1933 Franciscan Way, West Chicago, IL 60185
When a tooth develops decay or sustains damage, the goal is simple: preserve as much healthy structure as possible while restoring strength and function. Dental fillings accomplish this by replacing the portion of the tooth that has been lost to cavities or minor fractures. A well-placed filling stops decay from progressing, seals the tooth against bacteria, and helps maintain comfortable chewing and clear speech.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions affecting people of all ages. Because cavities are so widespread, filling procedures are among the most frequently performed dental treatments. That frequency has driven steady improvements in materials and techniques, giving patients more comfortable and longer-lasting outcomes than ever before.
Our approach focuses on conservative restoration — removing only what is necessary and rebuilding the tooth with a material chosen to match the clinical needs and cosmetic goals of the patient. The office of West Chicago Smiles combines modern diagnostic tools with careful technique to deliver fillings that are both functional and visually pleasing for years to come.
The practice of repairing teeth dates back millennia, when early human societies used a variety of natural substances and crude tools to manage dental damage. Over time, metallic alloys such as gold and later dental amalgam became common because of their resilience and relative ease of placement. These materials set the foundation for systematic restorative care.
In recent decades the field has shifted toward tooth-colored, biocompatible alternatives. Advances in resin chemistry, ceramics, and adhesive dentistry have expanded the options available to patients and providers. Today’s choices prioritize not only durability but also appearance, allowing restorations to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth.
Every filling begins with a thorough evaluation: visual exam, targeted X-rays when needed, and a discussion about symptoms and goals. We consider the size and location of the lesion, your bite, existing restorations, and aesthetic preferences before recommending a material. This individualized planning helps ensure that each filling supports long-term oral health.
Treatment is carried out with patient comfort in mind. Local anesthesia is used routinely so that the procedure is pain-free, and our team explains each step to reduce anxiety. For patients who require additional calm, we offer options in sedation dentistry and tailored support to make the appointment manageable.
There is no single "best" filling material for every situation — each has strengths and limitations. Some materials excel in durability and are ideal for high-load areas like molars. Others deliver superior aesthetics and bond to the remaining tooth structure to provide additional support. Your dentist will explain the trade-offs and help you choose a solution that balances function, appearance, and longevity.
Material selection depends on factors such as the extent of decay, the location of the tooth, your bite pattern, and whether you prefer a restoration that is visible when you smile. Advances in adhesive techniques have also changed the game by allowing more conservative preparations and stronger bonds between the filling and tooth.
Composite fillings are made from a mixture of resin and glass fillers and are available in a range of natural shades. They bond directly to the tooth, which can reinforce weakened areas and often requires removing less healthy tooth material than traditional methods. Composites are the preferred choice when cosmetic matching is important, such as on front teeth or visible areas.
While composites are versatile and esthetic, they are subject to gradual wear and may need replacement in time, especially in very large restorations or in patients with heavy bite forces. Proper care and monitoring can extend their service life significantly.
Amalgam restorations are known for their strength and durability, making them a reliable option for posterior teeth that endure significant chewing forces. They have a long track record of performance and are less likely to fracture under heavy loads.
Because amalgam is metallic and visually noticeable, many adults now opt for tooth-colored alternatives when aesthetics are a priority. Amalgam remains a clinically valid choice, particularly where longevity and resistance to wear are the main concerns.
Glass ionomers bond chemically to tooth structure and release fluoride over time, which can help protect a vulnerable tooth from further decay. These materials are commonly used for small restorations near the gumline, for pediatric patients, and as temporary or transitional restorations.
They are generally less wear-resistant than composites and ceramics, so their use is often limited to specific clinical situations where fluoride release and gentle adhesion are advantageous.
Ceramic restorations are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded into place, combining excellent wear resistance with superior esthetics. Inlays and onlays are conservative alternatives to full crowns when substantial tooth structure remains but a direct filling would not provide adequate strength.
These indirect restorations are highly stain-resistant and can last many years when properly cared for. Because they are custom-made, they typically require two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions and another to cement the finished piece.
Gold is less commonly used today but remains a durable and biocompatible option. Gold restorations tolerate chewing forces exceptionally well and have a long history of clinical success. They are often chosen when longevity and tissue compatibility are priorities.
Because gold is a visible metal, patient preference for aesthetics usually determines whether it is considered for a given tooth.
Treating a cavity starts with a careful assessment and a clear treatment plan. Once you and your provider agree on the recommended course, the appointment focuses on removing decay, preparing the tooth, and placing the chosen restoration. The process is efficient and designed to preserve healthy tissue while restoring function.
Most filling appointments are completed in about an hour, although larger cavities or indirect restorations like inlays and onlays may require more time or multiple visits. Local anesthesia is used to eliminate discomfort during the procedure, and the team continuously monitors your comfort throughout treatment.
Decay can be removed with traditional rotary instruments, or in appropriate cases, with air abrasion or laser technology. After the cavity is cleaned and shaped, the selected material is placed and adjusted to fit your bite. For larger defects a temporary filling may be used while an indirect restoration is fabricated.
After placement, the dentist checks your bite and makes precise adjustments so the restoration feels natural. We also review post-operative care and signs to watch for, as well as scheduling follow-up checks to ensure the restoration is functioning as intended.
At our practice we recognize that dental visits can provoke anxiety for some patients. We aim to create a calm, respectful environment and will discuss options that may help you relax during treatment, including different levels of sedation when appropriate.
Immediately following a filling, it is common to experience temporary numbness from local anesthesia. Take care not to chew or bite until normal sensation returns to avoid accidental injury to your lips, cheeks, or tongue. Warm beverages and foods should also be approached cautiously while sensation remains altered.
Mild sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for a few days after a restoration as the tooth adjusts. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and gentle flossing helps promote healing and prevents new cavities. If sensitivity persists or worsens beyond a reasonable recovery period, contact the office so your dentist can evaluate the restoration and underlying tooth.
With consistent oral hygiene and routine dental visits, many modern fillings will serve you well for years. Still, restorations can wear, chip, or detach over time — especially in patients with heavy bite forces or certain habits like grinding. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of issues and timely maintenance when needed.
If you notice persistent discomfort, a change in the way the tooth feels when you bite, or visible damage to the filling, please reach out to our office promptly so we can assess the situation and recommend appropriate care.
In summary, dental fillings are a fundamental tool for stopping decay, restoring tooth structure, and preserving your smile. If you have questions about which materials or techniques are best for your situation, or if you are experiencing symptoms that might indicate a cavity, please contact us for more information and to arrange an evaluation.
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 West Chicago Smiles, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
