Are you accepting new patients at your Connelly Springs dental office?

Yes, we are actively welcoming new patients at our Connelly Springs, NC location. Call (828) 874-3678 to schedule.

Do you offer same-day emergency dental appointments?

Yes. We reserve appointment slots for emergencies. Call early in the day and we will do our best to see you the same day.

What dental insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most major dental insurance plans. Our front desk team can verify your benefits before your appointment.

Do you see children and seniors?

Absolutely. We are a true family dentist, from toddlers to seniors under one roof.

Is your office wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Our office at 560 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 is wheelchair accessible.

Tooth Filling - westerndental

August 5, 2025

Tooth-Colored Filling in Connelly Springs: Types and Cost

Tooth-colored filling, also called composite filling, is a dental filling that matches the color of your natural teeth. Unlike old metal fillings that stand out, tooth-colored fillings blend in so well that most people won’t even notice you had a cavity treated. That’s why they’re becoming the top choice for people looking for a cleaner, more natural-looking smile.

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 1 in 4 adults in the US have untreated dental decay, and 90% of adults have caries, or cavities.

If you live in or around Connelly Springs, and you’re considering getting a tooth-colored filling, here’s what you should know.

What Types of Tooth-colored Fillings Are Available in Connelly Springs?

There are a few different types, depending on where the cavity is and how much of the tooth needs to be repaired. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Composite resin is the most common. It’s used a lot because it sticks well to the tooth and can be shaded to match.
Porcelain or ceramic looks really natural and lasts longer, but it might cost more.
When the filling is close to the gum line or in baby teeth, glass ionomer, which releases fluoride, is frequently utilized.

Most people go with composite for front teeth and sometimes back ones too, depending on how deep the cavity is.

What’s the tooth-colored filling procedure like?

Honestly, the tooth-colored filling procedure is pretty routine. The dentist first picks a color that matches your teeth. Then they numb the area, clean out the decay, and fill the space with the composite resin. It gets hardened with a light, shaped to match your bite, and polished.

That’s it. You might feel a bit of sensitivity for a day or two, but nothing major.

Tooth-Colored Filling Cost in Connelly Springs?

If you’re considering a tooth-colored filling in Connelly Springs, the cost can vary based on a few simple things. It depends on how big the cavity is, which tooth needs work, and what material your dentist recommends.

Composite fillings are usually more budget-friendly compared to porcelain or ceramic. The price can also change depending on whether the filling is being done to fix decay or just for cosmetic reasons.

Since tooth-colored filling costs can be different from one dental clinic to another, the best thing to do is ask your dentist directly.

If you wait too long and the cavity gets worse, you might end up needing something more expensive like a crown or root canal. So it’s cheaper to fix early.

Why Do People Prefer Tooth-colored Fillings?

They appear to be natural. You don’t have to worry about metal flashes when you smile.
No mercury, unlike old silver fillings.
It doesn’t take long. Usually, you’re in and out in less than an hour.
Dentists don’t have to remove too much of your healthy tooth to place it.

And to be honest, if your dentist gives you the option, most people now choose the tooth-colored version unless there’s a specific reason not to.

Visit Western Piedmont Dental Today for Tooth-Colored Filling

If you are looking for high-quality dental treatment for tooth-colored fillings in Rutherford College, Valdese, or Covina, get in touch with the Western Piedmont Dental clinic.

If you’re still unsure, just give us a call to learn about tooth-colored fillings in Connelly Springs and what material would suit your tooth best.

June 30, 2025

What to Expect from a Tooth Colored Fillings Procedure

If you are trying to restore a decayed or damaged tooth, a tooth colored filling is a great option because it replicates the look of your natural teeth. This treatment plays an essential role in both restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. So, let us look at what you can expect from a tooth colored filling procedure in Valdese.

The Step-by-Step Process of a Tooth Colored Filling

Tooth colored filling process starts with an examination of your teeth. The dentist locates the decay and other damage sustained by your teeth and then numbs the tooth for the procedure. Then the decayed part is gently removed using a dental drill. After all the decay is cleared, the dentist cleans the cavity area in preparation for the filling.

The dentist then applies the resin carefully in multiple thin layers, with each layer being hardened before the next is added. Once the cavity area is filled, the dentist shapes it and polishes it to match the normal contours of your tooth.

