Tooth-Colored Fillings in Moses Lake, WA
A cavity is one of the most common dental problems adults and children face, and a filling is the standard solution. At Moses Lake Family Dentistry, we use tooth-colored composite resin fillings rather than metal amalgam. The result is a restoration that blends in with your tooth and requires less removal of healthy tooth structure to place.
Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, has been treating cavities and placing restorations for more than 5 years. A filling appointment at our office is typically completed in a single visit, usually lasting 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the cavity.
If you have been told you have a cavity, or if a tooth is sensitive or hurting, call 509-765-4351 to get it checked. The earlier decay is treated, the simpler the fix.
Call 509-765-4351. A filling appointment typically takes one visit and less than an hour. Open from 7:00 AM most weekdays.
What Is a Tooth-Colored Filling?
A tooth-colored filling is made from composite resin, a material that combines plastic and fine glass particles. Unlike amalgam (silver) fillings, composite resin is matched to the shade of your natural tooth. It is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light, bonding directly to the tooth structure. This bonding allows Dr. Smith to preserve more of the healthy tooth compared to older amalgam techniques, which required a wider preparation.
Composite fillings work in both front and back teeth. They are durable enough for biting and chewing and hold up well under normal use. They are also mercury-free, which many patients prefer.
Replacing Old Amalgam Fillings
Some patients come to us wanting to replace their old silver fillings with tooth-colored ones for cosmetic reasons or because their existing amalgam fillings are failing. Amalgam fillings have a lifespan and eventually crack, leak, or allow decay to develop underneath.
Whether replacing an old filling is the right choice depends on the condition of the existing filling, the health of the tooth underneath it, and your goals. Dr. Smith evaluates old fillings at each checkup. If one shows signs of failure, he will recommend addressing it. If it is still solid and sealing well, he will typically monitor it rather than replace it unnecessarily.
The Filling Procedure
Numbing the Tooth
Dr. Smith numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue with local anesthesia. For smaller cavities in patients who are not anxious, anesthesia may not always be necessary, but it is always available. Nitrous oxide sedation is an option if you feel nervous about the procedure.
Removing the Decay
Dr. Smith uses a dental handpiece and sometimes the Waterlase laser system to remove the decayed tooth material. The Waterlase uses light and water rather than heat, which can be more comfortable and precise for certain cavity preparations, particularly in children or anxious patients.
Placing the Filling
After the decay is removed, the cavity is cleaned and prepared. The composite resin is placed in the space in layers. Each layer is hardened with a curing light before the next is added. Dr. Smith sculpts the composite to match the natural shape of the tooth and checks your bite to make sure the filling is not sitting too high.
Polishing and Finishing
The final step is polishing the filling smooth. A well-finished composite filling is difficult to distinguish from natural tooth structure in appearance and feel. You can typically eat normally within a few hours, once the anesthesia has worn off.
How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
Composite fillings last an average of 7 to 15 years, though this varies based on the size and location of the filling, your bite, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Back teeth experience more chewing pressure, which can shorten filling lifespan compared to front teeth.
Dr. Smith checks the condition of your fillings at every checkup. If a filling is showing signs of wear, cracking, or edge breakdown, he will discuss the best time to address it.
Fillings for Children
Cavities in baby teeth matter. Even though primary teeth eventually fall out, decay left untreated in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and problems with the spacing that guides permanent teeth. Moses Lake Family Dentistry treats cavities in children and places tooth-colored fillings appropriate to their age and tooth type.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of a composite filling depends on the size of the cavity and which tooth is being treated. Delta Dental typically covers a portion of filling costs. Coverage percentages and annual limits vary by plan. Our team checks your benefits before the appointment so you know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Composite resin has improved significantly over the years and performs well for most cavity sizes. Very large restorations on back teeth that experience heavy chewing force may still be better served by a crown. Dr. Smith recommends the right material based on the specific situation.
Will I need anesthesia for a filling?
Most patients receive local anesthesia for cavity preparation. For very small cavities or certain locations, some patients opt to proceed without it. Dr. Smith discusses your preference and always has anesthesia available if you want it.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Many cavities cause no symptoms until they are moderate to large. Others cause sensitivity to sweets, cold, or hot foods and beverages. Pain when biting is a sign the cavity may be deeper. The most reliable way to know is a dental exam with X-rays. Regular checkups catch cavities when they are small and straightforward to treat.
Can I eat right after a filling?
With composite fillings, the material is fully hardened at the appointment. You can eat once the anesthesia has worn off, typically one to two hours after the procedure. Avoid very hard or sticky foods on the treated side for the first 24 hours while the area settles.
Call 509-765-4351 to schedule your filling appointment at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. Most fillings are completed in a single visit in under an hour.