Dental Fillings in Holladay, UT

A filling repairs a cavity or a small chip in one visit. The decay comes out, the tooth is rebuilt, and most people are back at work the same morning.

Services→Restorative Dentistry→Dental Fillings in Holladay, UT

Fillings are the most ordinary thing we do, and for most people they are also the least eventful. You get numb, the decay comes out, the tooth gets rebuilt. If you have been avoiding this because of a bad experience somewhere else, tell us about it, because it genuinely changes how we handle your appointment.

In the event of a cavity, Dr. David S. Cannon will drill away the decayed part of the tooth and give you a dental filling. This will fill in the cavity with a natural-looking composite that looks like enamel so that you cannot tell that you ever had one! Call our dentist at 801-274-3889 to schedule your appointment at Pinnacle Dental or to learn more about our dental fillings in Holladay, Utah!

A dental filling is a restoration used to repair minor to moderate tooth damage. We may recommend a filling if a tooth has been damaged by decay (for example, if it has a cavity) or suffers from minor fracturing or chipping. The dental filling is used to restore the tooth to its original structure and function, and return your smile to good health. There are two main types of dental fillings available: amalgam fillings and composite fillings.

The process for placing a dental filling requires just one comfortable visit to our office. Our dentist will first remove the decayed and damaged portion of the tooth, then clean it to remove all traces of decay. We then fill the area with the filling material and shape it to match your tooth’s shape. Finally, the filling is hardened by our dentist for a lasting restoration.

If one of your teeth is decayed or damaged, a dental filling may be a great choice for restoring your oral health and function. We invite you to call or visit us today to learn more about dental fillings and schedule your next appointment with our dentist and team. We look forward to caring for your smile!

Reasons people come in for this

An X-ray at a checkup showed a cavity you cannot feel yet
Something sweet or cold makes one particular tooth zing
You can feel a rough edge or a small hole with your tongue
A corner chipped off a tooth and it catches on your cheek or lip
An old filling has worn down, cracked or fallen out
Food keeps wedging between the same two teeth every day

What it does for you

Stops decay before it reaches the nerve
The least involved repair a tooth can need
Composite blends in with your own tooth
Done in one appointment, no temporary
Sweet and cold sensitivity usually eases
Keeps enough tooth left to avoid a crown

About Dental Fillings

There are two materials to choose between, and they suit different situations. Composite is tooth colored and bonds to the tooth, which makes it the usual choice for front teeth and for most small and medium repairs in back. Amalgam is the silver-colored material, and it holds up well in large back fillings where the chewing pressure is heaviest. Dr. Cannon will tell you which one he would use on your tooth and why, and then it is your decision.

One visit, no second appointment
Tooth-colored composite available
Numb before any drilling starts
Catches decay while it is small

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Decay does not reverse itself once it is through the enamel. It works inward, quietly, and the first real warning most people get is pain, by which point the nerve is often involved. A cavity that needs a filling today can need a crown in a year and a root canal after that. The filling is the small, quick, inexpensive end of that road.

What to Expect

You will be numb before anything starts. What you feel is pressure, cold water and the sound of the handpiece, and if you feel anything sharp, say so, because more anesthetic is never a problem. The whole thing is usually shorter than people expect. The numbness wears off over two or three hours, your lip will feel heavy and strange, and you will want to be careful not to bite your cheek while it does.

Common Questions

Will a filling hurt?

The tooth is numbed first, and Dr. Cannon checks that the numbness has taken hold before he begins. The part most people dread is the injection itself, and he goes slowly with it, which makes more difference than people expect. During the filling you should feel pressure and cold water and nothing sharp. Tell us the moment that changes.

How long does it take?

One appointment, usually a short one, though a large filling or two at once takes longer. You will not need a temporary or a second visit. Add a little time on the front end for the numbing to take effect before the work starts.

When can I eat afterward?

A composite filling is hardened before you leave, so it is ready right away, but it is smart to wait until the numbness is fully gone so you do not bite your lip or cheek. With amalgam, go easy on that side for the first day. Some cold sensitivity for a week or two afterward is common and settles on its own.

Should I choose silver or white?

White composite looks better and is bonded into the tooth, so less tooth structure has to be removed. Silver amalgam is very durable under heavy chewing and is often the sturdier answer for a large back filling. Neither one is a wrong choice, and Dr. Cannon will give you his honest recommendation for your specific tooth.

What does a filling cost?

It depends on the size of the filling, the material and your coverage, and we will give you the number before we start rather than surprising you afterward. We work with Cigna, MetLife, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Dental Select, Delta Dental and Deseret Mutual. Without insurance, CareCredit is available, and our membership plan is 150 dollars to join and includes free X-rays and exams for a year plus 20 to 35 percent off procedures.

Terms You May Hear

Cavity: A hole in the tooth caused by decay. Small ones cause no symptoms at all, which is why they usually turn up on an X-ray before you ever notice them.
Composite: The tooth-colored filling material. It is placed in layers, bonded to the tooth and hardened with a bright light before you leave.
Amalgam: The traditional silver-colored filling material. It is strong under heavy chewing pressure and is often used for large fillings in back teeth.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Call 801-274-3889 and let us take care of a small cavity before it turns into a big one.