How Much Pain Can I Expect from the Treatment?

The dentists use mild anesthesia to numb the area being treated. Patients will typically feel some anterior pressure but little if any, discomfort during placement is experienced. However, once the numbing effect of the anesthesia wears off, patients might experience some sensitivity or mild soreness.

This may be especially true if the tooth colored filling was placed deep or close to the nerves. Usually, over-the-counter medication will be enough to alleviate any temporary discomfort associated with the procedure.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Once a tooth colored filling has been placed, you can resume your normal activities. You will have to avoid eating anything until the numbness has completely disappeared to not accidentally bite your tongue or cheek.

The filled tooth may feel a little different at first. However, this feeling usually goes away completely in a couple of days. The sensitivity may take a week or two to fix itself. This is because the tooth adjusts to the filling. If your bite feels uncomfortable after the treatment, you can ask your dentist if any adjustments are possible.

Recovery Period and Aftercare

Most patients return to normal very quickly, often on the same day or within 24 hours. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing with a soft-bristled brush and avoiding sticky or hard foods will also promote a smooth recovery. In addition, you should follow any of your dentist’s aftercare instructions to help ensure the tooth colored filling stays in place.

Longevity of Tooth Colored Fillings

A tooth colored filling when placed properly can last for 5 to 10 years or longer with good care. Regular dental checkups will allow your dentist to monitor the status of your filling. This will help to fix or replace the filling before it is no longer functional. The better the care you give to your teeth, the longer the tooth colored filling will effectively do its job.

So, if you are looking to undergo tooth colored fillings in Rutherford College, Valdese, or Covina, visit Western Piedmont Dental today.

June 5, 2024

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings in Connelly Springs

No one wants to hear they have a cavity, but tooth decay is incredibly common. In fact, over 90% of adults aged 20 and older have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. The good news is that cavities can be easily treated with dental fillings. While there are several options available, tooth-colored fillings offer an aesthetically pleasing and durable solution for patients in Connelly Springs.

Before we begin discussing the benefits of getting a tooth-colored filling in Connelly Springs, let us look at the different types of tooth coloring.

Types of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. They can be customized to closely match the exact shade of your natural teeth. There are several different compounds that may be used:

Conventional Composite Fillings

This standard tooth-colored filling is made from a resin matrix and inorganic/organic particles or fillers. It provides a natural look when bonded to the tooth.

Compomer Fillings

Compomers combine composite resin with reinforcing glass ionomer components. This gives them some of the strength of traditional glass ionomer fillings with the aesthetics of composites.

Bulk Fill Composites

These higher-viscosity composites can be placed in thicker layers than conventional composites, saving time. However, they may not match tooth shades as accurately.

Your Connelly Springs dentist can recommend the ideal type of tooth-colored filling based on factors like the size and location of the cavity.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

While amalgam fillings were once the standard, tooth-colored composite fillings offer a number of advantages that have made them increasingly popular:

Natural Aesthetics

The biggest benefit is right in the name – tooth-colored fillings in Connelly Springs seamlessly match and blend in with your natural tooth enamel. It provides a discreet, confidence-boosting solution, especially for visible front teeth.

Quick, Simple Procedure

In most cases, tooth-colored fillings only require one easy visit to your Connelly Springs dentist. The process is simple – numb the area, remove decay, clean, apply the moldable composite resin, cure it with a special light, then shape and polish the filling.

Preserves Tooth Structure

Compared to amalgam fillings that require more extensive drilling, tooth-colored composites bond directly to the remaining tooth structure. It preserves more of the natural tooth and provides added reinforcement.

Metal and Mercury Free

With no metal or mercury, tooth-colored fillings are an ideal solution for patients with allergies or sensitivity to metals. The composite resin is considered extremely biocompatible.

Versatile Applications

While mainly used to treat cavities, the bonding capabilities of tooth-colored fillings allow them to be used for repairing chipped or cracked teeth as well.

Durable and Stain-Resistant

With proper care, high-quality tooth-colored fillings in Connelly Springs from your dentist can easily last 7-10 years, providing long-lasting restoration. The composite resin is also quite stain-resistant compared to other dental materials.

