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Dental Fillings in Auburn, IN

Repair and Protect Your Smile

Hearing the word, cavity, is so common that people may think it’s nothing serious. Despite being a common issue, dental fillings are needed to restore teeth that have been affected by cavities or bacterial infections. At Smiles For Life, our Auburn dentist Dr. Heffelfinger can place natural-looking dental fillings in just one office visit to protect your teeth’s structure and beauty. 

Dr. Heffelfinger has helped countless patients in DeKalb County, IN restore their smiles. Read our guide below to discover how our dentist uses this restorative treatment to rejuvenate your smile.

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a composite dental filling in a tooth

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings, also knowns as composite and tooth-colored fillings, are used to treat dental problems like cavities, chips, and cracks. Unlike silver fillings, composite fillings are made of resin mixed with high-quality glass, quartz, and porcelain. Composite fillings can help prevent further decay and even out your tooth’s surface to make biting and chewing easier. Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, composite fillings blend in with your surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Patients can experience various benefits when it comes to dental fillings:

  • Natural Appearance — Dental fillings are created to match the color of your natural teeth and seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile.
  • Durable & Longevity — Dental fillings can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. They’re strong enough to withstand your daily oral habits.
  • Non-Toxic/Hypoallergenic — Silver fillings contain mercury, which can produce toxic vapor when you bite down on them. Both silver and gold fillings may cause negative reactions in those who are allergic to them. The material used in composite fillings is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making your restorations safer.
  • Insulated — Metal fillings interacting with others can generate an electrical charge causing galvanic shock. The materials used in composite fillings are insulators, which means they won’t generate an electrical charge and shock you.
  • Temperature Resistant — Composite fillings won’t expand or shrink when in contact with hot or cold temperatures. This helps reduce stress put on the tooth, prevent tooth sensitivity, and maintain your tooth’s structural integrity.
  • Preserves Enamel — Composite fillings require less enamel removal to make room for them compared to metal fillings. This helps preserve your tooth’s structural integrity.
  • Hardens Quickly — Your dentist will harden the resin with a special hand-held blue light. You’ll be able to go back to your daily activities as if nothing happened.
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young woman getting her teeth examined by her dentist

The Dental Fillings Process

Depending on the condition of your oral health, you can receive composite fillings at our Auburn dental office in just one appointment. Dr. Heffelfinger will administer a local anesthetic to numb the site. Once the numbness sets in, your dentist will carefully remove the decayed area of the enamel to ensure your tooth is free from bacteria.

From there, he’ll lightly etch the tooth before applying the composite fillings. A special hand-held blue light is then used to harden the filling for durability. He’ll continue to apply and harden the resin until the tooth is strong and even. After that, you’ll be able to leave our office with a restored tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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