Dental fillings repair areas of a tooth that have been damaged by decay or minor fractures. Removing the damaged portion of the tooth and replacing it with a filling restores its shape and function while helping prevent the damage from progressing.
At Power Road Dental Care in Mesa, Dr. Tyler N. Davis uses tooth-colored composite fillings that can be closely matched to your natural teeth. We use high-quality bonding systems and composite materials to provide durable, natural-looking restorations while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
Request An AppointmentRestoring Teeth With Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material that bonds directly to the tooth. Unlike silver-colored amalgam fillings, composite can be matched to the surrounding enamel, making the restoration much less noticeable when you smile or speak.
Composite can also be placed conservatively because the material bonds to the remaining tooth structure. This allows us to remove the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth while preserving healthy enamel and dentin whenever possible.
Repairing Tooth Decay and Damage
Dental fillings are used to repair small to moderate areas of tooth decay or damage. The filling replaces the portion of the tooth that has been lost or removed, restoring the tooth so it can function normally again.
Composite fillings can be used to repair:
- Cavities caused by tooth decay
- Small chips or fractures
- Minor areas of tooth wear
- Older fillings that are worn, damaged, or no longer sealing properly
A filling is appropriate when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration. If decay or damage affects a larger portion of the tooth, an inlay, onlay, or dental crown may be needed to provide additional strength and protection.
The Dental Filling Process
Most composite fillings can be completed in a single appointment. The exact process depends on the tooth and the amount of decay or damage that needs to be repaired.
During your appointment:
- The tooth is examined and the area is numbed
- Decayed or damaged tooth structure is carefully removed
- The tooth is cleaned and prepared for the filling
- The bonding system and composite material are applied
- The composite is hardened with a curing light
- The filling is shaped and polished
- Your bite is checked and adjusted as needed
Once the filling is complete, the restored tooth should feel comfortable when you bite and blend naturally with the surrounding teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Filling
Composite fillings do not require special maintenance. Good daily oral hygiene helps protect both the restoration and the natural tooth around it.
To care for your filling:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or use another interdental cleaner daily
- Avoid chewing ice and other extremely hard objects
- Wear a nightguard if recommended for teeth grinding
- Attend regular dental exams and professional cleanings
Regular dental exams also allow us to check existing fillings for signs of wear, cracks, or changes around the edges of the restoration.
Mesa Dentist Serving the East Valley
At Power Road Dental Care, we restore teeth with composite fillings that are designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and preserve healthy tooth structure. Whether you have a cavity, a small chip or fracture, or an older filling that needs to be replaced, Dr. Davis will recommend the treatment that best protects your tooth and supports your long-term oral health.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 S Power Rd STE 102, Mesa, AZ 85209.
Book An AppointmentSummary
- Composite fillings repair cavities, small chips, fractures, and other minor tooth damage.Tooth-colored composite resin blends naturally with the surrounding teeth.
- Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, helping preserve healthy tooth structure.Most fillings can be completed in a single appointment.
- Good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help protect both the filling and the natural tooth.
- Power Road Dental Care provides composite dental fillings in Mesa, AZ, and serves patients throughout the Phoenix East Valley.
FAQs About Dental Fillings
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings can last for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Their lifespan depends on factors such as the size and location of the filling, your bite, teeth grinding, diet, and daily oral hygiene.
How long after a filling can I eat?
Composite fillings harden during the appointment, so the filling itself does not require hours to set. However, you should wait until the numbness has worn off before chewing so you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue.
Is it normal for a tooth to be sensitive after a filling?
Some temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur after a dental filling. This usually improves as the tooth settles, but contact us if sensitivity is severe, continues to worsen, or does not improve.
Should I replace amalgam fillings with composite fillings?
Not necessarily. Amalgam fillings that are intact and functioning well do not always need to be replaced. If an older filling is worn, cracked, loose, or no longer sealing properly, we can evaluate the tooth and determine whether replacing it with a tooth-colored composite filling is appropriate.
Where can I get dental fillings in Phoenix East Valley?
Power Road Dental Care provides tooth-colored composite fillings and other restorative dental treatments for patients in Mesa and throughout the Phoenix East Valley. We are always accepting new patients! Call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 S Power Rd STE 102, Mesa, AZ 85209.