure so the tooth can chew, speak, and look like itself again. Modern restorations not only stop decay from progressing but also preserve as much healthy tooth as possible so the solution lasts longer and looks natural.
Tooth decay remains a common health concern across ages, which is why fillings are among the most frequently performed restorative procedures in general dentistry. Because they are routine, we focus on delivering predictable results while minimizing discomfort and preserving the long-term health of the treated tooth.
At the office of Po Dentistry, we emphasize careful diagnosis, conservative treatment, and materials selection that balance durability with a pleasing appearance. Our goal is to rebuild teeth in a way that supports oral health, function, and confidence.
People have attempted to repair damaged and decayed teeth for millennia; archaeological evidence shows rudimentary restorations thousands of years ago. Over time, advances in materials science transformed dentistry, bringing metals like gold and amalgam into widespread use during the 19th and 20th centuries because of their strength and longevity.
In the past several decades, developments in resin chemistry and ceramic technology have shifted the field toward restorations that match tooth color and bond to tooth structure. These options let clinicians preserve more natural tooth and create results that blend seamlessly with the surrounding enamel.
Our practice focuses on treatments that meet each patient's needs while limiting unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure. We’ll review your restorative choices, explain the pros and cons of different materials, and tailor a plan that aligns with your functional requirements and aesthetic goals.
Every restoration starts with thorough evaluation — visual inspection, digital imaging when needed, and a discussion about what you want the outcome to be. This collaborative process helps us select the most appropriate filling for the location, size of the cavity, and your overall oral health.
There isn’t a single “best” filling material for every situation. Each option—composite resin, amalgam, glass ionomer, ceramic, or gold—has attributes that make it more or less suitable depending on the tooth’s location, the size of the cavity, and the patient’s priorities for appearance and longevity.
Our team evaluates the mechanical demands on the restored tooth, the extent of existing decay or damage, and esthetic expectations before recommending a material. We aim to match the clinical need with the most appropriate, evidence-based restorative choice.
Composite resins combine tooth-colored polymers with tiny glass or ceramic particles to create a material that closely resembles natural enamel. Because they bond to the tooth, composites can reinforce weakened structure and often require less removal of healthy tooth during preparation.
These restorations are versatile and widely used in visible areas of the mouth. With proper care they perform well, though they may show wear or staining over many years and occasionally need repair or replacement.
Amalgam has long been valued for its strength and resistance to wear, particularly in back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. While not tooth-colored, amalgam remains a reliable option for certain clinical situations where durability is the primary concern.
Because it does not bond to the tooth, amalgam restorations rely on the prepared shape for retention and may require slightly more tooth removal to achieve a secure fit.
Glass ionomer materials chemically bond to tooth structure and slowly release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. They are often used in pediatric dentistry, for cavities near the gumline, and when a temporary or transitional restoration is needed.
Glass ionomers are user-friendly and beneficial in certain clinical contexts, but they are generally less wear-resistant than composite or ceramic options and may be best suited for low-stress areas.
Ceramic restorations are custom-fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded into place. They offer excellent esthetics, strong wear resistance, and a precise fit when replacing larger areas of lost tooth structure that exceed the scope of direct fillings.
Because ceramic restorations are indirect, they require an additional appointment for fabrication and are ideal when you want a durable, highly aesthetic solution for a damaged tooth.
Gold has excellent strength and a long clinical history as a restorative material. While less common today because of its color and cost, gold inlays and onlays provide durable, well-tolerated restorations that wear similarly to natural tooth structure.
When longevity and minimal wear on opposing teeth are priorities, gold remains a solid choice for select cases.
After a careful exam and any necessary radiographs, we’ll review our findings and present a clear treatment plan. When a filling is recommended, we schedule an appointment to remove decay and restore the tooth in a way that minimizes discomfort and preserves healthy structure.
Most routine filling appointments are completed in about an hour, though time varies with the complexity of the restoration. Local anesthesia is commonly used so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. For patients who prefer additional help relaxing, we also discuss dental sedation options to make the experience easier.
