Do you have old dark fillings that make your smile look bad and cause toothaches? Do you have painful cavities that need to be filled? We offer white fillings that can instantly give you a makeover and improve your oral health at Coastal General Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA.
Fillings are a simple general dental service that we provide for patients with cavities and tooth decay. By getting a filling, you can avoid a root canal and potentially losing a tooth. Bacteria break down tooth enamel and create holes in your teeth. Untreated cavities can lead to more serious problems, such as tooth pulp infections.
Instead of waiting until the pain gets unbearable, come see us in Virginia Beach for a dental cleaning. We offer quick and easy tooth-colored fillings.
100% Mercury-Free, Metal-Free Fillings
Old silver amalgam fillings contain mercury, a substance that many health-conscious patients prefer to avoid. At Coastal General Dentistry, we use only mercury-free, metal-free composite fillings.
Our tooth-colored fillings not only look natural but also bond directly to your tooth, strengthening it rather than just filling a hole. You get a healthier, more beautiful result without the worry of metal in your mouth.
Why Trust Coastal General Dentistry for Your Filling?
- Dr. Cappy Sinclair is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). It’s a distinction held by fewer than 1% of dentists nationwide. He is also Dawson Academy trained, bringing advanced expertise in functional and cosmetic dentistry.
- Dr. Mark Reichley is an Ivy League-trained dentist (University of Pennsylvania), a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology (FICOI), and a former U.S. Navy dental officer. Patients call him “The Painless Dentist” for his gentle, comfortable approach.
- Both doctors use gentle techniques and offer sedation for anxious patients. Most patients tell us they barely felt a thing.
- Same-day appointments available for tooth pain and cavities. Call us at 757-216-9914, and we’ll get you in quickly.
Tooth-colored Fillings in Virginia Beach, VA
White dental fillings are a great option for fixing cavities and come with plenty of perks. One big benefit is how long they last. They will give you a durable solution for your dental needs. Here’s why composite resin fillings are the best choice:
- Boost Appearance While Protecting Your Tooth: White fillings seal out tooth decay while blending in with your teeth. They restore your tooth’s appearance and keep your smile looking great.
- Strengthen and Protect Against Breakage: Fillings restore your tooth’s natural shape. It will be stronger after the repair and less likely to break. They also help prevent further damage from decay.
- Increase Comfort and Improve Function: Cavities can make teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. A filling helps eliminate that discomfort, so eating and drinking feel normal again.
- A Simple, Less Invasive Fix: Fillings are a quicker, more conservative treatment than crowns or root canals. They preserve more of your tooth and get you back to normal faster.
If you’re dealing with tooth pain, sensitivity, or think you might have a cavity, give us a call. We can also replace old metal or damaged fillings to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dentists can use several types of dental fillings to restore and repair your teeth. The choice of filling compound depends on some factors. Factors such as the location and extent of the decay, aesthetic preferences, and your budget can affect the outcome. The following are the different types of dental fillings dentists can use to repair cavities and protect your teeth.
- Gold: Cast gold fillings are a durable option for patients. Dentists typically place gold fillings on the back molars. However, gold dental fillings don’t match the rest of the teeth.
- Silver Metal: Like gold fillings, silver amalgam fillings protect the back molars. Although silver metal fillings are less costly than other options, the color doesn’t match tooth enamel. Metal fillings can also contain mercury, a substance that is toxic when ingested in large amounts.
- Composite: These dental fillings can repair cavities and also cracked or damaged teeth. We can color-match composite dental fillings to the rest of your teeth.
- Porcelain: Made of porcelain, these fillings can last over 15 years with proper care. Like composite fillings, porcelain fillings blend in with the shade of your teeth.
Dental Fillings Treatment Process
Prior to treatment, Dr. Sinclair will examine your teeth, and our dental hygienist will clean them. Teeth cleanings and routine dental care are important steps because they remove plaque and tartar that cause cavities. Then, he will apply a local anesthetic to your affected tooth.
You can ask for dental sedation to help you feel less anxious during the dental filling procedure. Typically, patients need fillings after a root canal procedure. A root canal procedure removes infected pulp within the tooth chamber.
Next, he will clean out the infected tissue from the tooth cavity using special tools. He will make sure he leaves only healthy tooth enamel. After thoroughly disinfecting the tooth, Dr. Sinclair will fill it with your chosen filling material.
