Your Trusted Dental Fillings Expert
If you’ve ever felt a sharp twinge when biting into something sweet or cold, your tooth may be trying to tell you something. At Gentle Dental, we offer dental fillings as a fast, effective way to stop tooth decay in its tracks and restore your smile’s function and strength at our locations in Topsham ME and in Biddeford ME. As many of us know, teeth fillings are a common practice in dentistry because they are one of the most effective ways to fix a decayed tooth or a cavity. It’s important to make sure each and every one of your teeth is cavity-free because they are all essential to your overall oral health, and can lead to bigger problems later down the line if they aren’t fixed.
You don’t have to live with discomfort—or risk more serious dental issues down the road. Let’s walk through what fillings are, why they matter, and how we make the process easy and stress-free.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a routine process that our family dentists are able to make as painless as possible. The first step to a dental filling is ensuring that all the decayed part of the tooth is gone. The tooth will then be thoroughly cleaned before placing the filling material in the cavity. This material seals the tooth, preventing further decay by building a strong defense to ensure that your oral health can be maintained.
And the best part? Today’s filling materials are more advanced than ever, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth for a restoration that’s virtually invisible.
Why You Might Need a Dental Filling
Fillings are one of the most common dental treatments—and for good reason. They solve a range of problems, including:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Minor cracks or chips
- Worn-down enamel from grinding or acidic erosion
- Replacing or upgrading old fillings
If left untreated, even small cavities can grow into bigger issues that require more complex (and expensive) treatments like crowns, root canals, or extractions.
Types of Dental Fillings We Offer
There are a few options for tooth filling materials, each of which have different benefits. These include composite resin (or tooth colored) fillings, gold fillings, silver amalgam fillings, and porcelain fillings.
- Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
These resin-based fillings are popular for their natural appearance and durability. They bond directly to your tooth structure and are ideal for small to mid-sized cavities, especially in visible areas. Composite Resin Fillings are most commonly used, but usually last only 5 to 10 years. - Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Made from a mix of metals, amalgam fillings are known for their strength and longevity. While they’re more noticeable, they’re often used in back teeth where durability is the priority. Silver Amalgam Fillings usually last 10 to 15 years and are generally less expensive than gold and composite fillings, but can have a higher risk of cracking or fracturing the tooth. - Gold Fillings
Gold restorations are incredibly strong and long-lasting, often lasting 20 years or more. Though more expensive, they’re ideal for patients looking for maximum durability. - Porcelain Fillings (Inlays/Onlays)
Custom-made in a dental lab, porcelain fillings are a great option when more coverage is needed. They’re stain-resistant, natural-looking, and built to last. Porcelain Fillings last over 15 years, but can also be more expensive than alternative options.
We’ll help you choose the best material based on the location of the cavity, your bite pressure, aesthetic goals, and budget.
What to Expect During a Dental Filling Appointment
The dental filling process is quick, straightforward, and typically completed in just one visit. Here’s what happens:
- Examination & X-rays – We identify the affected tooth and assess the extent of decay.
- Numbing the Area – Local anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience.
- Decay Removal – We carefully clean out the decayed portion of the tooth.
- Filling Application – The chosen material is applied, shaped, and polished for a smooth, natural feel.
Most patients are surprised at just how easy and comfortable it is.
Key Benefits of Dental Fillings
Fillings do more than just patch up cavities—they actively protect and preserve your smile. Here’s what they bring to the table:
- Stops Decay – Prevents the spread of bacteria deeper into the tooth
- Restores Strength – Reinforces structure so you can bite and chew confidently
- Reduces Sensitivity – Seals off nerves from hot, cold, or sweet triggers
- Improves Appearance – Especially with tooth-colored fillings that blend right in
Are Dental Fillings Safe?
Absolutely. All the materials we use are safe and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and FDA. While amalgam fillings do contain trace amounts of mercury, decades of research confirm their safety for most patients. If you have sensitivities or prefer a mercury-free option, we’re happy to recommend composite or porcelain alternatives.
Caring for Your Fillings After Treatment
Like with all dental care, it is important to make sure you are caring for your fillings long after you leave the dentist’s office. The most important way to care for your fillings is to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes visiting your dentist every 6 months, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste, and flossing at least once per day. You should call your dentist if you suspect there may be a problem with your fillings, like if your tooth is suddenly extremely sensitive, you feel a sharp edge on the tooth, or you notice a crack in the filling.
Dental fillings are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way:
- Avoid hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours (especially with metal or temporary fillings)
- Brush and floss regularly to keep your mouth clean and cavity-free
- Schedule regular checkups so we can monitor your filling and overall dental health
- Let us know if you grind your teeth—a night guard can protect your restoration
Common Questions About Dental Fillings
Will the procedure hurt?
Not at all. We numb the area thoroughly before treatment. You might feel pressure or vibration, but not pain.How long does a filling take?
Most fillings take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location.How long do fillings last?
Fillings can last 10 to 20 years with good oral care—sometimes even longer for gold or porcelain restorations.Can I replace old metal fillings?
Yes. Many patients choose to replace old silver fillings with tooth-colored alternatives for a more natural look.When Should I Consider a Filling?
If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, pain while chewing, visible pits or dark spots, or were told during your last exam that a cavity is developing—it’s time to act. The sooner you treat decay, the simpler (and more affordable) it is to fix.
Schedule Your Appointment at Gentle Dental Today
At Gentle Dental, we’re here to make caring for your smile easy, effective, and stress-free in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME. Whether it’s your first filling or you're replacing an older one, you’re in great hands. Call us today to book your appointment and keep your smile strong for years to come.
