When decay or minor damage weakens a tooth, a carefully placed filling rebuilds its shape and returns it to normal chewing function. Fillings stop decay from progressing, seal the vulnerable area, and restore the tooth so it can withstand everyday use.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic health conditions across age groups, so restorative treatments like fillings are a routine, essential part of modern dental care. Skilled placement preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible while reestablishing strength and comfort.
At Paulussen Dental, our approach combines conservative preparation with modern materials so restorations are durable and discreet. We prioritize clear explanations and gentle technique so patients understand what to expect and feel comfortable during treatment.
Humans have attempted to treat damaged teeth for millennia; archaeological remains show primitive restorative work going back thousands of years. Over time, materials and methods evolved from rudimentary fillings to the metal restorations commonly used in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The introduction of dental amalgam provided a long-lasting, inexpensive solution and remained widely used for decades. More recently, advances in dental science produced biocompatible, tooth-colored materials that bond to enamel and dentin and preserve more of the natural tooth form.
Today’s restorations emphasize aesthetics, biocompatibility, and minimally invasive preparation. Clinicians now choose materials based on location of the cavity, functional demands, and the patient’s cosmetic priorities rather than defaulting to a single option.
Not all fillings are the same. Materials differ in strength, longevity, appearance, and the way they bond to tooth structure. Understanding the practical strengths and limitations of each option helps you and your dentist choose an approach that meets your needs.
In many cases the decision balances durability and aesthetics. A posterior tooth that receives heavy chewing forces may require a tougher material, while a visible front tooth often benefits from a highly aesthetic restoration that blends with the surrounding enamel.
Below are common restorative choices and the situations where each excels. Your dentist will consider the location of the cavity, the extent of the damage, and your long-term oral health goals when recommending a material.
Composite resins are made of a durable plastic matrix filled with finely ground glass particles. Available in a wide range of shades, composites create natural-looking results and are often the preferred choice for visible areas of the smile.
Because composite bonds directly to enamel and dentin, it can sometimes be placed with less removal of healthy tooth structure than traditional metal fillings. Composites are versatile: they can repair chips, close small gaps, and restore decayed areas with a cosmetic finish. They may be more susceptible to staining and gradual wear than some indirect restorations, so careful maintenance helps extend their service life.
Amalgam has a decades-long track record for strength and longevity, especially in back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. It is a pragmatic option when durability is the primary concern.
Because amalgam does not bond to tooth structure in the same way as modern adhesives, more tooth preparation is sometimes required to secure the restoration. For certain clinical situations, however, its proven resilience remains an advantage.
Glass ionomer materials bond chemically to the tooth and gradually release fluoride, which can help protect the treated site from future decay. These properties make them useful for pediatric applications, restorations near the gumline, and temporary repairs.
They are generally less wear-resistant than composites and ceramics, so clinicians select them when protection and chemical benefits outweigh the need for maximum strength.
Ceramic restorations are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded into place. They provide excellent aesthetics, are highly resistant to staining, and can withstand normal chewing when designed correctly.
Because they are made from dense porcelain or ceramic materials, these indirect restorations are often chosen for larger cavities where a direct filling might not provide sufficient structural support over time.
Gold alloys offer exceptional durability and biocompatibility and perform well when strength and longevity are priorities. While less common today due to aesthetic trends and cost, gold remains a highly effective restorative material in certain cases.
These restorations are crafted in a dental lab and cemented or bonded in place, providing a stable solution that can last many years when properly cared for.
Your dentist begins with a clinical exam and, when appropriate, X-rays to locate decay and determine its depth. The treatment plan explains which teeth need attention and the recommended type of restoration based on function and appearance.
On the day of treatment, the area is numbed with local anesthesia so you remain comfortable. Decayed tissue is removed with precise instruments — commonly a dental handpiece (drill), air abrasion, or a dental laser — and the cavity is shaped to receive the chosen filling material.
Direct restorations such as composite or glass ionomer are placed in layers and cured to ensure solid bonding. For indirect restorations like ceramic inlays, an impression is taken and a temporary restoration may be used while the permanent piece is fabricated in a dental laboratory.
Finally, the dentist checks the restoration for fit and adjusts your bite so the filled tooth works smoothly with the rest of your smile. Proper finishing and polishing improve comfort and the long-term success of the restoration.
A filling is ideal for small to moderate cavities, but when decay is extensive or the tooth is fractured, other restorative options may be more appropriate. In those situations, the goal shifts to protecting the remaining tooth and restoring long-term function.
Options beyond a standard filling include onlays or crowns that cover more of the tooth’s surface, root canal therapy when decay reaches the nerve, and in some cases restorative replacement with an implant if the tooth cannot be saved. Your dentist will review these possibilities and help you understand the trade-offs of each approach.
Selecting the right path depends on the amount of healthy tooth remaining, the tooth’s location, chewing forces, and the patient’s overall oral health. A conservative approach that preserves natural structure is preferred whenever predictable, durable results can be achieved.
After a filling, most patients return to normal activity within hours. Because local anesthesia temporarily numbs the area, take care not to chew on the treated side until feeling returns to avoid accidental injury.
It is common to experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days as the tooth adjusts. Good oral hygiene — brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and keeping regular dental checkups — helps the restoration last and reduces the risk of new decay at the margins.
If you notice persistent pain, a change in bite, cracks in the filling, or increased sensitivity lasting more than a week, contact the dental office. Early reassessment allows minor issues to be resolved before they require more extensive treatment.
Protect the treated area while numb
Take care with hot foods and avoid chewing until sensation has returned to prevent accidental injury to lips or tongue.
