Dental Fillings at Rincon Family Dentistry

A cavity in your teeth may not seem like a big deal at first, but it does not take long to get worse. Delaying the treatment can lead to pain and increased sensitivity, or even losing the tooth. Cavities don’t heal on their own. You will need dental fillings for this.

This treatment won’t only stop the damage but also restore the strength, so you can enjoy meals comfortably. Many families across Tucson and nearby cities trust us for quick, comfortable, and long-lasting dental fillings and restoration treatments. With years of experience, we make sure the process is smooth, gentle, and affordable for you.

Types of Dental Fillings We Offer in Tucson

We provide a full range of filling materials to meet your needs and budget. Our dentists will examine your tooth and recommend the best solution for comfort, durability, and appearance.

We use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to offer the most comfortable and quick teeth-filling treatments to everyone. Consult our dentists for a careful evaluation of your tooth’s condition and get the best treatment recommendation.

Resin Composite Fillings

These are also known as white, plastic, aesthetic, or tooth-colored fillings. It is prepared by mixing plastic and powdered glass, which repairs the decayed teeth and prevents further damage. They are the most popular choices because they provide extra strength, durability, and match the natural look of the teeth.

Composite fillings match the natural look of teeth, making them ideal when appearance matters. They are durable for small to medium cavities, and our team uses them often to restore function while keeping your smile natural.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam fillings are strong and long-lasting, making them a reliable option for molars and wisdom teeth that handle heavy chewing. While not tooth-colored, they are cost-effective and resist wear.

If durability is your main concern, amalgam may be the right choice. Our dentists can explain where silver fillings may still be useful today.

Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are crafted to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth. They are stain-resistant, durable, and highly aesthetic. Because they may chip under heavy pressure, we often recommend this for front teeth or visible areas of your smile.

Our dentist will remove the decay first, then place a custom-made porcelain restoration designed to blend with your natural teeth.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are often used for children or for small cavities near the gumline. Made from a mix of acrylic and silica glass, they release fluoride over time to protect teeth from further decay.

While not as durable as other materials, we use them for pediatric cavity fillings or when long-term strength is not as critical.

Gold Filling

These dental restorations are a durable and long-lasting option to treat decaying teeth. They are made from gold alloy. Many visitors choose this for its exceptional strength and reliability, as it can last 25 to 30 years without any signs of wear or corrosion.

Although the color makes them more noticeable, many patients choose gold for its reliability. Our dentists will review if this is the right solution for your needs.

Temporary Tooth Fillings

Temporary fillings provide short-term relief for cracked, chipped, or decaying teeth. They are made from softer materials and act as a protective seal until a permanent solution is placed.

If you are experiencing pain but are not ready for a permanent filling, our dentists can provide a temporary filling and then guide you toward a lasting option.

Permanent Tooth Fillings

Permanent fillings are designed to restore full function and last for many years. They can be made from composite resin, amalgam, porcelain, or gold.

At Rincon Family Dentistry, we use durable and natural-looking materials. Once the cavity is cleaned, the chosen material is shaped and polished to match your natural bite and appearance.

Our Dental Filling Procedure

We focus on your comfort and ensure the entire procedure is smooth and gentle for you.

• Comprehensive Diagnosis – Our dentists begin with a thorough exam, using digital X-rays to identify cavities quickly and accurately.

• Removing the Decay – Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable. The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed while preserving as much healthy structure as possible.

• Placing the Filling – The restorative material is placed in layers. Each layer is hardened with a curing light, creating a strong bond between the filling and the tooth.

• Shaping, Polishing, and Bite Check – Finally, the filling is shaped and polished so it feels natural when you chew or smile. Your bite is checked to ensure comfort and balance.

Dental cavities aren’t just painful; they can lead to bone and tooth loss. The process of filling a cavity can be a confusing one, especially for a patient who has never been treated before. In this guide, we’ll explain what fillings are, how they’re done, and how to care for them.

Dental Fillings: What Are They?

Dental fillings are the most effective way to treat cavities. When teeth decay, they lose function and structural integrity.

Cavities erode the teeth, making them more susceptible to damage and sensitivity. Fillings help dentists restore a tooth’s shape and minimize the risk of further problems.

Today’s fillings are made of numerous materials, with the dentist’s choice depending on various factors. These materials all have unique pros and cons, but our knowledgeable and skilled dentists can help to choose the right type of filling for the needs.

When Do Patients Need Dental Fillings?

Most of our patients get fillings when they have cavities. However, fractures and age-related erosion may also play a role. Fillings can eliminate discoloration and preserve a tooth’s structure.

Before getting a filling, it’s important to consult a dentist who can identify the cause of the discomfort. Sensitivity and tooth pain aren’t always related to cavities, and many conditions have similar symptoms. If one is experiencing symptoms such as tooth discoloration, visible gaps between teeth, or pain when eating and drinking, be sure to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Filling Materials

Dental care has come a very long way in the past few decades, and silver is no longer the only option for fillings. Today’s dentists use materials such as amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, and plastic to achieve great results. During the pre-treatment consultation, a dentist will evaluate the condition and recommend the best materials for the job.

• Gold fillings aren’t most patients’ first choice, but they do have advantages as far as strength and durability are concerned.
• Amalgam/silver fillings have most of the benefits of gold at a much lower cost. They can last up to ten years, and they’re very resistant to chewing forces.
• Composite fillings are quite popular among public speakers and TV personalities. They’re great for the front teeth, and they’re versatile enough to fix damaged or fractured molars.

Depending on the needs and hygiene habits, our dentists may recommend other materials such as glass ionomer or ceramic for fillings. To learn more about today’s dental filling materials, call our local office.

The Dental Filling Process: What to Expect

Tooth fractures, natural deterioration, and cavities are all treated in much the same way, with minor procedural differences throughout. Here, we’ll explain how fillings are done.

• First, the dentist or an assistant will provide a dose of a local anesthetic. Unlike general anesthetics, these don’t put one to sleep.
• The next step may vary depending on the purpose of the filling. For cavities, a dentist will use a laser, an air sander, or a drill to remove damaged parts of a tooth. While the process isn’t painful, the noise can be somewhat disconcerting.
• During the probing step, the dentist will use a special tool to ensure that all the damaged areas have been removed. With thorough probing, we’ll learn which type of filling will be most effective.
• Next, the dentist will put the filling materials into the affected area. If tooth-colored composites are used, multiple applications may be necessary.

Finally, it’s time to polish the filled tooth. During the process, the dentist will remove any extra materials and ensure that the treated area’s shape fits well with other teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that my tooth needs filling?

If you notice tooth sensitivity, sharp pain, visible holes, cracked or chipped teeth, these are the signs that your teeth are damaged and need treatment.

Is it painful to get a dental filling?

No, we perform the procedure under local anesthesia, which numbs the area and makes getting the filling a comfortable and pain-free procedure for you.

How long will my filling last?

With proper care, the resin composite lasts for 5 to 7 years, while ceramic and gold ones are more durable and can last a decade or more.

Can old fillings be replaced?

Yes, old dental composite material can easily be replaced if it is loose, cracked, or worn out.

Do you offer permanent filling?

Yes, at our clinic in Tucson, we offer both temporary and permanent tooth fillings.

How much does a dental filling cost in Tucson?

On average, the cost of a dental filling ranges between $150 and $350. However, the final price will be determined according to the composite material and the condition of the teeth.