Whether you need to treat new decay or replace an old amalgam filling, tooth-colored composite fillings in Connelly Springs from an accredited dentist provide an incredibly natural-looking, durable, and metal-free solution. Discuss your options to see if they’re the right choice for you.

September 26, 2023

What are the Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings over Traditional Silver Fillings?

If you’re facing the common dental dilemma of needing a filling, you might be wondering which type is the best choice for your dental health. Tooth colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are gaining popularity for good reason in Connelly Springs.

Advantages of tooth colored fillings over traditional silver fillings

Aesthetics That Blend In

One of the most noticeable differences between tooth colored fillings and traditional silver fillings is their appearance. Tooth colored fillings are designed to match the natural shade of your teeth, making them virtually invisible when you smile. This aesthetic advantage allows you to maintain your confident grin without worrying about visible metal fillings.

Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure

Tooth colored fillings are a more conservative option because they bond directly to the tooth structure. In contrast, silver fillings require more removal of healthy tooth material to create a mechanical lock for the filling. This means that with tooth colored fillings, you can preserve more of your natural tooth, promoting better long-term dental health.

Reduced Sensitivity to Temperature Changes

Silver fillings are known for their thermal conductivity. This means that they can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially leading to tooth sensitivity and even fractures over time. Tooth colored fillings, on the other hand, do not conduct temperature changes as noticeably, reducing the risk of discomfort or damage to your teeth.

Minimized Allergic Reactions

Traditional silver fillings are made of a mixture that includes mercury. Some individuals may have concerns about allergic reactions or mercury toxicity, although the American Dental Association considers silver fillings safe for most people. Tooth colored fillings, being made of composite resin, are free from mercury, addressing these concerns for those who are particularly sensitive.

Stronger Bonding and Support

Tooth colored fillings have evolved significantly in recent years, becoming more durable and providing excellent support for your teeth. They bond tightly with the natural tooth structure, reducing the risk of leakage or cracking that can occur with silver fillings over time.

Versatile and Adaptable

Tooth colored fillings offer versatility in their application. They can be used not only for filling cavities but also for repairing chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. This versatility allows your dentist to address various dental issues using a single, aesthetically pleasing material.

Quick and Painless Application

The process of getting a tooth colored filling is typically quicker and less painful than getting a silver filling. With tooth colored fillings, your dentist can often complete the procedure in a single visit, saving you time and reducing the need for multiple appointments.

Longevity and Durability

Tooth colored fillings have improved significantly in terms of longevity. While silver fillings may need to be replaced more often due to wear and tear, tooth colored fillings can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

Easy Repairs

If a tooth colored filling becomes damaged or needs repair, it’s a relatively simple process. Your dentist can easily patch or replace the filling without compromising the aesthetics or structure of your tooth.

Conclusion

Tooth colored fillings offer a multitude of advantages over traditional silver fillings. They not only provide a more natural appearance but also contribute to the long-term health and well-being of your teeth.

When considering your options for dental fillings, discuss your preferences and concerns with your dentist to make the choice that’s right for you and your smile. The benefits of tooth colored fillings may just brighten your outlook on dental care.

January 5, 2022

How often does tooth-colored filling need replacement?

People, healthcare, modern technology, innovations and stomatology concept. Picture of woman patient in black goggles getting her teeth treated by female hygienist using dental curing light

Tooth decay is one of the most common and serious threats to oral health. While cavities can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene, they find ways to develop anyhow. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 92 percent of adults have had at least one cavity in a permanent tooth.

If you have been diagnosed with tooth decay or cavity recently, it is highly likely that you are recommended tooth-colored filling to fix the decay or cavity problem.

While tooth-colored filling provides a promising solution that lasts for a long time and helps restore the tooth functionality and your smile, you might be wondering how often you will need to replace it. Today, in this blog, we will help you find the answer to this question. So, let’s begin.

How long does my tooth filling last before requiring replacement?

A filling is used to treat decay or cavity in a tooth. A dentist first cleans the decayed material from your tooth and then fills the space with filling to stop the decay from spreading and help restore the strength of the tooth. While a filling can last for several years, it is not going to serve you infinitely. The lifespan of your tooth filling will vary depending on what type of filling you have used.

