Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings: Restore Your Smile in Hamilton and Columbus, GA
Over time, teeth can develop small cracks and fissures. When this happens, bacteria can enter the tooth structure and cause decay. Our trusted dental team will provide gentle, long-lasting dental fillings to protect your teeth and restore your healthy smile.
Get expert dental care close to home – now accepting new patients in Hamilton and Columbus, Georgia!
Types of Dental Fillings
At our Hamilton and Columbus practices, we offer several types of dental fillings to match your specific needs. Learn about each option to make an informed decision about your dental care.
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made of a composite resin material that is matched to the color of your natural teeth. Composite fillings offer conservative treatment that preserves more of your natural tooth structure. The material bonds directly to your tooth, providing additional strength and stability for a lasting restoration. They can be used on both the front and back teeth.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings, also known as traditional fillings, are made from a carefully controlled blend of stable metals including silver and copper. Dental amalgam fillings are exceptionally durable and typically last 10 to 15 years. These fillings are usually only used for back teeth where they are less visible, because of their silver color.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Perfect for sensitive areas, glass ionomer fillings offer unique advantages for specific dental situations. These specialized fillings actively release fluoride to protect against future decay while matching your natural tooth color. They perform exceptionally well in areas near the gumline and serve as an excellent choice for temporary restorations or areas requiring extra protection against decay. However, these fillings are also less durable, so they may need to be replaced more often.
Ceramic Fillings
For the highest quality aesthetic results, ceramic fillings represent the premier choice in modern dental restoration. These premium fillings offer superior stain resistance and an exceptionally natural appearance that's virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Their highly durable material makes them perfect for visible front teeth where appearance matters most, while still providing reliable, long-lasting results.
Essential Aftercare for Long-Lasting Dental Fillings
Your new dental filling requires proper care to ensure its longevity and protect your oral health. We've developed these proven aftercare guidelines to help maintain your restoration's durability and appearance.
Daily Care for Your New Filling
Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing thoroughly once per day. These simple yet effective habits will protect both your filling and surrounding teeth from future decay.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Skip chewing ice or hard objects, and stay away from sticky foods that could compromise your restoration. Athletes should always wear a properly fitted mouthguard during sports to protect their dental work.
Schedule Your Follow-Up
Regular dental check-ups at our Hamilton and Columbus offices help ensure your filling remains secure and functional. Contact us immediately if you experience any discomfort or concerns with your new restoration.