Fillings are the go-to for early-stage decay or minor damage, offering a quick, minimally invasive solution.
Dental fillings are a type of restorative dentistry treatment. Dentists use them to repair cavities or fix minor chips and cracks in your teeth.
Other names for dental fillings include: Tooth fillings. Cavity fillings. Dental restorations. (This term refers to a range of treatments that restore teeth, like fillings, inlays, onlays, bridges and crowns.
For advanced issues, our team may recommend crowns or root canals. Learn more about your options at our restorative dentistry page.
Let’s clear up some myths to put your mind at ease:
Myth: “Fillings are painful.”
Truth: With local anesthesia and optional sedation, the procedure is virtually pain-free. Most patients report minimal discomfort.
Myth: “Fillings look unnatural.”
Truth: Composite and porcelain fillings blend seamlessly with your teeth, especially for front teeth.
Myth: “Fillings need frequent replacement.”
Truth: With proper care, fillings can last 5–15+ years, depending on the material.
Myth: “Cavities go away on their own.”
Truth: Untreated cavities worsen, risking infection or tooth loss. Fillings stop decay in its tracks.
Still have concerns? Our team is here to answer your questions. Contact us.
There are many different types of dental fillings. But they all fall into one of two categories: direct or indirect.
Dentists create and place direct fillings in your mouth without the need for a dental laboratory or temporary restoration.
Common materials for direct fillings are:
Most indirect fillings require two office visits — one to take dental impressions and another to place your restoration. But, because we use CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology, we are able to create and place your indirect filling in a single appointment.
Inlays and onlays are two common types of indirect fillings. We use them when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough damage to warrant a dental crown. An inlay or onlay fits into your existing tooth structure like a tiny puzzle piece.
Common materials for indirect fillings include:
Dental fillings offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options, including:
Dental fillings are a long-term solution. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, dental fillings can last a lifetime.
It is designed to closely fill in your natural teeth, improving the overall appearance of the patient’s smile and confidence.
Tooth decay can cause a variety of oral and overall health complications. Dental fillings are an effective solution for these issues. Get in touch with the dental experts of Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX, to get various dental treatments. Call 346-843-8743 today and book your consultation with us!
Dr. Ginger Unegbu, DDS, is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist dedicated to providing exceptional oral care. A proud Houston native with Nigerian heritage, she earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Houston before obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2019.
As a recognized expert in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Unegbu is an esteemed member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Dental Implant Association. She has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Student of the Year Award from the Academy of Osseous Integration. Her commitment to patient education and advanced dental treatments ensures that individuals receive top-tier, evidence-based care for optimal oral health.