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When a cavity or damaged tooth structure weakens a tooth, a properly placed filling rebuilds its shape and helps the tooth return to normal function. Fillings are one of dentistry’s most reliable ways to stop decay, protect the remaining tooth, and preserve chewing comfort without removing the entire tooth.
Fillings can be conservative: instead of removing large portions of the tooth, modern techniques focus on removing only the damaged area and restoring the tooth with a material that supports long-term stability. This conservative approach helps maintain more of your natural tooth and reduces the need for more extensive treatment later.
Patients at Morrison Dental Care benefit from a careful, evidence-based approach to fillings. Our team prioritizes predictable, lasting results while paying close attention to appearance and function so that your restored tooth fits seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
People have attempted to repair teeth for thousands of years, and the materials and techniques have evolved dramatically. Early efforts used natural substances and crude repairs; over centuries the profession introduced metals such as gold and, later, amalgam for durability.
More recently, advances in dental chemistry and bonding technology produced tooth-colored alternatives that match enamel and preserve more tooth structure. These materials allow clinicians to create restorations that are both strong and discreet, giving patients reliable function with a natural appearance.
Every restoration begins with a careful conversation. We assess how much tooth structure remains, how the tooth functions within your bite, and what you expect cosmetically. That assessment guides the choice of material and the method of restoration so the result meets both clinical and personal goals.
Our clinicians emphasize minimally invasive techniques and precise placement to reduce postoperative sensitivity and improve longevity. By combining skillful preparation with high-quality materials, we aim to deliver restorations that look natural and perform well for many years.
Not all fillings are the same. The ideal material is chosen based on the size and location of the cavity, how much chewing force the tooth sees, cosmetic considerations, and your long-term dental plan. Understanding the differences helps you and your dentist pick the option that best balances durability and appearance.
Tooth-colored restorations are now commonplace because they blend with enamel and require less removal of healthy tooth. For some back teeth that endure heavy biting forces, certain indirect options or traditional materials may still be considered for their proven strength. Your clinician will review the pros and cons for your situation.
When aesthetics and conservation are priorities, modern resin-based materials and ceramic inlays/onlays offer excellent solutions. These options can restore a tooth’s form while providing a natural color match and a finish that resists staining and wear when cared for properly.
Resin composites are composed of a durable plastic matrix fortified with microscopic glass or ceramic particles. They are available in multiple shades so the restoration can be blended with surrounding enamel. Composites bond to the tooth, which helps strengthen the remaining structure and often allows for a smaller, more conservative preparation than metal restorations.
These materials are versatile — used for small to moderate cavities and for cosmetic repairs such as reshaping a tooth or closing minor gaps. Proper finishing and polishing are important to minimize staining and wear over time.
Metallic restorations, historically represented by amalgam and gold, remain known for durability. Amalgam has been used for decades where strength and resistance to fracture are primary concerns. Gold restorations, though less common today, are very resilient and biocompatible.
These options are sometimes considered in areas where aesthetics are less important and where the tooth must withstand heavy chewing forces for many years.
Glass ionomers bond chemically to tooth structure and release fluoride over time, offering an added protective benefit for vulnerable teeth. They are commonly used in pediatric dentistry, for small restorations near the gumline, or as a temporary restoration when a longer-term solution will be completed later.
Ceramic (porcelain) inlays and onlays are crafted outside the mouth and then bonded into place. Because they are precision-made, they provide excellent fit, wear resistance, and aesthetics. These indirect restorations are often chosen when a cavity is too large for a simple direct filling but the tooth does not yet require a crown.
Gold remains one of the most durable restorative materials. It’s typically used less often today due to cost and aesthetics, but when appropriate, gold can provide a long-lasting, gentle interface with opposing teeth and supporting tissues.
Our goal is to make cavity care straightforward and comfortable. After a thorough exam and any necessary imaging, we explain what we see and outline the recommended restoration plan. If a filling is needed, we schedule a treatment visit at a convenient time and prepare a treatment plan that prioritizes your comfort and long-term oral health.
During the appointment, local anesthesia is used as needed so you feel minimal to no discomfort while the decayed tissue is removed. At times we may use gentle instruments such as air abrasion or lasers to minimize vibration and preserve more healthy tooth structure; the choice of tool depends on the location and extent of the decay.
When the tooth is ready, the selected material is placed and carefully shaped to restore proper form and bite. We verify how your teeth come together and make any necessary adjustments so chewing feels natural. In cases where decay is extensive, a temporary dressing may be used while a definitive restoration is planned.
