If tooth decay or a cracked tooth is causing you pain or sensitivity, dental fillings may be the perfect way to protect your smile and restore comfort. At TruSmile Now — Ahwatukee, we use advanced techniques and high-quality filling materials to repair cavities and minor damage with precision.
A filling is a resin material placed where decay or damage removed tooth structure. The material
bonds to your tooth, seals out bacteria, and restores shape and function. We’ll choose the
material based on the tooth’s location, size of the cavity, moisture control, and your goals.
Choosing the right filling material depends on factors like the tooth’s location, your bite pressure, cosmetic preferences, and budget. At TruSmile Now — Ahwatukee, we offer several options tailored to your unique needs:
A leading choice for natural-looking restorations, composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with your enamel. They bond directly to your tooth, strengthening its structure while preserving more of your natural tooth. Though highly durable, composite resin may require replacement after several years due to daily wear.
Amalgam fillings have been trusted for decades for their strength and cost-effectiveness. These silver-colored restorations are ideal for back teeth, where durability matters more than appearance. While they’re more visible than tooth-colored options, amalgam fillings are safe, long-lasting, and capable of withstanding heavy chewing forces.
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride gradually, helping protect your teeth from future decay. They bond chemically to your tooth surface and are often used in areas with minimal biting force—such as near the gumline or for children’s teeth. Though not as strong as composite or metal fillings, they provide a preventive benefit against cavities.
For teeth with moderate damage that don’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer an excellent middle-ground solution. Crafted from porcelain, composite resin, or gold alloys, these restorations are precision-made—either in a dental lab or using advanced in-office technology—to restore the tooth’s shape and strength.
Each option at TruSmile Now — Ahwatukee is carefully chosen to ensure long-term comfort, natural aesthetics, and lasting protection for your smile.
A dental filling is a simple restorative treatment used to repair teeth affected by decay, small cracks, or minor damage. It seals off the cavity to stop bacteria from spreading, restores tooth function, and prevents the need for more extensive procedures later on.
At TruSmile Now — Ahwatukee, we offer a range of filling materials including tooth-colored composite resin, silver amalgam, glass ionomer, and porcelain inlays or onlays. The best choice depends on your needs—whether you prioritize durability, aesthetics, or cost.
Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin that blends naturally with your enamel—ideal for visible areas of your smile. Amalgam fillings are silver-toned, extremely strong, and long-lasting, making them perfect for molars that handle heavy chewing.
If your tooth has extensive decay or structural damage, a dental crown might be a better solution. During your exam, we’ll assess the tooth and determine whether a filling is sufficient or if additional protection—like a crown or onlay—is needed to ensure lasting stability.
After numbing the area, your dentist removes any decay and cleans the tooth. The chosen filling material is then placed, shaped, and polished to match your bite. The process is quick and typically completed in a single visit, leaving your tooth restored and pain-free.
Not at all. With gentle local anesthesia and advanced techniques, most patients experience little to no discomfort. Some mild sensitivity is normal afterward, but it usually fades within a few days.
Depending on the material and your oral hygiene, fillings generally last between 5 and 15 years. Regular checkups and good home care help extend their lifespan and prevent new decay around the edges.
Yes, if the break is small. For deeper cracks or larger fractures, your dentist may recommend a crown or other restoration to ensure full strength and protection.
Old fillings can occasionally leak or wear down, allowing new decay to form underneath. In that case, we remove the existing material, clean the area thoroughly, and replace it with a new filling to restore protection and prevent further issues.
Keep up with daily brushing and flossing, visit TruSmile Now — Ahwatukee regularly, and avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens. Proper care helps your fillings last for many years and keeps your smile strong and healthy.
