Dental Fillings in Kerrville, TX

Don’t Let Cavities Compromise Your Oral Health

Cavities are more than just minor inconveniences; they’re silent threats to your dental well-being. Left untreated, these small areas of decay can lead to serious complications, including severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss. At Precision Dentistry and Implants, Kerrville, TX, restorative dentist, Dr. Matthew Huff offers state-of-the-art dental fillings to halt decay in its tracks and restore your teeth to their full strength and beauty.

Ready to say goodbye to cavities and hello to a healthier smile? Contact our Kerr County dental practice today at (830) 896-8343 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Huff.

What Are Dental Fillings? 

Dental fillings are a type of dental restoration used to repair teeth damaged by decay, restoring them to their normal function and shape. They’re part of a procedure where a dentist removes decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cavity with a specific filling material.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Halts the Progression of (caries) Tooth Decay

Dental fillings effectively stop the advancement of tooth decay-causing bacteria, by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and sealing the area against further bacterial invasion. This process prevents the decay from spreading deeper into the tooth structure, potentially saving the tooth from more extensive damage or loss.

Restores the Structural Integrity of Damaged Teeth

By filling in cavities and repairing cracks or chips, dental fillings help restore the strength and stability of damaged teeth. This restoration allows the tooth to withstand the forces of biting and chewing, maintaining its functionality and preventing further deterioration.

Alleviate Sensitivity and Pain Associated With Cavities

Dental fillings cover exposed dentin and seal off nerve endings, significantly reducing or eliminating the pain and sensitivity often experienced with cavities. This relief can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life and ability to eat and drink comfortably.

Improve the Appearance of Affected Teeth

Modern dental filling materials, especially tooth-colored options like composite resin fillings, can be matched to the natural color of your teeth. This aesthetic improvement can enhance your smile and boost your confidence, particularly for visible teeth affected by decay or damage.

Preserves Your Natural Tooth Structure

By addressing decay and damage early with fillings, you can preserve more of your natural tooth structure. This preservation is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health and potentially avoiding more invasive procedures like crowns or extractions in the future.

Provides a Cost-Effective Solution

Compared to more complex dental treatments, dental fillings are generally more affordable. They help avoid the need for more extensive procedures, such as crowns or root canals, which can be significantly more expensive.

Minimal Invasiveness

The procedure for placing dental fillings is minimally invasive. Unlike crowns or other restorative options that require significant alteration of the tooth structure, fillings involve only the removal of decayed material, preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Quick and Painless Procedure

The process of getting a dental filling is usually completed in one visit and is often painless due to local anesthesia. Advancements in dental technology have made this procedure even more efficient and comfortable for patients.

Durability and Longevity

Modern dental fillings are designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Depending on the material used, fillings can last several years with proper care, providing a long-term solution for tooth decay.

Enhances Chewing Efficiency

By restoring damaged teeth to their proper shape and function, dental fillings improve a patient’s ability to chew food effectively. This restoration can enhance dietary choices and overall nutrition.

Dr. Huff’s Approach to Dental Fillings

At Precision Dentistry and Implants, we believe in combining art and science to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. Dr. Huff’s approach to dental fillings involves:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Huff employs advanced diagnostic tools, including high-resolution digital imaging and 3D scanning technology, to thoroughly assess the extent of decay. This detailed evaluation allows for precise identification of affected areas and helps determine the most suitable filling material for each unique case.
2. Personalized Treatment Planning: Dr. Huff carefully considers multiple factors when creating a tailored treatment plan. These include the location and size of the cavity, the patient’s overall oral health, bite forces, aesthetic preferences, and long-term dental goals. This personalized approach ensures that each filling is optimized for both function and appearance.
3. Precision Placement: Utilizing minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Huff preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible. He employs state-of-the-art dental instruments and magnification tools to ensure precise removal of decay and accurate placement of the filling material. This meticulous approach helps maintain the tooth’s structural integrity and promotes long-lasting results.
4. Advanced Materials: Dr. Huff offers a range of high-quality dental filling materials, with a focus on modern composite resins. These tooth-colored dental filling materials not only blend seamlessly with natural teeth but also bond directly to the tooth structure, strengthening it and reducing the risk of future fractures. For patients with specific needs, Dr. Huff may also recommend other advanced options such as ceramic or glass ionomer fillings.
5. Innovative Filling Techniques: Depending on the case, Dr. Huff may employ either the bulk filling technique for efficiency in larger cavities or the incremental layering technique for optimal aesthetics and reduced polymerization shrinkage. His skill in both methods ensures the best outcome for each unique situation.
6. Comfort-Focused Procedure: Dr. Huff prioritizes patient comfort throughout the filling process. He uses precise local anesthesia techniques and offers sedation options for anxious patients. The use of advanced materials and techniques also contributes to a more comfortable experience and faster recovery.
7. Quality Assurance: After placing the filling, Dr. Huff meticulously checks the occlusion (bite) and polish of the restoration to ensure proper function and a natural feel. He may use special lights or instruments to verify the complete curing of composite materials.
8. Post-Treatment Care: Dr. Huff provides detailed aftercare instructions tailored to each patient’s specific treatment. This includes guidance on oral hygiene practices, dietary recommendations, and any necessary precautions. He also schedules follow-up appointments to monitor the filling’s performance and address any concerns promptly.
9. Long-Term Monitoring: As part of his comprehensive approach, Dr. Huff incorporates the filled tooth into the patient’s ongoing dental care plan. Regular check-ups allow him to assess the filling’s integrity and the overall health of the restored tooth, ensuring early detection of any potential issues.
10. Patient Education: Throughout the process, Dr. Huff takes the time to educate patients about their oral health, the benefits of the chosen filling material, and preventive measures to avoid future decay. This empowers patients to take an active role in maintaining their dental health.

Types of Dental Fillings at Precision Dentistry and Implants

Dr. Huff offers a variety of dental filling options to meet the unique needs of each patient:

Composite Fillings

Our most popular option, composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings made from a durable resin material that bonds directly to your tooth. They’re ideal for visible areas and offer excellent aesthetics and function.

Ceramic Fillings

For those seeking the ultimate in durability and aesthetics, ceramic tooth fillings also offer superior strength and stain resistance. They’re custom-crafted in our partner lab to match your natural teeth perfectly.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are specialized cavity fillings that release fluoride over time, making them an excellent choice for patients at high risk of decay or for certain pediatric applications.

Amalgam Fillings

While less commonly used today, traditional silver amalgam fillings are still available for patients who prefer them or in situations where they may be the most suitable option.

Investing in Your Smile: Dental Filling Costs

At Precision Dentistry and Implants, we believe in transparent pricing for dental services. The cost of a dental filling typically ranges from $150 to $400 per tooth, depending on factors such as:

• The type of filling material chosen
• The size and location of the cavity
• Any additional treatments required

We’re committed to making quality dental care accessible. Our team will work with you to maximize your dental insurance benefits and explore financing options if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions