Dental Fillings in Jacksonville, FL

Non-Toxic, Aesthetically Pleasing Smile Restoration

Are you tired of having your smile marred by unsightly silver fillings? Tooth-colored fillings offer a discreet and aesthetically pleasing alternative that can restore your teeth and boost your confidence. The talented Jacksonville dentists of Southern Smiles, Dr. Bethany Burton and Dr. Linda Trotter, are experts at tooth-colored fillings and can help you maintain a strong, natural-looking smile.

Call our Jacksonville dental office at 904-389-3451 to schedule your appointment.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are made of a resin material which is placed over a damaged tooth. When we are able to save your teeth and don’t have to perform an extraction, we use dental fillings to cover the small gaps in your enamel to help restore function and shape. 

During the procedure, we numb the area with anesthesia and clear the tooth of bacteria, debris, and decay. Once the tooth is cleaned, we place the filling material inside the gaps and polish the surface for natural-looking and long-lasting results.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as white fillings and composite fillings, are dental restorations made from a tooth-colored material called composite resin. These composite filling restorations can restore teeth affected by:

Decay
Cracks
Fractures
Other damage

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Aesthetic Appeal: Tooth-colored fillings match the natural tooth color, providing a seamless, attractive appearance. You can enhance your smile by replacing existing silver amalgam or gold fillings, boosting your confidence.
Minimized Post-Procedure Discomfort: Tooth-colored fillings typically involve less post-procedure discomfort and sensitivity compared to traditional alternatives.
Durability and Longevity: Tooth-colored fillings are highly durable and can last for many years. The composite material forms a strong chemical bond with the tooth, ensuring a resilient structure. These fillings withstand daily use, resist staining, and, with proper care, can last for over a decade.
Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure: Tooth-colored fillings preserve natural tooth structure, reducing the need for healthy enamel removal. They also reinforce the tooth's strength and integrity, which is vital for long-term health and stability.
Non-Toxic and Hypoallergenic: Tooth-colored fillings use non-toxic, hypoallergenic composite resin, ensuring safety for all patients. They’re ideal for individuals with metal allergies or sensitivities, common with traditional amalgam fillings.

The Process of Getting Tooth-Colored Fillings

Initial Consultation

Before being approved for dental fillings, you’ll attend an initial consultation with one of our Jacksonville dentists. Our dentist will assess your dental health and determine the best filling material for your specific situation. The initial consultation is your opportunity to discuss your dental needs and potential treatment options with our dentists. Ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have about the procedure at this time.

Anesthetic and/or Sedation

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, our dentist will administer a local anesthetic. Anesthetic is typically applied as a local injection or topical gel to numb the area around the tooth.

Sedation dentistry options can further help to alleviate any discomfort or anxiety you may experience during the procedure. We’ll discuss your options and recommend the most appropriate method for you.

Decay Removal and Cavity Preparation

Once the area is numb, our dentist will begin the process of decay removal and cavity preparation. Using a dental drill or laser, we’ll carefully remove the decayed area of the tooth, leaving behind a healthy and robust tooth structure. Our dentist will then:

Clean the cavity to remove any remaining debris.
Sterilize the cavity to kill any bacteria.
Dry the cavity to ensure that it is ready for the filling material.

This step is crucial, as it involves:

Removing all decay
Properly preparing the cavity
Preventing future infection
Ensuring a strong bond between the filling material and your tooth

By carefully removing decay and thoroughly sterilizing the cavity, our dentist sets the stage for a successful, long-lasting restoration.

Placement and Curing of the Filling

With the cavity prepared, our dentist will then:

Place the tooth-colored filling material into the cavity.
Sculpt it to the desired shape.
Use a specialized light to cure the filling, hardening it and ensuring a strong bond with your tooth.

This step is essential in creating a durable and resilient restoration that can withstand the pressures of daily use.

Shaping, Polishing, and Bite Check

After curing the filling, our dentist will perform the following steps:

Shape the filling to fit your tooth, contouring it to achieve a natural appearance and smooth chewing surface.
Polish the filling, further refining its appearance and ensuring a seamless blend with your surrounding tooth structure.
Check your bite to make sure the restoration is comfortable and fits correctly.

With these final touches, your tooth-colored filling will be complete, leaving you with a strong and natural-looking restoration.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

Oral Hygiene Practices: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily (preferably before bed) to remove plaque and debris between teeth.
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule biannual dental check-ups and cleanings. These visits allow us to detect potential issues early, ensuring prompt adjustments or repairs. Proactive dental care prolongs the life of your tooth-colored fillings and maintains a healthy smile.
Avoiding Damaging Habits: Refrain from chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies. These habits can lead to chipped or broken teeth, as well as cracks or chips in your fillings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

Tooth-colored fillings are durable and generally last 10 to 12 years before needing to be replaced. To get the most out of your fillings, practice proper maintenance, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams.

Are tooth-colored fillings more expensive?

Tooth-colored fillings aren’t necessarily more expensive than traditional silver fillings and offer advantages that may exceed the initial cost in the long run. You should talk to your insurance provider, as they’re likely to cover at least some of the costs.

What materials are used to formulate tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are typically formulated with a combination of non-toxic acrylic resin and powdered glass filler, providing a safe and aesthetically pleasing option for dental restoration.

Are tooth-colored fillings suitable for children or teenagers?

Tooth-colored fillings are often a popular choice for pediatric dentistry, especially for aesthetic reasons. These fillings are safe and appropriate for children as they don’t contain any gold or mercury and are less likely to cause allergic or toxic reactions.

Discover the Beauty and Strength of Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings, Call Today!

Tooth-colored fillings offer a discreet and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring teeth affected by decay or damage. With proper care and maintenance, tooth-colored fillings can provide a long-lasting and beautiful restoration for your smile.

Call Southern Smiles at 904-389-3451 to schedule your consultation for tooth-colored fillings. You can also fill out and submit our online contact form and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Southern Smiles is here to help patients from Jacksonville and surrounding areas such as Fernandina Beach, Macclenny, and Green Cove Springs, FL. Experience the confidence that comes with a strong, natural-looking smile.