Dental Fillings

A cavity or a small area of tooth decay will not repair itself, and left untreated it can grow and eventually require more extensive treatment. A dental filling is often the most conservative way to stop decay and restore the tooth. Dr. Michael T. Smith and the team at Holladay Smiles use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in with your smile.

A filling restores a tooth after the decayed portion has been removed. Dr. Smith cleans out the decay, then fills the space with a tooth-colored composite resin that is shaped and polished to match the surrounding tooth, and because it bonds directly to the tooth, most fillings are completed in a single visit. If decay has reached the inner pulp, a root canal may be needed instead, and for more extensive damage Dr. Smith may recommend a dental crown.

• Natural appearance: Composite resin is shaded to match your surrounding teeth.
• Conservative treatment: Fillings preserve more of the natural tooth structure than a crown.
• Bonds directly to the tooth: The material bonds to the remaining tooth structure rather than simply sitting on top of it.
• Completed in one visit: Most fillings are finished in a single appointment.

Dr. Smith numbs the area, removes the decayed portion, and places the composite material in layers, curing each one before shaping and polishing the filling so it feels comfortable when you bite down. Keeping up with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups afterward can help prevent new cavities from developing.