Need a cavity filled fast? Dental fillings are among the most common procedures we perform every day at Complete Dentistry For All Ages. And because we’re right in the heart of Lexington, near Harrodsburg Road and New Circle Road, we’re a quick drive from Brannon Woods, Keene, Beaumont, Hamburg, Nicholasville, and everywhere in between.
Cavities don’t heal on their own. Left untreated, they grow deeper, cause pain, and eventually require more extensive care, such as root canals or natural-looking crowns. But a simple filling today can stop the decay in its tracks and get you back to smiling, eating, and living without discomfort. Repair damaged and decayed teeth with tooth-colored dental fillings at your Lexington, KY, dental office.
Modern fillings are a preventive treatment we offer in Lexington to replace old, dark fillings and fill new cavities. We will recommend a filling material based on the tooth’s location and the severity of the decay or damage. Continue reading to learn more about our dental filling procedure, how to prevent cavities, and other answers to your questions about dental fillings.
Types of Dental Fillings We Offer
Dr. Morgan Chambers offers several types of fillings to meet your needs. We will recommend the best material based on the tooth’s location, the extent of the decay, and your aesthetic goals.
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
These are our most popular options. Composite fillings are a durable resin material that matches the shade of your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. They provide excellent support and preserve more of your healthy enamel. Composite fillings are best for front teeth or any visible area where appearance matters.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of metals and are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They are used for back teeth, where chewing forces are greatest. They are also more cost-effective than other options. While they don’t match the color of your teeth, they are a reliable option for molars.
Other Options
For patients with specific needs, Dr. Chambers can also discuss porcelain or glass ionomer fillings. These offer additional benefits such as fluoride release or enhanced aesthetics.
The Dental Filling Procedure in Lexington, KY
Getting a dental filling is a simple and comfortable procedure. Most fillings can be completed in a single visit to our Lexington dental office.
- Examination & Numbing: Dr. Chambers will examine your tooth and take X-rays if necessary to assess the extent of the decay. Then she’ll gently numb the area to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.
- Decay Removal: She will then clean the area and remove any decayed material. This will prepare the affected tooth or teeth for the filling. Next, she will apply a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and ensure your comfort during treatment. If you have an old, worn-out filling, she can also remove and replace it at this time.
- Filling Placement: Next, she will clean the area again before filling the cavity with either composite resin or amalgam. After placing the filling material into the affected area, Dr. Chambers will cure it with a special light.
- Shaping & Polishing: Dr. Chambers will shape and polish the filling to match your natural tooth contour and ensure a comfortable bite. This step is essential for blending with your smile and ensuring proper chewing function.
Our dentists can typically place composite resin, or tooth-colored fillings, during a single visit. However, our dental lab will need time to create gold or porcelain fillings, so these will require two visits to our dental practice. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible dental filling service so that you can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.
How to Prevent Cavities
Fillings are effective, but prevention is always better. Dr. Chambers and the team at Complete Dentistry For All Ages emphasize patient education and preventive care to help you avoid cavities in the first place.
Preventing cavities relies heavily on your oral hygiene routine. Follow these simple steps to protect your smile:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Use a fluoride mouthwash for added protection
- Drink plenty of water and limit sugary or acidic drinks
- Visit us every six months for cleanings and exams
Preventive care, including fluoride treatments and dental sealants, can also help protect your teeth from decay. If you’ve been putting off a visit, now is the time to come in. We make it easy to get back on track.
Patient Review
Dental Fillings FAQs
Do you want to know more about fillings and cavities? The following are answers to questions we get about this common dental procedure. Continue reading to see if a dental filling may be an effective treatment option for you.
How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?
The cost of a filling varies depending on the material used and the size of the cavity. On average, patients can expect to pay between $171 and $374 per filling. Composite fillings may be at the higher end of that range, while amalgam fillings tend to be more affordable.
Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost of fillings, as they are considered medically necessary restorative care. We will file all insurance claims on your behalf. For uninsured patients, we offer in-house payment plans and CareCredit financing. We provide clear estimates before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
What are cavities?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They’re caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and poor toothbrushing. When sugars and starches mix with plaque bacteria, they produce acid that gradually breaks down tooth enamel.
Does getting a dental filling hurt?
No. Dr. Chambers uses a local anesthetic to numb the area completely before the procedure, so you won’t feel pain. After the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some minor sensitivity or soreness, which typically fades within a day or two.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan depends on the material and how well you care for it. Composite fillings typically last 5-7 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years or more with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Can old fillings be replaced?
Yes. Over time, old fillings can degrade, leak, or develop decay around the edges. Dr. Chambers can examine your fillings and replace them with new, tooth-colored composite fillings to enhance both function and appearance.
What happens if I don’t treat a cavity?
A cavity will not heal on its own. If left untreated, it will continue to grow, causing more pain and potentially leading to a serious infection or abscess. What starts as a simple filling can quickly become a root canal or a tooth extraction.
How do I care for my filling after treatment?
Avoid chewing with the filled tooth until the numbness wears off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. Brush and floss gently around the area as normal, and avoid sticky or hard foods for the first day. Continue your regular oral hygiene routine and keep up with your six-month check-ups.
How can I prevent cavities in the future?
Practice good oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. Use a fluoride mouthwash, limit sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, and visit Dr. Chambers every six months for professional cleanings and exams.
Schedule Your Dental Filling Appointment Today
Don’t let a cavity turn into a bigger problem. Dr. Morgan Chambers at Complete Dentistry For All Ages has been restoring smiles in Lexington for years. If you haven’t scheduled a dental exam visit to our Lexington, KY, dental Office yet, now is the best time! We offer same-day appointments and a comfortable, judgment-free environment.
Call us today at 859-251-3809 or request an appointment online.
Dr. Chambers will determine the best dental care solution for your dental issues. We’re accepting new patients and offer care for the whole family.
How to Get to Our Lexington Office
Complete Dentistry For All Ages is conveniently located in the Cygnus building on Alexandria Drive, just off Harrodsburg Road near New Circle Road. We’re a short drive from:
- Nicholasville: Just up Harrodsburg Road
- Brannon Woods: Right down Harrodsburg Road
- Keene: Easily accessible via Keene Road
- Beaumont: Straight shot down Harrodsburg Road
- Hamburg: Quick trip across town
- Versailles, Georgetown, and Frankfort: Easy access from New Circle Road
Free parking is available onsite. Our address is: 2353 Alexandria Dr., #300, Lexington, KY 40504.