Composite dental fillings that look, feel, and hold up like the “real deal”

Athens Dental Group is proud to be your full-service office in northeast Georgia. We have the in-house expertise and capabilities to offer almost all the dental procedures you and your family will ever need. And, while our dentists, Drs. Drew Richardson, Brant Sandifer, and R. Lawrence George are leaders in advanced treatments (like implants); we practice conservative dentistry. 

Often, a simple filling or even hygiene modifications may be all that is necessary to restore a tooth with a smaller cavity or other early forms of damage back to health, function, and an attractive appearance. Plus, our fillings are made to last. Not only do they look like the “real thing,” but they are made from high-performance materials for utmost durability. With good care at home and routine care by our professionals, no further treatment to the filled tooth is typically necessary.

What exactly is a filling?

Fillings represent one of the most common treatments. They can be completed quickly in just one visit. The filling itself is designed to replace tooth structure lost due to decay, such as a cavity. Many materials may be used to make the filling. We use a dental composite, a plastic -glass particle mixture that can be perfectly matched to blend in with the color and appearance of the surrounding tooth and neighboring teeth. Our dentists use their skill to place the filling conservatively, as a pliable material that may be precisely shaped to “fill in” the cavity and damaged areas. Once the material has been appropriately applied, it is secured to the tooth. 

Am I a good candidate for a filling?

We won’t know what option is best for you until after we have a chance to look inside your mouth. Depending on what we find, no restorative treatment may be necessary. We can recommend oral care products and services like sealants and fluoride to strengthen weakened tooth structure. Simple fillings may be appropriate if you have a smaller cavity. Larger cavities may require greater “coverage,” as the filling must have sufficient tooth structure to hold on to. And in those cases, we can discuss alternatives to fillings like dental crowns, inlays and onlays.

How do you “fill” a cavity? 

We must first prepare the tooth itself. Any damaged tissue is removed. The tooth is also shaped to “accept” the filling material. All of this is done while the tooth is anesthetized locally. So you won’t feel anything. The composite is also placed and bonded in layers for the most conservative and precise technique. Our dentists can also make final adjustments and polish the tooth. It will look and feel indistinguishable from its untouched neighbors! 

Just be sure to maintain consistent good care at home and at least semi-annual visits as recommended by Drs. Richardson, Sandifer, or George, and your treated tooth will hold up great. Call (706) 666-4611 with more questions or to schedule an appointment. Athens Dental Group is privileged to serve Watkinsville, Athens, Winder, Bethlehem, Jefferson, Winterville, Madison, and greater Clarke and Oconee County residents in Georgia with comprehensive, quality, and caring dentistry.