Locate Our Practice
Send Us a Message
Whether you need to repair a small cavity or restore a damaged tooth, dental fillings at Schultz Family Dental provide a reliable, natural-looking solution. Our tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your smile—so you can eat, speak, and laugh with confidence.
The best ways to lessen your chances of developing a cavity are to maintain healthy eating and drinking habits, develop a great routine to take care of your teeth daily by brushing and flossing, and schedule regular appointments to have your teeth cleaned and checked. Prevention is a team effort, and we want to make sure we’re doing everything possible to keep your mouth healthy!
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a disease that causes damage to your teeth by breaking down your tooth structure. The outermost layer of the tooth is called the enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and is made up of minerals, organic material, and water. Beneath the enamel is a layer of tooth structure called dentin, which is composed of similar materials; however, it contains fewer minerals, and is therefore slightly softer. The innermost part of your tooth is called the pulp, made up of connective tissue and cells, blood vessels, and nerves. The more of these layers that are affected by decay, the greater the damage to the tooth—and the more extensive the dental procedures required to restore it.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr. Anna Schultz combines advanced clinical training with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. Her philosophy centers on education, prevention, and early detection—empowering you to take a proactive role in your oral and overall health. Parents, families, and long-time patients appreciate her attention to detail, warm communication style, and whole-health perspective. Learn more about our team.
What Causes Decay?
Your teeth are covered by a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque. If the bacteria are not removed by brushing and flossing after a meal, they turn the sugar from your food into acid, which can then break down your tooth structure. As the tooth structure breaks down, a hole forms, called a cavity.
If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to pain, spread of infection, and even tooth loss. In addition to being unhealthy, it can also be unsightly, leading to a loss of self-confidence as well. That’s why early treatment with dental fillings is so important. It’s much easier and more affordable to prevent tooth decay than it is to repair or replace a damaged tooth!
Tooth-Colored Fillings
If we do need to repair a damaged tooth, not to worry! At Schultz Family Dental, we use the most advanced restorative materials available, so we can get you looking and feeling your best!
In the past, cavities were commonly filled with a metal material called amalgam (a mix of silver and mercury). Unfortunately, these fillings can cause damage to the teeth over time because they are often large, and can expand—causing cracks or fractures to form.
At Schultz Family Dental, we offer a metal-free, natural-looking alternative: tooth-colored fillings called composite resins. With this newer material, we are able to save a greater amount of healthy tooth structure, so that your teeth stay strong and vibrant. Tooth-colored fillings are especially ideal for front teeth, where a natural appearance matters most.
Dr. Schultz will select a custom shade for your tooth-colored filling, so that it will easily blend with the color of your teeth, and allow for a more beautiful smile! See our fillings smile gallery here.
What to Expect
Understanding the dental filling procedure can help ease any anxiety about your visit. Here’s what to expect:
- Numbing the Area — Dr. Schultz will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Removing the Decay — Using precise instruments, Dr. Schultz gently removes the decayed portion of your tooth.
- Preparing the Tooth — The cavity is cleaned and shaped to create a strong bond for your new filling.
- Placing the Filling — The tooth-colored composite resin is applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light.
- Shaping and Polishing — Dr. Schultz sculpts the filling to match your natural bite, then polishes it for a smooth, comfortable finish.
The entire dental filling procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities immediately.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Why do patients at Schultz Family Dental prefer tooth-colored fillings? Here’s what sets them apart:
- Natural Appearance — Custom-matched to your tooth shade, tooth-colored fillings are virtually invisible—perfect for front teeth and visible areas of your smile
- Mercury-Free — Unlike traditional amalgam, composite fillings contain no metal or mercury
- Preserves Tooth Structure — Less drilling is required, allowing us to save more of your healthy tooth
- Bonds Directly to Teeth — Creates a strong, secure restoration that supports your tooth’s natural strength
- Durable and Long-Lasting — With proper care, dental fillings can last many years
- Versatile — Ideal for repairing cavities, chips, cracks, and worn teeth
What Patients Are Saying
“Incredible dental practice. I’ve been coming here for years for routine cleaning. Today was my first time having a restoration (filling) done. I was nervous but Stephanie and Dr Schultz put me at ease through the process. The anesthesia injection was totally pain-free! Highly recommend this office.”
– Liz Holland
Inlays and Onlays
When tooth decay or damage is too extensive for a traditional dental filling but not significant enough to require a crown, inlays and onlays offer an excellent middle-ground solution. These custom-made restorations are crafted in a dental laboratory and bonded to your tooth, providing superior strength and durability.
An inlay fits within the grooves of your tooth, between the cusps (the raised points on the chewing surface). An onlay is more extensive, covering one or more cusps of the tooth, but not quite as much coverage as a dental crown. Both inlays and onlays are made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, and are color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to crowns while providing exceptional strength for teeth with larger areas of decay. Each restoration is custom-fabricated for a precise fit, and the stain-resistant materials maintain a natural appearance that blends beautifully with your smile.
The process typically requires two visits—one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to bond the custom restoration in place.
FAQs
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, tooth-colored fillings typically last 7–10 years or longer. Avoiding habits like teeth grinding and chewing on hard objects can help extend their lifespan.
Yes. Composite resin fillings are made from a safe, biocompatible material that has been used in dentistry for decades. They contain no mercury or metal.
Absolutely. Tooth-colored fillings for front teeth are one of the most common applications because the material blends naturally with your enamel, making the restoration virtually invisible.
The dental filling procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. Some patients experience mild sensitivity afterward, which typically resolves within a few days.
The cost of dental fillings varies based on the size and location of the cavity. We’ll provide a clear estimate before any treatment and help you understand your insurance coverage or payment options.
Yes. Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored fillings for a more natural appearance and to address concerns about metal in their mouths.
Keep Your Smile Healthy and Beautiful with Dental Fillings
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or think you may have a cavity, don’t wait. Early treatment with dental fillings can prevent more extensive—and expensive—dental work down the road.
