Dental Fillings

Enjoy a More Natural Smile with Composite Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it, and in cases where decay is unavoidable, a dental filling is an affordable, natural-looking, and safe solution. Not only are our fillings at A Summer Smile some of the most aesthetic restorations available today, but they are strong and long-lasting as well. Reach out to us today to explore your dental filling options.

Dental Fillings—The Best Solution for Tooth Restoration

At A Summer Smile, we rely on high-quality materials, the latest technology, and advanced techniques to create restorations for our patients that last a lifetime. Our goal is to create results that are designed to be virtually undetectable. We use tooth-colored fillings as restorations when our patients have:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth

How do I know if I need a filling?

 Teeth sensitivity can be an effective indicator of decay or fracture. When you come in for an evaluation, Drs. Rydel or Stager will direct you to the appropriate dental treatment for your situation. We typically recommend fillings as the best solution for restoring teeth that have minor to moderate tooth decay, cracks, chips, and cavities.

Cavity Prevention — What can I do to prevent the need for a filling?

The best way to fight cavities and maintain healthy gums and teeth is to keep up on your daily habit of proper oral hygiene. Here are 5 ways to ward off tooth decay and prevent cavities:

• Come in to our office for a comprehensive oral exam and regular cleanings
• Brush after meals and use an antimicrobial mouthwash
• Drink more water and cut back on sugary and acidic drinks
• Develop the habit of flossing every night
• Avoid smoking

Dental Fillings—The Process

The procedure for placing a composite resin dental filling is a routine treatment that we do every day at A Summer Smile. Here’s how it works:

• Drs. Rydel or Stager isolate the tooth from saliva to keep it dry
• Any dental decay is removed
• An etchant and a bonding agent are applied, followed by the composite resin
• A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin material
• After the tooth is filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a real tooth
• Finally, the restoration is smoothed and polished to accommodate your bite

What are composite resin fillings and restorations?

Composite resin fillings are the most common alternative to dental amalgam. They are sometimes called “tooth-colored” or “white” fillings because of their color. Composite resin fillings are made of a type of plastic (an acrylic resin) reinforced with powdered glass filler. Composite resin is often placed in layers to build up the final restoration, then cured with an “ultraviolet light”. This light energy speeds up a chemical reaction of the components, causing the soft material to harden and bond to the tooth. This material is considered safe. The color (shade) of composite resins can be customized to closely match surrounding teeth. This plastic and glass mixture contains no metal and can be shaped to resemble a real tooth. It is usually hard to tell that a tooth has even been filled!

Composite resin fillings have several advantages. The “white” color is preferred by many patients due to its ability to blend in with surrounding teeth. It is also possible to make more conservative preparations when using composite material, thus enabling the dentist to preserve more natural tooth structure. Benefits of composite resin restorations:

• Preferred white/natural-looking color
• Better for smaller fillings
• Preservation of more tooth structure

Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride, it can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, another advantage that reinforces gum health.

Why Choose A Summer Smile

At A Summer Smile, we're dedicated to providing exceptional dental fillings. Here's what sets us apart:

• State-of-the-art equipment for precise fittings
• Same-day in-house treatments available
• Emergency care by appointment
• Austin's Best Dentist since 2016
• Locally and woman-owned since 2010
• Work with insurance to maximize your benefits

Our experienced team uses advanced 3D CBCT technology to ensure your fillings are perfect and comfortable. Call now for a consultation.

Contact Us

Ready to transform your smile with dental fillings? We're here to guide you through every step of the process. Our friendly team will answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision about your dental health.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation at A Summer Smile in Austin, TX.