What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations (commonly known as dental fillings) are procedures used to restore the form, function, and integrity of a tooth that has been damaged by:

• Dental caries (tooth decay)

• Fractures or cracks

• Wear and abrasion

• Old restoration failures

A filling seals the cavity, prevents bacterial entry, restores chewing efficiency, and maintains overall oral health.

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When Do You Need a Dental Filling?

You require a filling when:

• You notice tooth sensitivity to sweets, cold, or hot foods

• There is visible decay, dark spots, or holes in teeth

• Food frequently gets stuck in a particular tooth

• You have chipped or fractured enamel

• There is early decay detected on X-rays

• Your dentist advises a filling before decay worsens

• Old fillings show leakage, cracks, or secondary caries

Early treatment prevents root canal therapy and reduces long-term cost.

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When You Should NOT Get a Filling

A filling is not advisable when:

• Decay is too deep and has reached the pulp (requires RCT)

• Large tooth structure loss cannot be supported by a simple filling (requires crown/onlay)

• The tooth has a vertical crack or is non-restorable

• Severe gum disease with mobile teeth

• Extensive decay near the gum requiring periodontal intervention

• You have temporary inflammation/swelling that must be resolved first

At SmileSparks, we will guide you to the correct treatment—whether filling, inlay, onlay, crown, or root canal.