Decay is removed with gentle, precise instruments such as rotary instruments, air abrasion, or lasers when clinically indicated. Once the tooth is prepared, the chosen material is placed, shaped, and finished to restore proper bite and function. We always verify occlusion and make adjustments so the filled tooth feels natural.
When a tooth requires more extensive rebuilding—beyond what a filling can reliably provide—we’ll explain alternative options such as inlays, onlays, or crowns so you can make an informed choice about the next steps in care.
After any restorative appointment, we provide practical guidance to help your tooth settle in and function well for years. Short-term sensations such as numbness, minor sensitivity, or a slightly different bite are common and usually resolve without intervention.
Immediately after treatment
Allow the local anesthetic to wear off before eating to avoid biting your cheek, lip, or tongue. Stick to softer foods until normal sensation returns and avoid chewing directly on a newly placed restoration for a short time if advised by your clinician.
Adjusting to the new bite
It’s normal for a restored tooth to feel different for a few days. If your bite feels uneven after the numbness subsides, contact us so we can make fine adjustments and ensure comfort.
Temporary sensitivity
Sensitivity to temperature or pressure may occur briefly after a filling. This typically improves within days to weeks. If sensitivity persists or worsens, we evaluate the tooth to rule out secondary issues such as deep decay or pulpal irritation.
Maintaining your restoration
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and routine dental check-ups will help your filling last. Avoid using teeth as tools, and discuss protective options like nightguards if you grind your teeth.
When replacement or further care is needed
Even well-placed fillings can eventually wear, chip, or develop new decay at the margins. If that happens, timely evaluation and treatment help preserve the tooth and prevent more extensive procedures.
We are committed to clear communication and high-quality workmanship. If you have questions about your filling, recovery, or long-term care, please reach out to our office so we can help.
In summary, dental fillings remain a cornerstone of conservative restorative care: they stop decay, rebuild function, and protect the long-term health of teeth. By choosing the appropriate material and taking steps to care for your restoration, you can expect many years of reliable performance. Po Dentistry is here to guide you through diagnosis, material selection, and follow-up care so your smile stays healthy and comfortable.
If you’d like more information about fillings or want to discuss options for a specific tooth, please contact us for additional details and to schedule an evaluation.
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 Po Dentistry, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
Dental fillings are restorations used to repair teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures. They restore the tooth's natural shape, strength and ability to chew. Fillings also seal the tooth to help prevent further decay.
Fillings can often be placed in a single appointment using conservative techniques that preserve healthy tooth structure. The specific approach depends on the extent of damage and the tooth involved. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, especially with appropriate anesthesia and patient-centered care.
Common filling materials include composite resins, dental amalgam, glass ionomer cements, ceramic inlays/onlays, and gold alloys. Composite resins are tooth-colored, bond to the tooth, and are widely used for visible teeth. Amalgam is a durable metal option often used in posterior teeth where strength is essential.
Glass ionomer materials chemically bond to tooth structure and release fluoride, making them useful for certain situations such as pediatric restorations or fillings near the gumline. Ceramic and gold restorations are typically fabricated outside the mouth and cemented in place when a very durable, long-lasting restoration is required. Your dentist will review the advantages and limitations of each material to determine which is most appropriate.
Selecting a filling material involves evaluating the size and location of the cavity, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and the functional demands placed on the tooth. Aesthetic concerns and the patient's preference for tooth-colored options also play a role, particularly for front teeth. Medical history, allergies, and conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) are considered to ensure a durable outcome.
The dentist will also consider whether a direct restoration (placed inside the mouth) or an indirect restoration (fabricated in a lab) is needed based on the extent of the damage. When in doubt, conservative options that preserve healthy tooth structure are generally favored. A clear explanation of the recommended plan helps patients make informed decisions about their care.
Treating a cavity begins with a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging as needed to assess the extent of decay and plan treatment. At Po Dentistry our team explains the findings, answers questions, and outlines the recommended approach before care begins. Local anesthesia is typically used so the tooth is numb during the procedure and patients experience little or no discomfort.
