Filling Small Cavities

If you experience pain while chewing, drinking, or talking, you may have a cavity. Cavities form when bacteria or sticky foods linger on your teeth and start to wear them down. When this happens, your Wilmington, Delaware dentist can gently remove the decay and restore your tooth with a natural-looking, tooth-colored filling.

Some people are more prone to cavities than others, meaning their enamel wears down more quickly. While everyone should see the dentist at least every six months, those at higher risk may benefit from more frequent cleanings. During your visit, we use digital scans and thorough exams to detect early signs of decay, so we can recommend the best treatment before problems worsen.

The Dental Filling Procedure

If a cavity is detected, the next step is a quick and comfortable filling procedure. First, we’ll take a scan of your smile to ensure your filling feels natural with your bite. Then your dentist will numb the area so you don’t feel discomfort during treatment.

Once you’re comfortable, we’ll carefully remove the decay and clean the tooth. A tooth-colored material is then used to restore the tooth’s shape and strength. Before you leave, we’ll make sure your filling feels natural when you bite down. To make recovery even easier, we use OraVerse to reverse the numbing effects so you can eat, drink, and speak normally right after your appointment.

Replacing Metal Fillings

Our office is committed to modern dentistry that’s both comfortable and natural-looking. If you have old metal fillings that feel uncomfortable or stand out when you smile, we can replace them with tooth-colored alternatives.

Composite fillings blend seamlessly with your teeth, creating a uniform smile without the metallic taste some patients experience. They also bond more securely to your tooth, helping protect against future cracks and preserving more of your natural enamel. If your old fillings affect your comfort, confidence, or quality of life, we’ll help you explore options that look and feel better.

Fillings, Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns

While fillings are ideal for small cavities, sometimes a tooth needs more support. That’s when your dentist may recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown.

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations that fit precisely into or onto your tooth. They’re stronger than a filling but preserve more natural enamel than a full crown, making them a great “middle option” when a cavity is too large for a filling but not severe enough for full coverage.

Dental crowns, on the other hand, completely cover a tooth that’s too damaged, weakened, or fractured for other treatments. They reinforce the tooth, restore its strength, and can be designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth for both durability and a beautiful appearance.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we’ll carefully evaluate your tooth and recommend the restoration that best protects your long-term oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A filling repairs existing damage, but daily brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary foods help prevent new cavities from forming. Regular checkups are key for long-term success.

Yes, fillings can loosen or fall out due to wear, grinding, or biting on hard foods. If this happens, it’s important to contact your dentist promptly to avoid further damage.

Composite fillings can pick up minor stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco over time. Professional cleanings help keep both your teeth and fillings looking bright.

Sensitivity, pain when chewing, or visible cracks in your filling are signs it may need repair or replacement. Routine exams help catch these issues early.

Not usually — but if a tooth has multiple fillings or very large ones, it may become weaker over time. In those cases, an inlay, onlay, or crown may be a better option.

Untreated cavities can grow and lead to infection, abscesses, or the need for a root canal. Catching decay early is the best way to avoid more serious treatment.

Your Dental Team in Wilmington for Dental Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to repair small cavities. Whether you need a routine cleaning or treatment for tooth decay, Dr. Goodling and our team in Wilmington, DE are here to help. Call us today at (302) 994-0979 to keep your smile strong, healthy, and confident.