Modern dental care emphasizes patient comfort alongside clinical precision. We use advanced imaging and magnification to assess teeth accurately and plan restorations that conserve as much natural structure as possible. That precision helps reduce postoperative sensitivity and improves the longevity of the filling.
To make treatment more comfortable, we offer several techniques: targeted local anesthesia, distraction and relaxation strategies, and the option to discuss sedation if you have dental anxiety. Your safety and comfort are addressed before any procedure begins so your visit is as calm and efficient as possible.
Quality materials and careful technique are paired with thorough communication. We explain aftercare steps and what signs to watch for so you know what to expect once you leave the office. This combination of technology, skill, and patient-centered care produces predictable, comfortable outcomes.
After your restoration is complete, most patients return to normal activities immediately. It’s common to experience brief numbness while local anesthesia wears off and some mild sensitivity for a few days. These reactions typically resolve on their own as the tooth adapts to the new surface.
Over the days following a filling, pay attention to your bite and any unusual discomfort. If the bite feels high or if you experience persistent pain, contact the practice so we can check and make any necessary adjustments. Early attention prevents small issues from becoming larger problems.
Long-term success depends on good home care and routine dental visits. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and maintain regular professional cleanings and exams. With sensible habits and regular monitoring, most restorations provide many years of reliable service.
Protect yourself while anesthesia lasts
Because lips, tongue, and cheeks may be numb for an hour or two after treatment, avoid chewing on that side until sensation fully returns to prevent accidental injury.
Expect minor bite or texture changes
Your tooth may feel different for a short period as you adjust. If the sensation persists or you notice an ongoing interference when chewing, return for a quick assessment and refinement.
Sensitivity usually lessens quickly
Short-term sensitivity to hot or cold is common. If sensitivity increases or becomes sharp and persistent, reach out so we can evaluate the cause and provide relief.
Maintain care to extend lifespan
Brushing, flossing, and regular exams help detect wear or marginal breakdown early so a restoration can be repaired before more extensive treatment is needed.
We are dedicated to delivering careful, long-lasting restorative care. If you have questions about fillings, materials, or what to expect, please contact us for more information.
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 Morrison Dental Care, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
Dental fillings are restorative materials placed into a tooth after decay or damage is removed to rebuild its natural shape and restore function. They stop cavities from progressing, seal the tooth against further bacterial invasion, and help maintain proper chewing and bite alignment. Fillings can also improve aesthetics when a visible portion of a tooth has been affected.
Because tooth decay is common across all age groups, fillings remain one of the most frequently performed dental procedures. Modern materials allow dentists to preserve more healthy tooth structure while delivering durable results. Routine exams and timely treatment with fillings help prevent more complex procedures later on.
Several materials are available, each with different strengths and aesthetic properties. Composite resins are tooth-colored materials that bond to enamel and dentin and are commonly used for visible teeth, while dental amalgam, a durable metal alloy, has a long track record in high-stress back teeth. Glass ionomer cements release fluoride and are useful near the gumline or in pediatric care, and ceramic or porcelain inlays and onlays offer highly durable, stain-resistant, tooth-colored alternatives for larger restorations.
Direct fillings such as composite and amalgam are placed in a single visit, whereas indirect restorations like ceramic inlays require fabrication in a lab before cementation. The choice of material balances durability, appearance, the size and location of the cavity, and the tooth’s remaining structure. Your dentist will explain the functional and cosmetic trade-offs so you can make an informed decision.
The dentist evaluates several clinical factors including the size and location of the cavity, the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, the forces placed on the tooth during chewing, and aesthetic concerns. For example, a small front-tooth cavity often calls for a tooth-colored composite, while a large chewing-surface defect on a molar may be better suited to a ceramic onlay or a stronger restorative material. Medical history, allergy concerns, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits also play a role in material selection.
Decision-making also considers long-term prognosis: some materials are easier to repair chairside while others provide greater wear resistance over time. Your provider will review the options and explain why a recommended material best meets the functional and cosmetic needs of your smile. Patient preference is part of the discussion when multiple clinically appropriate choices exist.
Most filling appointments begin with a targeted exam and X-rays when needed to evaluate the extent of decay. The area is numbed with local anesthesia so you will not feel pain during removal of decay, which is accomplished with instruments such as a dental drill, laser, or air abrasion depending on the situation. Once the cavity is cleaned and prepared, the chosen filling material is placed, shaped to restore the tooth’s anatomy, and polished.
