General Dentistry
Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings Explained
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth affected by cavities, cracks, or minor damage. At Nova Dental Care of Vienna, we use modern, tooth-colored composite materials that bond directly to the tooth structure and restore both function and appearance. Fillings stop decay from progressing, prevent further damage, and protect the inside of the tooth from infection.
Modern composite fillings have largely replaced traditional silver amalgam fillings for most cases. Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin that's matched to your natural tooth shade, making them virtually invisible. They also bond directly to the tooth, which means less of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings. The result is a stronger, more aesthetic restoration that preserves more of your tooth.
The filling procedure is straightforward and typically completed in one visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the dentist removes any decayed or damaged tooth material, cleans the area, and applies the composite resin in layers, hardening each layer with a special light. The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural contours of your tooth and feel comfortable in your bite. Most patients return to normal eating shortly after the appointment, once the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off.
Dental Fillings Approach
Catching cavities early is one of the most important things we do at Nova Dental Care of Vienna. Small cavities are simple to treat with a small filling, while delaying treatment can lead to larger restorations, root canals, or even tooth loss. Regular checkups and X-rays help us identify decay at the earliest possible stage.
We use composite materials matched precisely to your tooth color so fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, even on front teeth where appearance matters most. Our technique focuses on preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible while fully removing decay. We also discuss the underlying causes of cavities (diet, hygiene, dry mouth, etc.) so we can help you prevent future decay rather than just treating it as it appears.
Four simple steps, every time.
From the moment you sit down to the moment you leave, here's what a routine cleaning and exam looks like at our Chantilly office.
Detect
Visual exam, X-rays, and sometimes specialized cavity-detection technology identify decay or damage in the tooth, often before symptoms appear.
Remove
Under local anesthesia, the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is gently removed using small dental instruments.
Fill
Tooth-colored composite resin is applied in layers and hardened with a curing light, then shaped and polished to match your natural tooth.
Protect
Good brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings help prevent future decay and protect your filled tooth long-term.