When toothaches strike or cavities show up uninvited, dental fillings come to the rescue. At CR Smiles Dental Arts, dental fillings are more than just a quick fix—they’re a key part of keeping your smile healthy, strong, and looking great.
Whether it’s your first filling or a replacement, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about dental fillings and why choosing CR Smiles in Katy, TX, makes all the difference.
Simply put, dental fillings are materials used to fill cavities or repair minor tooth damage. Imagine your tooth is like a house—if a window breaks (a cavity), you don’t just leave it open to the elements. You patch it up with the right material to keep things safe and sound. That’s exactly what fillings do for your teeth.
Cavities don’t heal on their own. Without timely treatment, they can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Dental fillings prevent the cavity from growing and restore the tooth’s shape and function. So if you spot a small hole or sensitivity, don’t delay—catching it early saves a lot of trouble down the road.
At CR Smiles, options abound to fit your needs and lifestyle. Here’s a quick rundown:
These blend perfectly with your natural teeth, making them ideal for visible areas. They’re strong and durable but also aesthetically pleasing—no one will notice you have a filling!
Tough and long-lasting, amalgam fillings are perfect for back teeth where chewing pressure is higher. They have a classic silver look and are often more affordable.
These release fluoride to help protect the tooth and work well in areas not subjected to heavy chewing.
Made from porcelain, these fillings are stain-resistant and look just like your natural teeth.
For teeth with more significant damage that don’t quite need a crown, inlays or onlays can be the perfect solution. They restore the chewing surface while preserving the natural tooth structure.
Wondering what happens during a filling procedure? It’s simpler than you might think:
The whole process usually takes less than an hour—easy enough to fit into a lunch break!
If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good time to visit CR Smiles Dental Arts for a checkup.
You want dental fillings done right—and that’s where CR Smiles shines. Here’s why:
Check out our General Dentistry Services for more ways we keep your oral health in check.
It depends on the material and your oral habits, but here’s a general idea:
| Filling Type | Typical Lifespan |
| Composite | 5 to 7 years |
| Amalgam | 10 to 15 years |
| Glass Ionomer | 3 to 5 years |
| Ceramic | 15 years or longer |
Regular checkups and good oral hygiene can stretch those years even further.
Treat your fillings like your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit CR Smiles Dental Arts regularly. Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens to prevent cracks. Also, try to limit sugary snacks and drinks that can cause decay around the filling edges.
Keeping up with routine dental checkups helps catch any issues early before they become bigger problems. For added protection, consider dental sealants to shield your teeth from future decay.
In some cases, a simple filling might not be enough to restore the tooth. That’s where dental crowns and dental bonding come into play. Crowns cover and protect the entire tooth structure, while dental bonding helps rebuild small chips or cracks.
Our team will assess your needs and recommend the best option to keep your smile in top shape.
At CR Smiles Dental Arts, dental fillings are about more than fixing cavities—they’re about protecting your smile for the long haul. Whether you need a new filling or other dental services, our expert team in Katy, TX, delivers gentle, effective care to keep your teeth healthy. Want to restore your smile or learn about our laser dental fillings? Contact CR Smiles Dental Arts now to book your appointment or get your questions answered. Your smile deserves top care—call or visit us online today!
