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2529 West Emory Road
Powell, TN 37849
New Patients: (865) 876-7050
Existing Patients: (865) 947-2220
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When a tooth has been weakened by decay or minor injury, a dental filling rebuilds the damaged area so the tooth can function normally and remain healthy. A filling replaces lost tooth structure, seals the treated site against bacteria, and helps preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Fillings are among the most common dental procedures because cavities and small fractures are frequent across all age groups. The goal is not only to relieve discomfort but also to restore chewing ability and prevent further breakdown that could lead to more involved treatment.
At Kennedy Dentistry, we emphasize careful diagnosis and conservative preparation so that each restoration is precisely shaped and sealed. We combine clinical experience with modern materials so your repaired tooth looks natural and performs reliably for years.
Efforts to repair teeth go back millennia, but contemporary restorative dentistry relies on a much broader toolbox than earlier eras. Early people used organic and metallic substances to plug cavities; today’s options focus on safety, durability, and appearance.
Over the past century dentistry shifted from metal-dominated restorations to a diverse set of tooth-colored materials and high-strength ceramics. These newer materials allow clinicians to match the tooth's shade and contours while minimizing the amount of tooth structure that must be removed to place the restoration.
Every smile is different, and selecting a filling requires balancing strength, longevity, appearance, and the location of the tooth. Our approach is patient-centered: we explain the benefits and trade-offs of each material, discuss what to expect during treatment, and recommend the option that best aligns with your goals.
Modern dentistry offers several reliable filling materials, each with distinct strengths. The choice depends on where the filling will be placed, how much tooth structure remains, and whether appearance is a primary concern. Clinicians combine material science with careful technique to ensure a strong, long-lasting result.
Some materials are placed directly in the mouth during a single visit, while others are crafted outside the mouth and bonded into place. Understanding the differences helps you make an informed choice with your dental team.
Composite fillings are made from resin blended with fine fillers to create a strong, aesthetically pleasing restoration. Available in multiple shades, composites are designed to blend with the surrounding tooth so the repair is discreet.
These materials bond to tooth structure, which can reinforce the treated area and often allows for more conservative preparation. Composites are versatile and are also used for cosmetic bonding to correct minor shape or color concerns.
Amalgam has a long clinical history as a durable, wear‑resistant material for back teeth. While it does not match the natural tooth color, it remains a strong option in situations where resilience is the primary requirement.
Glass ionomer cements chemically bond to tooth surfaces and release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth after treatment. Because they are less wear‑resistant than other materials, they are often used in pediatric dentistry or for small restorations near the gumline.
Ceramic inlays, onlays, and similar indirect restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory and then bonded into the tooth. These restorations offer superior stain resistance and long-term aesthetics, making them a popular choice when appearance and durability are equally important.
Gold and other high-quality metal restorations are less common today but remain an excellent option for certain clinical situations. Metals can provide exceptional longevity and are well tolerated by surrounding tissues when used with precise technique.
Treatment begins with a careful evaluation: visual exam, digital radiographs when indicated, and the use of advanced detection tools to locate decay early. Early detection allows for smaller, more conservative restorations and helps limit future complications.
Once a decision for treatment is made, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed using precise instruments such as handpieces, air abrasion, or laser technologies when appropriate. The focus is on removing only diseased tissue while preserving healthy tooth structure.
After decay is removed, the prepared cavity is shaped to retain the chosen filling material. For direct materials like composites and glass ionomers, the restoration is placed and finished during the same visit. For indirect options such as ceramic inlays, an impression is taken and a temporary restoration may be used until the final piece is cemented in place.
Local anesthesia is typically used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Our team takes steps to minimize discomfort and to keep you informed throughout treatment, so you understand each phase of the process.
Recovery after a filling is usually straightforward. It is common to experience mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days while the tooth adjusts. This sensitivity typically resolves on its own; if it persists or becomes more intense, your dentist should evaluate the tooth.
Until any local anesthetic wears off, take care when eating or drinking to avoid accidentally biting soft tissues. Once normal sensation returns, you can resume regular oral hygiene practices—brushing twice daily and flossing—to protect both the restored tooth and the surrounding dentition.
Over time any filling may show signs of wear or develop marginal staining. Routine dental checkups allow the dental team to monitor restorations and recommend maintenance or replacement when clinically necessary to protect overall oral health.
If you have concerns about how a restoration feels or performs, contact our office so the restoration can be examined and adjusted if needed. Small bite adjustments or polishing can often improve comfort quickly.
Dental fillings are a conservative, effective way to treat decay and preserve natural teeth. With modern materials and careful technique, a restored tooth can provide comfortable function and a natural appearance for many years.
If you’d like to learn more about fillings and which option might be best for your smile, please contact Kennedy Dentistry for more information. Our team can explain the choices available and help you determine the right plan for your oral health.
If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.
Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.
Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.
We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.
Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.
Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.
A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.
The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile to help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.
Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of Kennedy Dentistry, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
