13180 Westpark Dr, Ste 106, Houston, TX 77082
When a tooth's enamel and dentin are weakened by decay, a well-placed filling prevents further damage and brings the tooth back into functional balance. Fillings not only stop cavities from spreading but also restore chewing efficiency, protect the pulp from irritation, and help maintain the natural shape of the tooth.
Because dental decay affects people of all ages, restorative care is one of the most commonly performed procedures in general dentistry. Prompt treatment with an appropriate filling can spare healthy tooth structure, reduce the need for more extensive restorations later, and preserve a stronger, longer-lasting smile.
Our approach emphasizes conservative techniques that remove only diseased tissue while preserving as much natural tooth as possible. With careful assessment and modern materials, even small restorations can deliver durable results that blend seamlessly with the rest of the tooth.
People have attempted to treat teeth for millennia; the search for reliable materials and techniques has progressed from primitive early repairs to the sophisticated options available today. In the 19th and 20th centuries, metal restorations became widespread because they were strong and long-lasting, but they offered limited aesthetics.
Over recent decades, advances in adhesive dentistry and new ceramic and resin materials have shifted the emphasis toward restorations that are both durable and discreet. These developments allow dentists to restore form and function with solutions that better match a patient’s natural tooth color and surface texture.
At Park West Dental, treatment is tailored to your needs and expectations. We’ll discuss material choices, preservation strategies, and the steps involved so you understand the rationale for the recommended restoration. Our goal is to deliver results that are comfortable, long-lasting, and visually harmonious with your smile.
Today’s restorative toolkit offers a range of materials designed to meet different needs—whether the priority is strength, conservation of tooth structure, or a seamless cosmetic match. Selecting the best option depends on the size and location of the cavity, the forces the tooth will endure, and your aesthetic preferences.
We evaluate each case individually and explain the advantages and limitations of every material so you can make an informed decision. In many situations, tooth-colored materials provide an excellent balance of durability and appearance; in other cases, an indirect restoration or metal-based option may be preferable.
Advances in adhesive techniques have also reduced the need to remove healthy tooth tissue. When possible, we use bonding methods that reinforce the remaining tooth and create a tight seal against recurrent decay.
Composite restorations combine resin and fine filler particles to produce a restoration that closely matches your tooth’s natural shade. They bond to the tooth structure, allowing for more conservative preparations and less removal of healthy enamel and dentin.
Composite fillings are versatile and are commonly used for front and back teeth. They are more susceptible to wear and staining than some indirect restorations, but with good oral hygiene and periodic evaluation they can provide many years of service.
Amalgam is a durable metal alloy that has been used for generations. Its strength makes it a reliable choice for large restorations on back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. While not tooth-colored, amalgam remains a predictable option in certain situations.
Glass ionomer materials bond chemically to tooth structure and release fluoride, which can be helpful in high-risk areas or pediatric dentistry. They are typically used where esthetics and long-term wear resistance are less critical, or as a temporary or transitional material.
Ceramic restorations are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded into place, providing a very natural appearance and excellent resistance to staining. Inlays and onlays preserve more tooth structure than full crowns and are a strong option for moderate defects where a direct filling may not be the best long-term solution.
Gold remains a technically excellent material: it wears well, is gentle to opposing teeth, and can last many years when properly cared for. Due to its cost and appearance, it is less commonly chosen today but still has a place in predictable restorative care.
A thorough exam is the first step: visual assessment, probing where appropriate, and radiographs when indicated allow us to determine the extent of decay and the condition of the surrounding tooth structure. We also consider bite patterns, existing restorations, and overall oral health when recommending treatment.
When a cavity is identified, we’ll outline options and explain the process, including any preparatory steps and the expected outcome. For many patients the procedure is completed in a single visit; for more extensive cases, an indirect restoration may require two appointments with a brief interim restoration.
Most fillings are placed with local anesthesia so the area is numb and the procedure is comfortable. Our clinicians use a range of techniques and technologies—rotary instruments, air abrasion, or lasers when appropriate—to remove decay precisely and prepare the surface for a reliable restoration. Sedation options are available for patients who experience anxiety; please let our team know so we can discuss appropriate measures.
