Dental Fillings in Fayetteville, AR

The most common types of fillings are composite resin, dental amalgam, glass ionomer, ceramic, and certain gold restorations. Composite resin is tooth colored and is often chosen when patients want the filling to match their natural teeth. Amalgam is a silver colored mixture of metals that has been used for back teeth; ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. Gold fillings are another option for certain situations, although less commonly chosen than tooth colored materials. At Sequoyah Dental, we can discuss the available materials and recommend an option based on the tooth, cavity size, bite, appearance goals, and other relevant factors.

There is no one-size-fits-all lifespan for a dental filling, as longevity can vary based on several factors. The filling material, size of the restoration, location of the tooth, your bite, oral hygiene, diet, and habits such as teeth grinding can all affect how long a filling will last. Larger fillings may experience different stresses than smaller fillings, especially on back teeth that handle strong chewing forces. Proper care, regular dental visits, daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and limiting frequent exposure to sugary or sticky foods can help support both your fillings and natural teeth. During routine visits, we can examine existing fillings for rough edges, cracks, wear, or signs of further decay.

Tooth colored fillings and silver fillings each have characteristics that make them suitable for different situations. Composite resin is popular because it can match natural teeth, which makes it useful for visible areas and many cavity fillings. Silver fillings generally refer to dental amalgam, which is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and other metals and has been used because of its durability. The right dental filling material depends on the tooth being treated, size of the cavity, amount of healthy tooth remaining, and your preferences. We will discuss these factors with you before we recommend the material we think is best for your dental health.

We take steps to keep you as comfortable as possible during a filling procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area, so you should not feel sharp pain while decay is being removed and the filling is placed. You may feel pressure, movement, or other sensations during treatment even though the area is numb. After the local anesthetic wears off, you may notice temporary sensitivity when you bite, chew, or have hot or cold foods and drinks. If you experience significant pain, ongoing sensitivity, or a bite that doesn’t feel right after treatment, we encourage you to call our office so we can evaluate the tooth.

Insurance coverage for fillings can vary based on your specific dental plan and the type of filling material being used. Some plans may cover composite fillings, amalgam fillings, or indirect restorations differently, and your portion of the cost will vary based on your benefits. Coverage may also differ for front teeth and back teeth or how often a tooth can receive a covered restoration. Before treatment, we recommend you review your benefits so you have a better idea of what your insurance will pay and what will be your responsibility. Our team can help you understand the insurance coverage, but the final benefit and payment decision is made by your insurance company.