Fillings

Composite Dental Restorations in Nashville, TN

When a cavity forms, it is important to address it quickly to prevent possible tooth loss and other consequences. However, many patients don’t want a silver filling interfering with the appearance of their smile. Fortunately, we offer tooth-colored composite resin fillings at Dental Design Studios. The fillings blend in with the surrounding tooth and are not at all noticeable.

Dental fillings remain one of the most common and effective treatments for restoring teeth damaged by decay. At Dental Design Studios LLC, we understand that maintaining both the health and appearance of your smile is important to you. Our skilled dental team specializes in providing high-quality, tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while effectively treating cavities. Using composite resin technology, we can restore your teeth’s function and appearance without the noticeable metal fillings of the past.

Understanding Fillings

Fillings are dental restorations used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or minor fractures. When decay creates a cavity in your tooth, the affected area must be cleaned and filled to prevent further damage. Traditional fillings were made of silver amalgam, which while effective, created noticeable dark spots in your smile. Today’s modern tooth-colored fillings offer a superior alternative, providing excellent durability while maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth.

Composite resin fillings contain no metal but offer comparable strength to traditional amalgam fillings. Additionally, these tooth-colored fillings often require less drilling, allowing us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure during the restoration process.

Benefits of Fillings

Natural Appearance that Blends with Your Smile

One of the greatest advantages of tooth-colored fillings is their ability to match your natural tooth color. The composite resin can be precisely shade-matched to your surrounding teeth, making it virtually impossible to detect where your natural tooth ends and the filling begins. This aesthetic benefit allows you to smile, talk, and laugh with complete confidence, knowing your dental work remains your secret.

Preservation of More Healthy Tooth Structure

Unlike traditional metal fillings that often require removing additional healthy tooth structure for proper placement, composite fillings bond directly to your tooth. This adhesive quality means our dentists can preserve more of your natural tooth during preparation. The conservative approach not only strengthens your tooth but also maintains its structural integrity for years to come.

Mercury-Free and Environmentally Friendly

Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin that contains absolutely no mercury or other metals that have raised health concerns over the years. This makes them a safer option for your body and the environment. Many patients with metal sensitivities or those who prefer metal-free restorations appreciate this significant benefit of composite fillings.

Strengthens and Supports the Remaining Tooth

The composite material bonds directly to your tooth structure, essentially becoming part of the tooth itself. This bonding process helps reinforce and strengthen the remaining tooth, providing support to weakened areas and helping prevent fractures. The result is a restored tooth that functions naturally while being protected against further damage.

Quick, Single-Visit Procedure with Immediate Results

Getting a filling is a streamlined, efficient process that typically requires just one appointment. You’ll walk in with a cavity and leave with a fully restored tooth in the same visit. The composite material hardens immediately under a special curing light, allowing you to eat and drink shortly after your appointment with your newly restored tooth.

Our Fillings Process

Thorough Examination and Cavity Assessment

During your first visit, our dental team will perform a comprehensive examination using advanced diagnostic tools to identify any decay or damage requiring treatment. We’ll take the time to discuss our findings with you, explaining the extent of the cavity and answering any questions you might have about the filling process. This consultation ensures you feel informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.

Selecting your Custom Tooth-Colored Composite

Based on your specific needs, we’ll create a personalized treatment approach for your fillings. Our dentists will select the optimal composite shade to match your natural tooth color perfectly, ensuring an invisible restoration. We’ll discuss the procedure in detail, including any preparation needed and what you can expect during and after treatment.

Gentle Decay Removal and Preparation

The actual filling procedure begins with making you comfortable using local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Once you’re numb, our dentist will carefully remove the decayed portion of your tooth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. The prepared area is then thoroughly cleaned to remove any bacteria before the tooth-colored filling material is applied.

Precision Application of Your Composite Filling

After preparing the tooth, we’ll apply the composite resin in layers, carefully shaping it to restore your tooth’s natural form and function. Each layer is hardened with a special curing light to ensure durability. We meticulously contour the filling to match your tooth’s original shape and ensure it fits perfectly with your bite alignment.

Comfort Check and Bite Adjustment

We schedule a brief follow-up to ensure your filling is functioning properly and feels comfortable in your bite. This appointment allows us to make any minor adjustments if needed and gives you an opportunity to ask any questions that may have arisen since your procedure. Our commitment to your dental health extends well beyond the initial treatment.

Why Choose Us for Fillings

At Dental Design Studios LLC, we combine advanced dental techniques with artistic precision to deliver fillings that restore both function and beauty to your smile. Our dentists have extensive experience in conservative restoration methods that preserve your natural tooth structure while effectively treating decay. We use only the highest quality composite materials that offer exceptional longevity and esthetic results.

Dr. Andrew Kim and our entire team prioritize your comfort and satisfaction throughout the entire filling process. We take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly explain all procedures, and ensure you feel relaxed during treatment. Our patient-centered approach, combined with our technical expertise, makes us the trusted choice for dental fillings in Nashville.

Reclaim Your Healthy Smile Without Silver Spots

Don’t let tooth decay compromise your oral health or confidence. Our tooth-colored fillings provide a durable, natural-looking solution to protect and preserve your teeth. Dr. Andrew Kim and the team at Dental Design Studios LLC are ready to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Follow us on Facebook for oral health tips and schedule your appointment today by calling our office at 615-432-2388.

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FAQs

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling is a restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, cleaning the affected area, and filling the cleaned-out cavity with a durable material. Modern tooth-colored fillings use composite resin that bonds directly to your tooth and matches your natural tooth color.

How long does numbness last after dental filling?

The numbness from local anesthesia typically lasts between 1-3 hours after your filling procedure is completed. The exact duration varies based on the type of anesthesia used and your individual metabolism. You may experience tingling or unusual sensation as the numbness gradually wears off, which is completely normal.

How long do dental fillings last?

Tooth-colored composite fillings generally last between 5-10 years with proper care and maintenance. The longevity of your filling depends on several factors including oral hygiene practices, biting forces, and the location of the filling in your mouth. Regular dental check-ups help us monitor your fillings and address any issues before they require complete replacement.

How long after a dental filling can I eat?

You can eat immediately after receiving a composite filling since the material hardens instantly under our special curing light. However, we recommend waiting until the numbness wears off completely to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sticky foods for the first 24 hours to ensure optimal comfort.

What does a dental filling look like?

Modern tooth-colored fillings are virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth structure. The composite resin material is carefully shade-matched to your existing teeth, creating a seamless restoration. Unlike metal fillings that create dark spots in your smile, composite fillings blend perfectly with your tooth, making them completely unnoticeable to others.

Does a dental filling hurt?

The filling procedure itself is painless thanks to effective local anesthesia that numbs the area being treated. You may experience some pressure or vibration sensations during the procedure, but no pain. After the anesthesia wears off, some patients may experience mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days, which typically resolves quickly on its own.