Dental Fillings

Even with a good oral hygiene routine, cavities can happen. If left untreated, tooth decay can take a serious toll on your smile. The team at 38th Street Dental in Austin, TX, can restore the strength and functionality of a tooth with a dental filling. Learn how Drs. Mike Meek and David J. Tasch can protect your smile with this long-lasting solution.

A Closer Look at Dental Fillings

dental filling on a tooth — Cavities can result in increased sensitivity as they reduce the amount of tissue between nerves and enamel. Fillings take the place of decayed tissue to keep sensitivity issues at bay and reinforce the tooth after treatment.

4 Signs That You May Need a Dental Filling

If you experience any of the following symptoms, our Austin, TX, dental office can provide you with relief and treat decay and control disease with a natural-looking filling.

We provide comprehensive care to keep your smile healthy, from protective dental crowns to routine teeth cleanings. Our dentists will determine if you need a filling or other restorative dentistry option during a consultation. If no cavities are detected, we may still recommend fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from decay.

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We Use Composite Fillings

Today, dental fillings are often made from metals, plastics, glass ionomer, and other materials – but our dentists prefer using composite resin. Composite fillings are made of pliable, acrylic-based resin that is hardened and polished to mimic natural enamel. Our dental team recommends composites over amalgam (silver) or gold fillings for many reasons:

Aesthetic Quality

Amalgam fillings are silver in color and noticeable, especially among the front teeth. Using composite resin helps restore the appearance of a natural tooth.

Conservative

Composite resin bonds more easily with a tooth than metal does, which means your dentist will be able to preserve more of your tooth's natural tissue when placing a filling.

Free of Metal

While rare, patients with metal allergies may have an adverse reaction to amalgam. Additionally, amalgam fillings may expand and contract, which could lead to tooth fractures.

The Dental Filling Procedure Breakdown of the Process

Here’s what patients can expect during this treatment:

Local Anesthesia

First, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue.

Tooth Prep

Your dentist will remove any tooth decay or damaged tissue and sterilize the tooth.

Filling Application

Next, your dentist will mix the composite material and match the color to the shade of the problem tooth. They will apply it to the void and carefully shape it for a natural appearance

Curing and Polishing

They will use a specialized curing light to harden the filling. Lastly, they’ll polish the tooth to achieve a lifelike sheen.

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What Patients Are Saying
About Our Austin, TX, Practice

Both my wife and I have been going to 38th Street Dental for over a decade. We've always had good results. Both Dr. Meek and Dr. Tasch are excellent and their staff is uniformly good as well

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Just a wonderful place. Dental care usually scares me but 38th Street Dental is a nice and friendly place with staff that works hard in being open and honest about dental care.

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Dental Fillings

A Closer Look at Dental Fillings

4 Signs That You May Need a Dental Filling

Toothache

Tooth Sensitivity

Visible Holes

Chips and Cracks