Learn About Tooth Fillings

A cavity, also known as dental caries, is a small area of decay caused by bacteria eroding your tooth's protective enamel. If you have dental caries, you might notice sensitivity to hot or cold, see a small spot or hole, or feel discomfort. However, cavities often develop without any symptoms until they become more significant.

Regular dental check-ups are, therefore, crucial. Early detection allows Dr. Kostas to perform conservative treatment, which means preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

A tooth filling is designed to carefully remove the decayed portion and then "fill" the resulting space. This restorative dental procedure stops the decay from spreading, restores the tooth's strength, and prevents potential complications like infection or tooth loss.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Gone are the days when a filling meant an obvious metal mark on your tooth. At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we prioritize composite resin fillings, often called "white" or tooth-colored fillings, for most cavity repairs. 

This advanced material offers significant advantages:

• Superior Aesthetics: Composite resin can be precisely matched to the shade of your surrounding natural teeth. Dr. Kostas utilizes his keen eye for detail to ensure your filling is virtually invisible, maintaining the beauty of your smile.

• Conservative Preparation: The filling material chemically bonds directly to your tooth structure. This often means we can preserve more of your healthy tooth compared to traditional amalgam fillings, leading to a stronger long-term result.

• Versatility: Composite resin is perfectly suited for repairing cavities in both visible front teeth and functional back teeth.

• Mercury-Free & Safe: We are committed to using biocompatible materials. Our composite fillings are completely mercury-free, offering a safe and aesthetically pleasing choice for our patients.

Choosing composite fillings means you don't have to choose between a healthy tooth and a beautiful smile – you get both.

Inlays & Onlays for More Extensive Restorations

While the composite resin fillings can be placed directly in a single visit and are ideal for repairing most cavities, sometimes the area of decay or damage is too large. This may be especially true for cases where the cusps or main points of your back teeth are large.

In such a situation, a direct filling might not provide the optimal long-term strength and protection needed. In these cases, Dr. Kostas may recommend an indirect restoration, such as an inlay or onlay.

An inlay is a restoration that fits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more tooth cusps, providing more extensive coverage.

Unlike a direct filling, these restorations are custom-crafted in our dental lab based on a detailed digital scan or impression of your prepared tooth. These restorations require a high degree of precision in their creation, ensuring a perfect fit and lasting function.

The inlay or onlay are created using highly durable materials like porcelain, gold, and composite resin. These restorations fit into or onto the prepared tooth structure with remarkable precision, much like a custom puzzle piece. They offer superior strength and longevity for significantly damaged teeth.

Gentle & Precise Tooth Filling Procedure

We understand dental visits can cause anxiety, which is why your comfort is central to the care we offer at Dental Arts of Cherry Hills. Getting a tooth filling is typically a straightforward and comfortable procedure.

Here’s what you can expect:

• The process begins with applying effective local anesthetic to completely numb the area, ensuring you won't feel discomfort during treatment.

• Dr. Kostas carefully and precisely removes only the decayed portion of the tooth, using gentle techniques.

• The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared to create an ideal surface for the filling material to bond.

• The tooth-colored composite resin is applied in careful layers. Dr. Kostas sculpts the material to recreate the natural anatomy of your tooth.

• A special curing light is used to harden each layer of the composite, creating a strong, solid restoration.

• The filling is shaped to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable, then polished to a smooth, lifelike finish that seamlessly blends with your tooth.



You'll leave our office with your tooth fully restored and ready to function normally.

Caring for Your Restored Smile

Your new filling is strong and durable, but maintaining good oral hygiene is key to its longevity and your overall dental health. 

Here are some tips.

• Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss daily, paying attention to the edges of the filling.

• Attend your regular dental check-ups and cleanings 

• Avoid chewing on extremely hard objects to avoid stressing your dental restoration and natural teeth.

Remember to schedule regular dental check-ups for professional maintenance of your fillings and early detection of any potential issues.