It's common to notice temporary sensations after a restoration. Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur as the tooth adjusts, especially if the decay was deep or close to the nerve. This sensitivity typically diminishes over a few days to weeks.
Keep in mind that the numbing medication used during the appointment may last for an hour or two. Avoid chewing on the treated side until sensation returns to prevent accidental biting of the lip, cheek, or tongue. Once the anesthesia resolves, normal eating can resume unless otherwise instructed.
Good oral hygiene—brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and routine dental checkups—helps extend the life of any filling. While materials vary in wear resistance, proper care and periodic professional assessments allow us to monitor restorations and address minor concerns before they become larger problems.
Protect the tooth while numb
After treatment you may have limited sensation for a short time. Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until normal feeling returns to reduce the risk of biting or burns.
Expect slight bite adjustments
Occasionally a bite may feel uneven after a new filling. We take care to check and refine the restoration, so if you notice persistent clicking or discomfort while chewing, contact the office to schedule a quick adjustment.
Mild, temporary sensitivity can occur
Some patients experience brief sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. This typically resolves on its own; if sensitivity increases or becomes prolonged, please let us know so we can evaluate the tooth.
Caring for the restoration over time
Fillings can last many years with proper oral care, but all restorations have a finite lifespan. Regular examinations allow us to detect wear, marginal breakdown, or new decay early so that maintenance or replacement can be performed before more invasive treatment is needed.
After a filling is placed, routine dental visits allow us to examine the restoration visually and radiographically. Small changes such as marginal staining or surface wear are often manageable if caught early; more advanced deterioration may require replacement or a different type of restoration.
Pay attention to changes in comfort, chewing, or the way a tooth looks. Persistent pain, new sensitivity, or a visible defect are signals that a return appointment is warranted. Regular professional care, combined with attentive home care, helps maximize the lifespan of restorations.
Our team is committed to evidence-based decision-making: we balance preservation of tooth structure with the long-term health of your mouth and recommend treatment that supports both function and aesthetics. If you have questions about the best option for a particular tooth, we’ll explain the pros and cons clearly so you can choose with confidence.
In summary, modern fillings play a central role in protecting teeth, restoring comfort, and maintaining oral health. If you’d like to learn more about the materials and techniques we use or to discuss treatment for a specific tooth, please contact us for more information.
Dental fillings are restorative materials placed in teeth to repair damage caused by decay or minor fractures. They rebuild the tooth's natural form, restore chewing function and help prevent further deterioration. Filling procedures remove diseased tissue and replace it with a durable material that seals the cavity.
At Park West Dental, our team emphasizes conservative treatment that preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible. We explain available filling options and recommend the best material based on the tooth's location, size of the defect and a patient's aesthetic preferences. The end goal is a long-lasting restoration that blends with the surrounding tooth.
Modern dentistry offers a range of filling materials that balance strength, appearance and longevity. Composite resins are tooth-colored and bond to the tooth, making them a popular choice for visible areas. Amalgam (silver) fillings are durable and historically common for back teeth, while glass ionomer materials release fluoride and can be useful in certain clinical situations.
Indirect restorations such as ceramic inlays and onlays are fabricated outside the mouth and then cemented or bonded into place for larger defects. These materials provide superior wear resistance and excellent esthetics when compared with direct fillings for extensive restorations. Your dentist will discuss the advantages and limitations of each option when planning treatment.
Treatment begins with a clinical exam and imaging as needed to determine the extent of decay. Local anesthesia is typically used to keep the tooth numb and comfortable while the dentist removes decayed tissue with a handpiece, laser or air-abrasion tool. The prepared cavity is cleaned and conditioned to promote adhesion for tooth-colored materials.
For direct fillings like composite or glass ionomer, the material is placed in layers and cured with a specialized light before final shaping and polishing. For larger defects, an indirect restoration such as an inlay or onlay may be fabricated in a dental laboratory and cemented at a follow-up visit. The dentist then checks your bite and makes adjustments to ensure comfort and proper function.
