What Are Dental Fillings and When Do You Need One?

Experiencing discomfort while chewing or noticing a sudden change in your tooth’s appearance can indicate underlying dental concerns. These symptoms often point to decay or structural damage. In many cases, a dental filling offers a reliable solution. This blog explains what fillings are, when they are necessary, and how they contribute to lasting strength, comfort, and overall dental wellness.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Think of a dental filling as a small repair job. It’s a way to restore a tooth that has been worn down by decay, cracked from injury, or damaged by wear over time.

Dentists clean out the decayed area of the tooth and “fill” the space with a material that hardens, strengthens, and protects the tooth from future problems. It’s one of the most common dental procedures, and it often takes less than an hour.

Fillings also:

• Prevent bacteria from entering the damaged area again
• Restore normal function when biting and chewing
• Help maintain your natural bite alignment

We offer a big variety of filling options to match your specific needs and smile.

Common Types of Dental Filling Materials

Not all fillings are the same. Dentists select filling materials by considering the cavity’s size, where it’s located in the mouth, and your personal preferences. Here are the most used types:

Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored)

• Blends with natural tooth shade
• Ideal for front or visible teeth
• Bonds directly to the tooth

Amalgam (Silver)

• Durable and long-lasting
• More visible, often used in the back teeth
• Cost-effective for larger areas

Gold

• Very strong and reliable
• High cost and visible appearance
• Rarely used now, but still available

Ceramic or Porcelain

• Matches natural teeth
• Stain-resistant
• Can be more brittle than others

If you’re getting dental fillings in Murray, UT, your dentist will help you decide which material best fits your dental and lifestyle needs.

Signs You Might Need a Dental Filling

You might not always feel pain when a cavity forms. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you. That’s why regular checkups matter. Still, there are signs to watch for at home:

• Tooth sensitivity (to sweets, cold, or hot foods)
• Visible holes or dark spots on teeth
• Pain when chewing
• A rough or chipped area on the surface of a tooth
• Food is getting stuck in certain areas

If you’re noticing any of the above, don’t wait. An untreated cavity only gets worse and more painful.

For urgent pain or injury, an emergency dentist in Murray UT, can provide quick relief and prevent long-term damage.

What Should You Expect From a Dental Filling Procedure

Getting a filling is a routine appointment, and most patients walk out smiling—literally.

Here’s a basic breakdown of what happens:

1. Numbing: Your dentist will numb the area surrounding the tooth to prevent discomfort.
2. Cleaning: They remove the decayed part of the tooth.
3. Filling: The cleaned cavity gets filled with the material you’ve chosen.
4. Shaping: The filling is carefully shaped to match your bite.
5. Polishing: Finally, it’s smoothed and checked for a proper fit.

The whole process usually takes about 30–60 minutes. After the numbness fades, you can go back to eating and speaking as usual, with a little extra care.

When a Filing May Not Be Enough

Fillings are great for small to mid-size damage. But sometimes, the problem goes deeper. Here’s when your dentist might suggest a different solution:

• The decay is too large or near the root
• The tooth is cracked beyond repair
• There are some signs of infection or nerve damage

In these cases, a crown, root canal, or even an extraction might be necessary. Fillings are a first line of defense—but not always the final one.

Many people explore cosmetic dentistry options afterward to restore the look of their smile, especially if more extensive treatment is needed.

How Long Do Fillings Stay?

The lifespan of a filling depends on the material and how well you care for it.

• Amalgam: 10–15 years or more
• Composite: 5–10 years
• Gold: Can last over 20 years
• Porcelain: Around 10–15 years

Other factors include your oral habits, whether you grind your teeth, and how frequently you visit your dentist. Clenching, chewing ice, or skipping cleanings can shorten the life of your filling.

Caring for Teeth with Fillings

Once you’ve had a filling placed, it’s important to protect it. A consistent routine supports the longevity of the filling and improves your oral health overall. Here are a few easy ways to keep things in good shape:

Daily Habits

• Brush twice each day using a soft toothbrush
• Use fluoride toothpaste for added cavity protection
• Floss daily to clean around and between teeth

Avoid This

• Hard candies and popcorn kernels
• Using your teeth to open packages
• Nail biting or pencil chewing

Do This

• Visit your dentist twice a year
• Ask about sealants or extra protection if you’re prone to cavities
• Consider a nightguard in case you grind your teeth at night

Taking these steps keeps both your natural teeth and any fillings working like they should.

Final Thoughts

Dental fillings offer timely protection against decay, preserve your natural teeth, and restore everyday comfort. Addressing small issues early prevents more complex procedures later. If you see any warning signs, don’t wait. Schedule your visit with Infinity Dental today and let our team help you maintain a healthy, confident smile with care you can trust.