Doctor Corey Bickler Talks About Tooth Fillings
Tooth Fillings
Get Repairs That Blend In
Visit Us for Metal-Free Tooth Fillings in Salem, OR
Don't let a cavity affect your daily life. Whether you're experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold or an ache that won't go away, our tooth fillings in Salem will restore your comfort. Dr. Bickler uses composite materials that blend into your teeth rather than standing out as amalgam does. You don't have to worry about dark spots on your teeth showing up when you talk or laugh. You'll be able to bite and chew comfortably almost immediately after your appointment, and your results will last for years with proper care.
Choose a Filling That Blends With Your Smile
Repairing a cavity doesn't have to leave a noticeable silver spot behind. At Bickler Dentistry, we use tooth-colored composite resin for dental fillings. Composite is a blend of resin materials designed for dental restoration.
Dr. Bickler selects a shade that closely matches your natural enamel before placing it into the prepared tooth. Our tooth fillings in Salem look realistic and give you back a healthy, strong tooth.
Stop Decay From Spreading
Cavities can continue to grow when left untreated. Removing the infected area helps stop active decay before it harms more of your tooth.
Preserve Your Tooth
Whether you have a cavity or minor damage, timely treatment can save your tooth from further problems.
Avoid Extensive Treatment
A cavity or damage that becomes a bigger problem may eventually require a crown, root canal, or other restoration. Treating it earlier allows us to use a more conservative solution.
Restore Comfortable Chewing
Decay and damage can make certain foods uncomfortable to bite or chew. A filling rebuilds the area so your tooth can return to normal everyday function.
Keep Your Smile Metal-Free
Our composite fillings don't contain metal. The tooth-colored material provides a discreet alternative to traditional silver-colored restorations.
Protect Your Long-Term Function
Keeping teeth healthy enough to chew comfortably supports your ability to enjoy a varied diet. Addressing decay is one way to maintain that function as you age.
Common Questions About Tooth Fillings
Q What are tooth-colored fillings made of?
Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, a blend of ceramic and plastic materials that closely match the color of natural teeth. Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite fillings contain no mercury. It's a preferred option for many patients who want a metal-free alternative.
Q Are composite fillings safe?
Yes, composite fillings are considered a safe restorative option for most patients. They contain no metal or mercury, addressing a common concern some patients have with traditional amalgam fillings. Both composite and amalgam fillings are approved by dental regulatory organizations. However, composite offers a more natural appearance.
Q How long do composite tooth fillings last?
A composite filling typically lasts between five and 10 years, depending on its location in the mouth and how well it's cared for. No filling is designed to last a lifetime, so regular checkups help your dentist monitor its condition and address any wear before it becomes a bigger issue.
Q Is getting a tooth filling painful?
No, getting a filling is not painful. The area is numbed with local anesthesia before any work begins, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. Sedation options are also available for patients who feel anxious about the appointment.
Q How do I know if I need a filling?
Common signs that you may need a filling include tooth sensitivity, visible discoloration or pitting, or a lingering ache in a tooth. In many cases, a cavity is caught during a routine exam before it causes any noticeable symptoms.
Q Can I eat right after getting a filling?
You can typically bite and chew with the treated tooth almost right away. Composite fillings harden immediately under the ultraviolet curing light. However, if the area is still numb from anesthesia, it's best to wait until the numbness wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Q Will my composite filling be noticeable?
No, composite fillings are designed to be virtually undetectable. Your dentist selects a composite shade that closely matches your natural tooth color, so the repaired area blends in with the rest of your smile.
Q Can old metal fillings be replaced with tooth-colored ones?
Many patients choose to replace older metal fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings for a more natural appearance or to avoid metal materials. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of an existing filling and discuss whether replacement makes sense.
