Filling Small Cavities

If you experience pain while chewing, drinking, or talking, you might have a cavity. Cavities form when excess bacteria or sticky foods remain in the crevices of your teeth. When cavities form, your Wilmington, Delaware dentist will use restorative dentistry techniques to replace your tooth enamel with a composite mixture and fill the space.

Unfortunately, some people are more prone to cavities than others. In other words, their enamel breaks down easier, allowing for cavities to form. Though everyone should see their dentist at least every six months, these individuals in Wilmington, Delaware might have to see their dentist more often for routine cleanings and restorative dental care.

When you see our dental team, we’ll run a variety of dental scans to identify cavities. In addition to digital scans, our hygienists will check your teeth while cleaning your smile, looking for signs of decay or damage. After examining your smile, we will consult with you about your oral health, recommending the best restorative solution to proceed with.

The Dental Filling Procedure

First, we will take scans of your smile using our advanced technology and exceptional scanning software. This ensures that your dental restoration matches your bite for seamless integration.

Next, your dentist will numb the area surrounding your cavity. We don’t want you to feel any discomfort during your dental filling so we’ll make sure that the area is completely numb. However, you don’t have to worry about going back to work with a numb smile! We use OraVerse to reverse the numbness after your procedure so you can immediately eat, drink, and talk normally.

After numbing your gums and nerve receptors, your dentist will clean out the decay in your tooth. When there is no more decay, we will thoroughly sterilize your tooth to prepare it for the composite filling. Using our 3D scans of your smile, your dentist will ensure a comfortable bite.

When your filling is in place, our dentists will give you OraVerse to reverse the numbing effects. Instead of waiting for a few hours to eat and speak normally, you can go back to your normal life as soon as you leave our office.

Replacing Metal Fillings

Here at our office, we believe in comfortable and modern restorative dentistry practices that not only improve oral health but also enhance your smile’s appearance. If you’ve had past dental work—like metal fillings—that no longer feels or looks right, we’re here to help you get your smile back on track.

That’s why we offer the option to replace metal (amalgam) fillings with natural-looking, tooth-colored composites. Unlike metal, these modern restorations blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a more uniform, confident smile. Beyond aesthetics, composite fillings eliminate the persistent metallic taste that some patients experience with metal fillings—so you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks again.

Composite restorations are also a healthier long-term choice. They bond directly to your tooth structure, preserving more of your natural enamel and reducing the risk of cracking over time. If your old metal fillings are affecting your comfort, confidence, or quality of life, visit us to explore restorative options designed to look great, feel better, and support lasting oral health.

When Is a Dental Crown Better Than a Filling?

When it comes to restoring your smile, choosing the right treatment matters. A dental crown is often necessary when a tooth is too damaged, weakened, or structurally compromised for a simple dental filling to properly restore it. While fillings work well for small areas of decay, more serious damage calls for the strength and full coverage that a crown provides, like:

  • Extent of Damage: If a cavity is small, a tooth-colored filling can usually repair it. However, when decay or a fracture affects a larger portion of the tooth, a filling may not provide enough protection. A dental crown completely covers the tooth, preventing further damage and preserving your oral health.
  • Tooth Strength: After a root canal or in cases of advanced decay, teeth often become brittle and vulnerable to cracking. A crown reinforces the tooth, restoring its strength and helping it withstand everyday biting and chewing forces.
  • Shape and Appearance: Dental crowns are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. When cosmetic concerns are a priority—especially for front teeth—a crown not only restores strength but also delivers a seamless, attractive appearance.
  • Fractures or Cracks: If a tooth has a significant crack or structural weakness, a filling simply won’t offer enough stability. A dental crown encases the tooth, holding it together and preventing the crack from worsening over time.
  • Wear and Tear: Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) or natural wear over time can severely damage teeth. In these cases, crowns are often used to rebuild and protect the worn structure, providing long-lasting durability compared to a standard filling.

If you’re unsure whether you need a dental crown or a dental filling, a thorough evaluation with your dentist can help determine the best option. Restoring your smile with the right treatment not only improves your appearance but also protects your long-term oral health.

Your Dental Team in Wilmington for Dental Fillings

Tooth-colored dental fillings are one of the simplest and most effective restorative dentistry treatments for small cavities. If you need a regular dentist for routine cleanings or to restore a damaged tooth, Dr. Goodling in Wilmington, DE would love to help. Schedule an appointment with our team by calling (302) 994-0979.