The decayed tissue is removed using rotary instruments, lasers, or air abrasion, and the cavity is shaped to receive the selected filling material. Direct materials such as composite or glass ionomer are placed and cured in layers, while indirect restorations like ceramic inlays are fabricated and cemented at a subsequent visit. Finally, the restoration is polished and the bite is adjusted to ensure proper function and comfort.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during a filling because the area is numbed with local anesthesia before work begins. While you may feel pressure or vibrations, pain should be controlled throughout the procedure. If you have dental anxiety, talk to your dentist about relaxation techniques or possible sedation options to make the visit more comfortable.
After the anesthetic wears off you may experience short-term sensitivity or mild soreness around the treated tooth and surrounding gum tissue. This typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers unless otherwise advised by your dentist. If sensitivity persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe pain or swelling, contact your dental office for evaluation.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the size and location of the restoration, and the individual’s oral habits. Composite and glass ionomer restorations can last many years with proper care, while ceramic and gold restorations are often more wear-resistant. Factors such as chewing forces, bruxism, and frequent exposure to acidic or highly abrasive foods affect how long a restoration endures.
Regular dental checkups allow early detection of wear, marginal breakdown, or recurrent decay so restorations can be repaired or replaced before further damage occurs. Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing habits like clenching or chewing ice will also help extend the life of a filling. Your dentist can recommend protective measures, such as a nightguard, if parafunctional habits are contributing to premature wear.
Immediately after a filling, avoid chewing on the treated side until the numbness has worn off to prevent accidental biting of the lip or cheek. Resume gentle brushing and flossing, taking care around the restoration as the tooth may be slightly sensitive at first. Good daily oral hygiene, including fluoride toothpaste and flossing, reduces the risk of recurrent decay at the filling margins.
Over the long term, protect restorations by avoiding habitually chewing hard objects and by wearing a protective appliance if you grind your teeth. Attend regular dental cleanings and checkups so your provider can monitor fillings for wear, cracks, or decay. Address any new symptoms promptly to preserve tooth structure and prevent the need for more extensive treatment.
A filling may need replacement if it shows signs of wear, fracture, leakage at the margins, or if new decay develops around the restoration. Symptoms that suggest a problem include increased sensitivity, pain when biting, or visible changes in the restoration. Early evaluation allows for conservative repairs rather than more extensive procedures.
In some cases, a large or failed filling may require an indirect restoration such as an onlay, crown, or root canal therapy if the decay or damage has reached the pulp. Your dentist will review options based on the remaining tooth structure and the long-term prognosis for the tooth. Timely treatment planning helps preserve the natural tooth and overall oral health.
Tooth-colored fillings, including composite resins and glass ionomer materials, are mercury-free and designed to match the natural tooth color for a seamless appearance. These materials bond to tooth structure and are widely used for both aesthetic and functional restorations. If you have concerns about material safety or allergies, discuss them with your dentist so alternatives can be considered.
Dental amalgam does contain elemental mercury mixed with a metal alloy, and professional organizations provide guidance on its safe use for most patients. Many practices, including Po Dentistry in Lancaster, PA, offer mercury-free restorative options and will help you select the material that best fits your clinical needs and preferences. Open communication with your dental team ensures you receive an appropriate, evidence-based treatment plan.
Children often receive fillings when primary (baby) or newly erupted permanent teeth develop cavities; materials such as glass ionomer are frequently chosen for their fluoride release and ease of placement. Dentists tailor techniques and appointment length to a child’s developmental level to provide safe, effective care. Preventive strategies like sealants and fluoride therapy can reduce future cavity risk and the need for restorations.
For pregnant patients, routine dental care including fillings is generally considered safe, and most elective restorative treatment is commonly performed during the second trimester when possible. Local anesthesia is safe in pregnancy, but your dentist will coordinate care with your obstetrician and adjust treatment timing if necessary. If you are pregnant or caring for a child, discuss any concerns with your dental team to ensure treatment is appropriate and comfortable.
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 needs and expectations of care.