There are two types of filling based on materials used:

Metal fillings – They are traditional tooth fillings made from a mixture of metals. Also called amalgam fillings, they are highly durable and effective. One can expect an amalgam filling to last for about 15 years before replacement. However, the length of time they work effectively is also influenced by other factors, such as whether you have the habit of clenching/grinding your teeth or not.

Tooth-colored fillings – Also known as composite fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of plastic, silica, and fine glass particles. These fillings are designed to match the color of your natural enamel so that these fillings blend perfectly and don’t get noticed when you smile. Even if they aren’t made of metal, they are highly durable and can last for more than a decade.

Why should you replace tooth filling once their lifespan is over?

You might need to replace your tooth filling over time due to several reasons. The most common reason is that fillings get worn and torn over time and hence, remain no longer as effective and stronger as they should be.

When you chew, a great amount of pressure is exerted on the tooth filling. Therefore, over time when fillings become fragile, they become more exposed to crack, leak, or fall out.

When your affected tooth is no longer protected by filling, it becomes more vulnerable to bacterial growth and decay. Hence, you will need a new tooth filling to protect your tooth.

How do I know that my tooth filling needs replacement?

When the integrity of your tooth filling is compromised anyhow, you might start experiencing the issue of tooth sensitivity or pain. When that happens, you should contact your dentist right away.

Are you suffering from tooth decay? Do you need your old filling to be replaced? Contact us for tooth-colored filling in Rutherford College, Valdese, and Connelly Springs.

October 18, 2021

Why Should You Choose Tooth-Colored Filling Over Metal Filling?

Once in a lifetime, almost everyone suffers from tooth decay. It’s one of the common dental problems, which leads to many other problems if not treated properly on time. Cavities happen due to harmful bacteria attacks. The bacteria release acid that slowly destroys the tooth enamel, causing a hole in the tooth.

Many dental treatments are available for tooth decay, but the simplest option is tooth filling. In this procedure, the dentist drills and removes the decayed part of a tooth and fills the space with a substance like silver, gold, or composite resin. Tooth fillings are a routine part of general dentistry Connelly Springs services and help restore both function and appearance.

Based on the substance used, the treatment is categorized into metal fillings and tooth-colored filling. And shockingly, there is a huge fight between these two options. There are lots of things that people say about these treatments. Some prefer the former option, while some prefer the latter option. But according to us, a tooth-colored filling is better than a metal filling. We will tell you why?

Before we give the reasons, here is a brief about metal and tooth-colored fillings.

Tooth-colored filling

The tooth-colored filling is more natural-looking and less noticeable. It is usually preferred by patients when receiving routine dental care for decay towards the front of the mouth. Sometimes, they prefer tooth-colored filling on back teeth if the decay isn’t too severe.

The materials used for tooth-colored filling are porcelain/ceramic, composite resin, or glass ionomer.

Metal filling

Unlike a tooth-colored filling, the metal filling isn’t natural-looking. Also, it is visible to others. Traditionally, the metal fillings were made from amalgam. The common amalgam was the combination of silver, tin, copper, mercury, and zinc. Today, individual metals are used in fire fillings such as gold and silver.

The metals used for fillings are durable and considered safe by the FDA.

Reasons to choose tooth-colored filling over the metal filling

Dentists don’t need to remove much of your tooth’s structure

The tooth-colored fillings are so securely bonded during the tooth filling process that dentists don’t have to remove much of the natural tooth when placing the filling. On the other hand, dentists have to create a secure pocket for a metal tooth filling to ensure it stays in place. It means they have to remove lots of natural teeth for filling.

Are repairable

If there is a minor structural issue with a tooth-colored filling, a skilled dentist will only have to remove and replace the damaged part. Talking about metal fillings, repairing them is impossible. Even if there is a crack or hole in the metal filling, the dentists have to replace the whole filling.

Are aesthetically pleasing

As already mentioned, the tooth-colored filling is virtually invisible and natural-looking. It’s because the filling is shaded to adequately match the color of the teeth. So, a tooth-colored filling is aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, it’s impossible to match the color of metal filling to the tooth’s unique color.

Now you very well know why the tooth-colored filling is better than a metal filling. So, choose wisely.