Tooth-colored composites have improved significantly and provide excellent strength for small to moderate restorations. They bond to the tooth and can help reinforce remaining tooth structure, which often allows for a more conservative repair. However, for very large restorations or teeth subjected to heavy chewing forces, metal alloys or indirect ceramic and gold restorations may offer greater longevity.
Amalgam fillings are known for durability and resistance to wear, which made them a reliable choice historically for molars. Ceramic inlays and onlays combine strong materials with superior aesthetics and can last many years with proper care. Your dentist will recommend the material that best balances strength, appearance and conservation of healthy tooth structure.
Immediately after placement you should avoid chewing on the restored tooth until any numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury. Normal eating can usually resume once sensation returns, but very hard or sticky foods should be avoided for a short period while the restoration settles. Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing to reduce the risk of recurrent decay at the margins.
Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to inspect restorations for wear, marginal breakdown or secondary cavities and to perform polishing if needed. If you notice persistent sensitivity, roughness or a change in bite, contact the dental office so the restoration can be evaluated and adjusted. Timely attention to small concerns helps prevent more extensive treatment later.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the size and location of the restoration and individual oral habits. Composite and glass ionomer restorations may last several years, while ceramic and gold restorations can endure longer when maintained properly. Biting forces, bruxism and recurrent decay at the margins can all shorten a filling's lifespan.
Signs that a filling may need replacement include persistent pain, visible fracture, recurrent decay around the restoration or a gap between the filling and tooth. During routine exams your dentist will monitor restorations and recommend repair or replacement when it is in the tooth's best long-term interest. Addressing a failing filling early often allows for more conservative treatment than waiting until the problem advances.
Some degree of sensitivity after a filling is common and usually temporary as the tooth adjusts to the restoration. This can present as brief discomfort when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and typically resolves within days to weeks. Sensitivity can result from minor irritation of the nerve or from changes in how the tooth responds to temperature after the procedure.
Persistent, worsening or severe pain may indicate an improperly adjusted bite, a crack in the tooth, deep decay near the nerve or the need for additional treatment such as root canal therapy. If you experience continuing pain, swelling or signs of infection contact the dental office promptly so the tooth can be re-evaluated. Timely assessment reduces the risk of more extensive treatment and helps preserve the tooth when possible.
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations fabricated outside the mouth and bonded or cemented to the tooth when a larger area requires repair but a full crown is not necessary. They are typically made from ceramic or gold and offer superior strength and wear resistance compared with direct fillings for large defects. Because they are custom-made, inlays and onlays can produce very accurate contacts and contours that improve function and longevity.
Your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay when the remaining tooth structure is insufficient for a conventional filling or when the restoration would benefit from the enhanced durability of an indirect material. The choice depends on factors such as cavity size, tooth position and functional demands. Long-term success with these restorations also relies on good oral hygiene and regular professional monitoring.
Dental fillings are safe and have a long track record of restoring function and preventing further decay when placed with proper technique and infection control. Amalgam fillings contain a mercury alloy and have raised public questions, but major health organizations have generally concluded that amalgam is safe for most patients while recognizing that alternative materials are available. Many patients choose mercury-free, tooth-colored options for aesthetic reasons and to avoid metal in the mouth.
At Park West Dental we discuss any specific health concerns and select a restorative material that aligns with a patient's medical history and cosmetic priorities. Modern adhesive techniques and high-quality ceramic materials provide reliable, metal-free alternatives for most restorative needs. If you have particular sensitivities or medical conditions, share them during your appointment so the team can tailor the treatment plan.
Children commonly develop cavities and benefit from early restorative care to preserve function and prevent discomfort. Glass ionomer and composite materials are frequently used in pediatric dentistry because they can be placed efficiently and some glass ionomers release fluoride to help protect the tooth. Behavior management techniques, topical or local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation options help make the experience comfortable for young patients.
Preventive measures such as sealants, fluoride treatments and routine exams are used alongside fillings to reduce the need for future restorations. The dentist will choose the smallest effective restoration to conserve tooth structure and plan follow-up care based on the child's growth and oral hygiene habits. Early, conservative treatment helps maintain healthy development of the bite and surrounding teeth.
