Natural-Looking Tooth Fillings in Anderson, SC

You may notice signs of a cavity, but many patients feel no pain at all. Catching decay early makes treatment easier and helps prevent more complex dental issues later. You may need a filling if you’re experiencing:

• Sensitivity to sweets or temperature
• A rough edge on a tooth
• Food getting stuck in a specific spot
• A dark spot or shadow on the tooth
• Mild aching when chewing
• A visible hole or chip

In many cases, cavities show up on digital imaging before you feel anything. That’s one of the reasons routine checkups are so important. Early treatment helps protect the tooth’s structure and prevents the decay from spreading deeper into the nerve.

If you’re unsure whether something you’re feeling is a cavity, we’ll evaluate the tooth, explain what’s happening, and walk through every option available.

Our process is conservative, precise, and designed to preserve as much natural enamel as possible. Every filling is customized to the size of the cavity, the location of the tooth, and your comfort needs. Here’s what typically happens during a restoration appointment:

1. Digital Imaging & Evaluation
   We begin by examining the tooth and reviewing digital images to understand the extent of the decay. This allows us to determine how much enamel needs to be treated and plan the procedure accurately.
2. Gentle Removal of Decay
   Once the area is numb, we carefully remove only the damaged tooth structure. Our conservative approach ensures we keep your tooth strong and avoid weakening surrounding enamel.
3. Shaping and Preparation
   After clearing decay, we shape the area so the filling bonds securely and fits naturally. This step helps prevent gaps and ensures the final restoration feels smooth.
4. Placement of Tooth-Colored Material
   We apply a composite resin in layers, using a curing light to harden and strengthen the material. The filling is sculpted to match the natural contours of your tooth.
5. Polishing for a Seamless Finish
   After shaping the restoration, we polish it until it blends perfectly with your tooth. Most patients tell us the filling feels completely natural once the numbing wears off.

Because the process is efficient and minimally invasive, patients are often surprised by how quick and comfortable it is.

Composite resin is the preferred filling material for modern dentistry because it offers major benefits over older metal fillings. At Cornerstone Dentistry, we use tooth-colored composite for nearly all restoration cases because:

• It blends with your natural tooth shade
  No dark or metallic appearance in your smile.

• It bonds directly to the enamel
  This strengthens the tooth and helps prevent future fractures.

• It requires less drilling
  Composite allows us to preserve more healthy tooth structure.

• It’s durable and long-lasting
  With proper care, composite fillings hold up extremely well over time.

• It works well for both front and back teeth
  Strong enough for chewing surfaces yet natural-looking for visible areas.

Composite fillings also respond well to polishing and shading adjustments, giving you a restoration that looks and feels like the rest of your tooth.

Most filling appointments take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many teeth we’re restoring and where they are located. After numbing the area, we complete the majority of restorations in a single visit.

During treatment, you may feel light pressure, but discomfort is rare thanks to modern anesthetic techniques. Once the filling is placed and polished, you can return to normal activities right away.

Your tooth may feel slightly sensitive for a short period, especially to cold drinks, but this fades as the tooth adjusts to the new restoration. Before you leave, we make sure you understand everything you need to know about aftercare and what to expect in the coming days.