Restorative Dentistry
Dental Fillings
Restore Your Smile with Natural-Looking Dental Fillings
At Dr. Samuel Cho, Family Dentistry, we understand that a healthy smile is a confident smile. That’s why we offer tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring your oral health and enhancing your smile’s beauty.
Whether you need a cracked or chipped tooth repaired or your root canal procedure is around the corner, tooth-colored fillings offer a discreet way to restore your smile. Rest assured, you’re in great hands.
If you have a cavity or an old filling that needs attention, call our gentle team at 425-432-2299 to schedule an appointment.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. We remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill the space with a restorative material. This helps to prevent further decay and restore the function and appearance of your tooth.
Types of Dental Fillings
- Composite Fillings: These fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin material that blends naturally with your smile. Your restored tooth will look and feel completely natural, and you will never know the difference! They are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and can be used on both front and back teeth. Dr. Cho recommends composite fillings for most patients unless you have a preference or a specific need.
- Amalgam Fillings: Also known as silver fillings, amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. They are a durable and cost-effective option, often used for fillings in the back teeth. With their safety approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), they’re the traditional safe option for the more budget-conscious.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings have become a staple for restoring natural teeth in recent years, and it’s clear to see why:
- Natural Appearance: They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, matching the color perfectly and making them virtually invisible.
- Durability: Modern composite resins are strong and durable, capable of withstanding the forces of chewing. You can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about a filling coming loose.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Less natural tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings, making tooth-colored fillings the more minimally-invasive option.
- Versatility: Tooth-colored fillings can be used to repair teeth in any area of your mouth, providing strength and reinforcement where needed!
Amalgam Fillings: A Traditional Option
Amalgam fillings are a safe, tried-and-trusted, and effective option for restoring chipped or broken teeth. They’re known for their durability and longevity with proper care, and often last 10 to 15 years. While they are typically used for back teeth due to their silver color, they’re a great choice for patients seeking a cost-effective solution to dental fillings.
Why Choose Dr. Cho for Your Dental Fillings?
Dr. Cho and our experienced team are passionate about comfortable dentistry and ensuring our patients look and feel their best. We can’t wait to meet you and walk your smile journey with you for life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most fillings are done in a single visit. Dr. Cho numbs the tooth and removes the decay before placing the filling, and a tooth-colored filling is built up in layers and shaped to match your bite. Larger fillings, or several in one visit, take longer. When you book, our team can tell you how much time to plan for.
Dr. Cho places both, but he recommends tooth-colored composite fillings for most patients unless you have a preference or a specific need. Composite bonds to your tooth and can be shade-matched to your natural color, so it blends in, and it sometimes means removing less healthy tooth. Silver amalgam is still a durable option, and Dr. Cho will explain which fits your tooth best.
Tooth-colored composite fillings last at least five years, and silver amalgam fillings often last 10 to 15 years. How long yours lasts depends on its size and your daily habits, including grinding or chewing ice. We check your fillings at every checkup and let you know when one starts to wear, so it can be refreshed before the tooth underneath is at risk.
Without insurance, the cost depends mainly on the size of the filling and the material you choose, since composite can cost more than silver amalgam. Dr. Cho explains your options and what each costs before he starts. If you do have dental coverage, we’re in-network with Delta Dental, MetLife and other plans, and our financial options page lists them all.
Love Your Seamless Smile
If you have questions about dental fillings or are experiencing tooth pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today. We’d love to get to know you, discuss your options, hear any concerns you may have, and recommend the best filling material for your needs!
