Tooth-colored fillings in Cheney.
Repair only what the tooth needs.

A direct filling is placed and hardened in the prepared tooth during the appointment. An inlay is a custom restoration that fits within the tooth’s cusps. An onlay extends over one or more cusps when those areas also need rebuilding. The amount and location of damage determine which design is appropriate.

Early tooth decay often has no symptoms. As it advances, possible signs include white, brown, or black areas, a visible hole, sensitivity to sweets or temperature, toothache, or food trapping. Other dental problems can cause similar symptoms, so diagnosis requires a dental examination and sometimes X-rays.

Before a cavity forms, early enamel mineral loss may sometimes be stopped or reversed through fluoride, improved plaque control, dietary changes, and other risk-based preventive measures. Once enamel has broken down into a hole, the damage is permanent and generally needs restoration.

Yes. Composite resin can be selected in a shade that blends with surrounding tooth structure. It is an acrylic resin reinforced with glass filler and is commonly hardened in layers with a curing light. Shade is only one factor; cavity location, size, isolation, bite, and remaining structure also affect the recommendation.

Many qualifying ceramic inlays and onlays may be digitally scanned, designed, milled, finished, and bonded with the office’s CEREC system in one coordinated visit. Deep decay, difficult isolation, cracks, complex material needs, or another diagnosis may require a different workflow or additional visits.

Local anesthesia is used when needed to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. You may notice pressure or vibration, but treatment should not be sharply painful. Temporary sensitivity can occur afterward. Persistent or increasing pain should be evaluated.

Not automatically. The FDA does not recommend removing an amalgam filling that is in good condition with no decay beneath it solely to prevent disease, unless removal is considered medically necessary. Replacement may be discussed when a restoration is defective, fractured, associated with decay, causing symptoms, or otherwise clinically indicated.

There is no guaranteed lifespan. Longevity varies with material, restoration size, cavity location, remaining tooth structure, bite forces, grinding, diet, oral hygiene, decay risk, and preventive care. Any restoration can eventually need repair or replacement.

A crown may be recommended when decay, fracture, an old restoration, root canal treatment, or structural loss leaves the tooth unable to support a partial-coverage restoration predictably. When enough healthy structure remains, an inlay or onlay may preserve more natural tooth than full coverage.

Cost depends on the tooth, restoration type and material, cavity size, diagnostic needs, whether other treatment is required, insurance benefits, and case complexity. The office can provide an individualized estimate after examining the tooth and reviewing the treatment plan.