Dental Fillings in Salt Lake City
Dental fillings are one of the most common ways we restore teeth affected by cavities, small fractures, wear, or other damage.
At Lakeside Dental, we primarily use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that allow us to restore the damaged portion of a tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as reasonably possible.
What Is a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings, sometimes called tooth-colored, white, resin, or bonded fillings, are made from a tooth-colored resin-based material. Composite bonds to the tooth and is placed directly into the prepared area, shaped, cured, adjusted to the bite, and polished.
Why Might I Need a Filling?
- Tooth decay or cavities
- A chipped or fractured tooth
- Worn tooth structure
- A damaged or failing existing filling
- Decay around an older restoration
- Certain small defects or areas of missing tooth structure
What Does Conservative Dentistry Mean?
Conservative dentistry does not mean avoiding necessary treatment. It means preserving healthy natural tooth structure whenever reasonably possible while removing decay or compromised structure and choosing a restoration appropriate for the amount of damage present.
Filling or Crown?
A filling works well when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support a direct restoration. As a cavity or fracture becomes larger, a crown or other restoration may provide better protection. The decision depends on remaining tooth structure, existing restorations, cracks or fractures, tooth location, bite, and other clinical factors.
Do Old Fillings Need to Be Replaced?
Not simply because they are old. We evaluate existing fillings for recurrent decay, fractures, open or deteriorating margins, significant wear, loss of the restoration, or other changes. Age alone is not necessarily a reason to replace a restoration.
What About Old Silver Fillings?
Older amalgam or silver fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored composite when replacement is clinically appropriate or when a patient would prefer a more natural-looking restoration for esthetic reasons.
However, we do not recommend that every amalgam filling needs to be removed simply because it is not tooth-colored. If an existing restoration is functioning well and the surrounding tooth is healthy, leaving it alone may be perfectly reasonable. If the appearance of an amalgam filling bothers you, we can evaluate the tooth and discuss the benefits, limitations, and considerations of replacing it with a tooth-colored restoration.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
There isn't a predetermined lifespan for a dental filling. A well-designed and well-maintained composite restoration can last for many years. Longevity depends on size and location, remaining tooth structure, bite, grinding or clenching, hygiene, diet, cavity risk, and maintenance.
Do All Cavities Need Fillings?
Not necessarily. Very early mineral changes can sometimes be managed preventively. Once decay has progressed to structural breakdown, a filling or other restoration may be appropriate.
Is a Filling Better than a Crown?
Neither is inherently better. A filling is more conservative when enough healthy tooth remains to support it; a crown may provide advantages when the tooth has lost more structure or needs additional protection.