The most popular choice is white composite fillings, which blend in with the color of your other teeth. Composite or porcelain fillings are the most common white fillings. These not only look real but also strengthen teeth and prevent infections from returning.
Finally, he will polish it and make sure it looks like he did nothing to it! Best of all, no one will know that you have a new filling. You will likely forget about it in the future because of its natural look. If you have dental insurance, it may cover the cost of your dental filling procedure.
How To Take Care of a New Filling
Once you get a new dental filling, take good care of it so it lasts a long time. Try not to eat or drink anything for at least 1-2 hours after the filling is put in to let it harden completely. For the first few days, avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could loosen it. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day is key to keeping the filling healthy and preventing decay.
Make sure to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and address any problems as they arise. If your filled tooth hurts or feels sensitive, don’t wait to call your dentist. Following these tips will help your new dental filling stay strong and effective.
Nervous About Your Filling? Sedation Options Available
Dental anxiety shouldn’t keep you from getting the care you need. We offer:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Gentle relaxation that wears off immediately, so you can drive yourself home
- Oral conscious sedation: A prescribed pill for deeper relaxation (you’ll need a driver)
- Gentle numbing techniques: We use a topical gel before injections and go at your pace
Ask us about sedation during your appointment: Most patients tell us they wish they’d tried it years earlier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Typically Last Compared To Metal Fillings?
While silver amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years, composite resin fillings typically last 5-10 years with proper care. Porcelain fillings often last the longest at 15+ years. We recommend regular checkups to monitor wear and tear, as the lifespan of a filling depends on your bite, oral hygiene, and the tooth with the filling.
Can I Get White Fillings To Replace My Old Metal Ones Even If They’re Not Damaged?
Yes. Many patients replace visible silver fillings with tooth-colored composites for aesthetic reasons. During a consultation, we’ll check if your existing fillings are intact or if replacement is better. This is especially popular for front teeth, where metal fillings are more noticeable.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Most insurance plans now cover composite fillings, especially for front teeth, where appearance matters. Some plans may only cover amalgam costs, leaving you to pay the difference. Our Virginia Beach office staff can verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
How Do I Know If My Tooth Sensitivity Means I Need A Filling?
If your teeth ache or feel sensitive to hot and cold for more than a few seconds, it might be a sign you’re getting a cavity. However, sensitivity could also stem from gum recession or enamel wear. We use digital imaging and special dyes to detect hidden decay during your exam. Don’t wait until pain becomes severe to schedule a visit.
Are White Fillings As Strong As Metal Ones For Back Teeth?
Modern composite materials have become much more durable, making them suitable for most back teeth. While we may still suggest amalgam for very large cavities in molars, we often use reinforced composites or porcelain inlays that combine strength with aesthetics. We’ll recommend the best option based on your bite and the size of your cavity.
What’s The Difference Between A Filling And A Dental Bonding Procedure?
Fillings repair decayed areas inside teeth, while bonding typically addresses chips and cracks on tooth surfaces. Both use composite resin, but fillings require removing the decay first. Bonding is more cosmetic and is often completed in one visit without anesthesia. We can explain which solution best fits your needs during an exam.
Is it normal to feel some Is It Normal To Feel Some Discomfort After A New Filling?
Mild sensitivity to pressure or temperature for 1-2 weeks is normal as the tooth adjusts. Try using sensitive toothpaste and avoid extreme temperatures. However, sharp pain when biting or lingering throbbing could mean the filling needs adjustment. Call us immediately if this happens. Most patients find that composite fillings make their teeth less sensitive afterward compared to metal ones.
Can Children Get Tooth-Colored Fillings On Baby Teeth?
Yes, we frequently use white fillings for children. They’re mercury-free and more aesthetically pleasing, which helps kids feel confident. While baby teeth eventually fall out, keeping them cavity-free prevents pain and infection and ensures proper spacing for permanent teeth. Our gentle approach helps make the experience positive for young patients.
Schedule a Visit to Our Virginia Beach Office
Do you have pits or cavities in your tooth enamel and need a dental filling? Request an appointment online with our team, or call our Virginia Beach dental practice at 757-216-9914. Ask us any questions you have about your current symptoms and treatment options. Schedule an appointment, and we will gladly answer your questions at your next dental visit.
Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley are accepting new patients from Virginia Beach, Great Neck, Kings Grant, Lynnhaven, Naval Air Station Oceana, and all surrounding neighborhoods. No matter which neighborhood you call home, expert, gentle dental care is within reach.