Placement steps vary by material: composite resins are placed in layers and light-cured, while amalgam is condensed into the preparation and trimmed once set. After finishing, the dentist checks and adjusts your bite to ensure comfort and proper function. At Morrison Dental Care we prioritize clear communication so you know what to expect at each stage and feel comfortable throughout the visit.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the size of the restoration, where the tooth is located, and your oral habits. Composite fillings generally last several years and can perform well in many situations, whereas amalgam fillings have historically offered long-term durability in back teeth and can last a decade or more under favorable conditions. Ceramic inlays, onlays, and well-made gold restorations tend to be among the longest lasting tooth-colored or metal options when properly maintained.
Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor restorations for wear, marginal breakdown, and recurrent decay so issues can be addressed early. Good home care, avoiding habits such as chewing on hard objects, and prompt attention to new symptoms all help maximize the life of any filling. When a filling shows signs of failure, replacement or a different restorative approach may be recommended to preserve the tooth.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the primary way to protect fillings and the surrounding tooth structure; brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily to remove plaque that can cause recurrent decay. Be mindful of chewing habits and avoid using teeth as tools or biting very hard objects, which can fracture restorations over time. If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist about a protective nightguard to reduce wear on fillings.
Regular dental visits for professional cleanings and exams help detect early signs of wear or leakage around a filling so timely care can be provided. For tooth-colored restorations, minimizing prolonged exposure to staining substances and maintaining enamel health supports a natural appearance. If you notice sensitivity, rough edges, or changes in how a tooth feels when you bite, contact your dental office to have the filling evaluated.
It is common to experience some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days to a few weeks after a filling as the tooth adjusts to the restoration and the effects of preparation. This sensitivity usually lessens on its own; using a desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding very hot or cold foods and beverages for a short time can help. Over-the-counter pain relievers taken according to product directions are often effective for mild discomfort.
If sensitivity persists beyond several weeks, becomes more intense, or is accompanied by swelling or severe pain, contact your dentist as these symptoms may indicate that the tooth needs further evaluation. In rare cases, deep decay or irritation to the tooth nerve can require additional treatment such as a crown or root canal therapy. Prompt communication with your dental team ensures appropriate follow-up and relief.
Fillings may need replacement because of recurrent decay at the margins, wear and fracture of the restorative material, or deterioration of the seal between the filling and tooth. Small failures can sometimes be repaired, but larger problems may necessitate replacing the filling or moving to a more protective restoration such as an onlay or crown. The decision depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and the long-term prognosis for the tooth.
If decay extends close to the tooth’s nerve or if the tooth fractures, additional treatments such as root canal therapy followed by a crown may be required to prevent infection and restore function. Regular dental exams with X-rays let your dentist detect issues early and recommend the most conservative, effective solution. Timely intervention preserves the tooth and reduces the risk of more extensive procedures later.
Yes; restorations are commonly used in pediatric dentistry to treat cavities and protect primary teeth until they naturally exfoliate. Glass ionomer cements are frequently used in baby teeth because they bond well, release fluoride, and can be placed where moisture control is difficult, while tooth-colored composites are chosen when aesthetics and stronger wear resistance are desired. Treating cavities in primary teeth prevents pain, infection, and premature loss that can affect nutrition and proper development of permanent teeth.
For extensive decay in a primary tooth, a pediatric dentist may recommend alternative approaches such as stainless steel crowns or pulpotomy procedures to maintain function and space for the permanent tooth. Early prevention, routine fluoride exposure, and parental guidance on diet and oral hygiene are key components of protecting children’s teeth and reducing the need for restorative care. Your dentist will explain the best options based on the child’s age, behavior, and clinical needs.
Our office follows current infection-control standards and uses modern techniques to minimize discomfort and improve outcomes, including targeted local anesthesia and options to help patients relax during treatment. We employ digital diagnostics and careful treatment planning to remove decay conservatively while preserving healthy tooth structure, and we check and adjust the bite carefully to reduce postoperative sensitivity. Communication about each step of the procedure helps patients feel informed and at ease.
For patients with dental anxiety or special needs, we discuss behavior management strategies and, when appropriate, sedation options to enhance comfort and safety. Follow-up care is part of our approach, with clear instructions for immediate recovery and routine monitoring to ensure the restoration performs well. Our commitment to safety, precision, and patient education supports positive long-term oral health outcomes.
Address:
1524 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065