Dental fillings are one of the most common and effective procedures used to treat cavities and tooth decay. When decay begins to damage your tooth enamel, a filling stops the progression of bacteria and prevents it from reaching the inner tooth’s pulp, where it could cause serious infection or require a more extensive treatment like a root canal.
At Davis Family Dentistry, we use high quality, tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Whether you have a small cavity, a chipped tooth, cracks or worn enamel, or gaps between teeth that trap food and bacteria, dental fillings provide a durable, long-lasting solution that restores both the function and appearance of your smile.
The filling procedure is quick and comfortable, typically taking less than an hour from start to finish. We begin by applying local anesthesia to ensure you feel no discomfort during treatment. Once the are is numb, we carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the area thoroughly, and place the filling material. The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural contours of your tooth, ensuring a comfortable bite and natural appearance.
Don’t let a small cavity turn into a bigger problem. Contact Davis Family Dentistry today to schedule your appointment and restore your tooth’s health and function.
Ready to fix that cavity? Contact us today for same-day dental fillings.
Starting care with a new dental practice should feel easy and welcoming. Here’s exactly what you can expect during your first appointment at Davis Family Dentistry.
Complete your patient forms and meet our friendly team who will make you feel right at home
Dr. Davis performs a thorough examination using advanced digital imaging technology
We discuss your oral health goals and create a personalized plan tailored to your needs
Get all your questions answered and schedule any recommended follow-up treatments
Experience personalized dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Schedule your appointment with us today and discover why families throughout Indianapolis trust us with their smiles.
Get answers to the most common questions about dental care, treatment options, and what to expect before your appointment.
How do I know if I need a dental filling?
Common signs you might need a dental filling include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, visible holes or dark spots on your teeth, sharp pain when biting down or a rough feeling when you run your tongue over a tooth. Sometimes cavities don’t cause symptoms until they’re advanced, which is why regular dental exams are so important. During your checkup at our Indianapolis dentist office, we’ll check for cavities and recommend fillings if needed before the decay gets worse.
Do dental fillings hurt?
The filling procedure itself doesn’t hurt because we numb the area with local anesthesia before starting. You might feel pressure or vibration while we remove the decay and place the filling, but you won’t feel pain. After the numbing wears off, you might have mild sensitivity for a day or two, but this goes away quickly. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the dental filling process is at our Indianapolis practice.
What types of fillings do you offer?
We primarily use tooth-colored composite fillings that match your natural tooth color and blend in seamlessly with your smile. Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth structure, require less removal of healthy tooth material and look completely natural. Unlike old silver amalgam fillings that are dark and noticeable, our tooth-colored fillings are virtually invisible and provide excellent durability.
How long do dental fillings last?
Tooth-colored composite fillings typically last 7-10 years or longer with proper care. How long your fillings last depends on factors like where the filling is located, how large it is, your oral hygiene habits and whether you grind your teeth. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your fillings and catch and wear or damage early. With good home care and routine visits to our office, your fillings can last many years.
Can you fix old silver fillings?
Yes! We can replace old silver amalgam fillings with natural-looking tooth-colored composite fillings. Many patients choose to replace their metal fillings for cosmetic reasons or if the old filling is cracked, worn or leaking. Replacing silver fillings with composite material gives you a more attractive smile while protecting your tooth. If your old fillings are still in good condition and not bothering you, replacement isn’t necessary.
How long does a dental filling appointment take?
Most dental filling appointments take 30-60 minutes depending on how many fillings you need and how large the cavities are. We can often treat multiple small cavities in one visit to save you time. The process includes numbing the area, removing decay, cleaning the cavity, placing the filling material and shaping it to match your bite. You can return to normal activities right after your appointment once the numbness wears off.
What happens if I don't get a cavity filled?
Untreated cavities continue to grow larger and deeper over time. What starts as a small cavity that needs a simple filling can progress to a larger cavity requiring a crown, or eventually reach the tooth’s nerve requiring a root canal. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. Getting dental fillings promptly at our practice saves you from more extensive and expensive treatment down the road.
Can I eat after getting a dental filling?
With composite fillings, you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off, usually within 2-3 hours. Be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue while numb. It’s best to avoid very hard, sticky or chewy foods for the first 24 hours while the filling fully sets. After that, you can eat normally. If you experience ongoing pain or sensitivity after a few days, contact our Indianapolis dentist office so we can check your filling.
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