Allow the restoration to settle
Your bite might feel slightly different for a short time; minor adjustments can be made if the restoration interferes with normal chewing.
Expect short-term sensitivity
Some teeth react temporarily to temperature changes. Sensitivity usually subsides within days; prolonged or worsening pain warrants a clinical review.
Maintain regular care
With conscientious oral hygiene and routine dental visits, modern filling materials can provide many years of reliable service. Still, any restoration may eventually need repair or replacement depending on wear or new issues.
We are committed to answering questions about your restoration and helping you maintain a healthy smile. If anything about your new filling concerns you, please reach out to discuss next steps.
In summary, dental fillings are a versatile, effective way to repair teeth affected by decay or minor damage. Your treatment plan will be tailored to the condition of the tooth and your personal priorities, and our team will explain the reasons behind any recommended approach. Contact Paulussen Dental for more information about fillings and restorative options — we’re here to help you make informed decisions about 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 Paulussen Dental, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
Dental fillings are restorative materials placed into a tooth to repair damage from decay or minor fractures and to restore normal form and function. They stop decay from progressing, seal the vulnerable area, and allow the tooth to withstand everyday chewing forces. Fillings are a conservative first-line treatment intended to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
The choice to place a filling is based on the size and location of the cavity, the strength of the remaining tooth, and the patient’s aesthetic preferences. Early intervention with a filling can prevent more extensive procedures such as crowns or root canal therapy. Your dentist will explain why a filling is recommended and which material is most appropriate for your situation.
Common filling materials include composite (tooth-colored) resin, dental amalgam, glass ionomer cement, ceramic inlays or onlays, and gold alloys. Each option varies in appearance, strength, bonding ability, and wear resistance, so material selection balances durability with cosmetic needs and the tooth’s function.
Composite resins bond directly to enamel and dentin and are often chosen for visible teeth due to their natural appearance, while amalgam and metal alloys remain reliable for high-pressure areas like molars. Glass ionomer releases fluoride and can be useful for certain pediatric or subgingival situations, and ceramic or gold restorations are typically used when greater strength or longevity is required.
A filling appointment usually begins with a clinical exam and, when needed, X-rays to locate decay and determine its extent. The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia so you remain comfortable while the dentist removes decayed tissue and shapes the cavity to receive the restoration.
Direct fillings such as composite or glass ionomer are placed in layers and cured, then finished and polished to match the bite and appearance of the tooth. For larger defects requiring indirect restorations, an impression may be taken and a temporary placed while a laboratory-crafted inlay, onlay, or crown is made.
Most patients experience little to no pain during a filling because the area is anesthetized with local anesthesia, which numbs the tooth and surrounding tissues. Many modern techniques and instruments are designed to minimize pressure and vibration, and dentists explain each step to reduce anxiety and improve comfort.
After the anesthetic wears off, it is common to have mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days as the tooth adjusts and the surrounding tissues recover. If pain is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by swelling or fever, patients should contact the dental office for reassessment to rule out complications such as a high bite or pulp inflammation.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the size and location of the restoration, oral hygiene habits, and the amount of chewing stress the tooth endures. Composite fillings often last many years with proper care, while metal alloys and ceramic restorations can provide longer service in certain situations.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding extreme chewing forces on the restored tooth, and keeping regular dental checkups helps detect wear or marginal breakdown early. Prompt repair of small defects and replacement of compromised restorations can extend overall oral health and prevent more extensive treatment later on.
If decay is extensive, the tooth is fractured, or the remaining tooth structure cannot support a direct restoration, alternative treatments may be recommended. Options include onlays or crowns, which cover more of the tooth surface to provide added strength, or root canal therapy when decay reaches the dental pulp.
In cases where the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction followed by replacement with an implant or bridge may be discussed as a long-term solution. Your dentist will review the pros and cons of each approach and recommend the most conservative, durable option tailored to your oral health goals.
Pediatric patients and individuals with high caries risk require materials and strategies that account for cooperation, fluoride exposure, and future growth. Glass ionomer cements are often used in children because they bond chemically to tooth structure and release fluoride, which can help protect against recurrent decay.
Preventive measures such as topical fluoride, dental sealants, dietary guidance, and more frequent clinical recall can complement restorative treatment and reduce the need for repeated fillings. A personalized prevention and treatment plan helps protect developing teeth and manage overall risk.
After a filling, avoid chewing on the treated side until the local anesthetic fully wears off to prevent accidental biting of the lip or tongue. Expect minor sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days as the tooth settles; this is normal and typically resolves without intervention.
If your bite feels uneven or the restoration causes persistent discomfort beyond a week, return to the office for a quick adjustment or evaluation. Routine oral hygiene and regular dental visits will support the long-term success of the restoration.
Signs that a filling may require attention include new or worsening sensitivity, a visible crack or chip in the restoration, rough or sharp edges, and a change in how your bite feels. Recurrent decay at the margins of a filling can also develop without obvious symptoms, which is why regular clinical and radiographic exams are important.
Early detection allows conservatively repairing or replacing the restoration before more extensive treatment becomes necessary. If you notice any of these signs, contact the office promptly for assessment and recommendations.
At Paulussen Dental the focus is on conservative preparation, modern materials, and clear communication so patients understand the procedure and expected outcomes. The team emphasizes gentle technique and individualized recommendations to restore function while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
Patients are educated about material choices, preventive strategies, and follow-up care so they can make informed decisions about their restorations. The practice in Hackettstown offers routine restorative care as part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining long-term oral health.
