Dental health is essential to your overall well-being, and part of maintaining a healthy smile is promptly addressing cavities and tooth decay. When it comes to effective dental treatments, dental fillings in Edmond are one of the most common and reliable options we provide. At Gray Dental Group, we’re proud to offer high-quality fillings tailored to your needs, emphasizing tooth-colored composite fillings for a seamless, natural look.  

What Are Dental Fillings and What Do They Do?  

Dental fillings repair and restore teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures. When you experience a cavity, it means bacteria have created holes in your tooth enamel. If left untreated, the decay can worsen, causing pain, infection, or even the need for more extensive dental work like root canal therapy. Fillings prevent further damage by sealing the cavity and restoring the tooth’s strength and function.  

Fillings can also correct chips or cracks in teeth, ensuring they remain intact and functional. This versatile treatment helps preserve your natural teeth while keeping your smile healthy.  

What Are Dental Fillings Made Of?  

Dental fillings in Edmond are available in several materials, each with unique benefits. Historically, metal amalgam fillings were the go-to option for their durability. Today, we also offer tooth-colored composite fillings, which have become the preferred choice for many patients. 

• Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: These fillings are made of a durable resin material that mimics the natural appearance of your tooth. Once placed, they are nearly invisible, especially appealing to patients who want their dental work to blend in. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, providing excellent functionality and aesthetic appeal.  
• Amalgam Fillings: These traditional fillings are made of metals, such as silver, tin, and mercury. While they are known for their durability, their silver color makes them more noticeable.  
• Gold Fillings: We sometimes use gold for its strength and longevity, but it is more expensive and less common today.  
• Ceramic Fillings: Made of porcelain, ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and stain-resistant, offering another premium option for aesthetically pleasing results. 

At Gray Dental Group, we focus on composite fillings because they deliver a long-lasting, subtle solution that keeps your smile looking natural.  

How to Care for Your Dental Fillings in Edmond

Once you’ve received your fillings, caring for them is important to ensure their longevity. Thankfully, maintaining your fillings is simple and involves regular oral hygiene practices.

1. Brush and Floss Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including areas around the filling. Flossing will prevent plaque and food particles from building up near your fillings.  
2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Tough or chewy items can put excessive pressure on your fillings, potentially causing them to crack or loosen.  
3. Attend Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to our Edmond dental office allow us to inspect your fillings and ensure they remain strong and functional over time.  
4. Protect Your Teeth: If you grind your teeth while sleeping, consider wearing a custom mouthguard to prevent undue stress on your fillings.  

Adopting these habits allows you to keep your dental fillings in great shape for years.  

What to Do If a Filling Falls Out  

Although fillings are durable, they don’t last forever. If a filling loosens or falls out, don’t panic. Here are the steps to address the situation promptly and keep your tooth safe until you can visit us at Gray Dental Group.  

1. Contact Us Immediately: Call our Edmond office to schedule an appointment and have the filling replaced.  
2. Keep the Area Clean: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to remove debris and prevent infection.  
3. Avoid Using the Tooth: Chew on the other side of your mouth to prevent further damage to the exposed area of the tooth.  
4. Use Temporary Fixes with Caution: Dental wax or temporary filling materials from a pharmacy can provide short-term relief. However, these are not permanent solutions. 

Our team can quickly restore your filling, ensuring your tooth remains healthy and functional. 

Are Metal Fillings Detectable by Metal Detectors?  

Patients often ask whether amalgam fillings will set off metal detectors. Fortunately, the answer is no. The metals used in amalgam fillings are not magnetic and are in small amounts, so they do not interfere with security systems or metal detectors.

If you’re looking to replace older metal fillings with a more modern solution, our practice can help. Composite fillings offer a natural-looking finish and do not contain any metal, making them an attractive alternative.  

Why Choose Gray Dental Group?  

We are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality dental care tailored to your needs at Gray Dental Group, led by Dr. Philip Gray and Dr. Kayla Nittler. Whether you require tooth-colored composite fillings or are curious about other dental services we offer, our team guides you every step of the way. Our practice proudly serves the Edmond community, offering the latest dental treatments in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Don’t wait to address dental concerns—schedule your appointment today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.