Dental fillings are a common restorative dentistry procedure performed to restore the function and integrity of tooth structure damaged by cavities or trauma. At Smiles of Bulverde, our San Antonio dentists are renowned for their expertise in dental fillings. They use modern techniques and materials to ensure the fillings are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The process involves removing the decayed tooth material, cleaning the affected area, and then filling the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This procedure can be completed in a single visit and is virtually painless.
The first dental fillings were made of gold and were used as early as the 19th century!
Dr. Lisa has nearly 30 years of experience caring for patients with kindness and skill. She is dedicated to her patients’ utmost comfort and optimal oral health. Each patient is treated like the unique individual they are — something you’ll notice from the moment you walk through our door. We are honored to care for our patients, and we value the trust you have placed in us!
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Sedation dentistry is specifically designed to ease the fear and anxiety that can come with dental procedures. Our sedation options help patients relax, transforming what could be a stressful visit into a calm and serene experience.
Gentle dental care
Natural-looking results
Advanced dental technology
At Smiles of Bulverde, we make getting dental fillings in San Antonio a comfortable and smooth experience. Our gentle family dentist in San Antonio explains everything and makes sure you feel at ease. We use modern tools and safe materials to give you the best care possible.
Dental fillings are crucial in halting the progression of tooth decay. Once a cavity has formed, it will continue to grow if not treated. Fillings stop this process by replacing the decayed area with a durable material that prevents further decay. This helps to preserve the remaining healthy tooth structure and prolongs the life of the tooth.
Cavities can make it painful to eat or talk. With dental fillings in San Antonio, we restore the tooth’s strength so you can bite and chew like normal. Fillings restore strength to minor cavities. If a tooth has extensive decay or a large fracture, a dental crown may be required to fully protect the tooth structure.
We offer tooth-colored dental fillings in San Antonio that blend perfectly with your natural teeth. These fillings don’t just fix the damage—they also help your smile look great. You can feel confident knowing your filling is both functional and invisible when you talk or laugh.
The first step in the dental fillings procedure is a thorough examination of your teeth. Dr. Ding will use specialized instruments and digital X-rays to detect cavities between teeth that aren't visible to the naked eye. Once the decayed area is identified, the area around the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
The second step involves removing the decayed tooth material. This is done using a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser. The choice of instrument depends on the extent of the decay, the location of the tooth, and the dentist's comfort level with the equipment.
Once the decay has been completely removed, the final step is to fill the cavity. The dentist will first clean the cavity of bacteria and debris. Then, the filling material—chosen to match the color of your natural teeth—is placed in layers. Each layer is hardened or cured with a special light. Once all layers are in place, the dentist will shape the filling to fit your tooth and polish it to prevent staining and early wear.
Most patients experience numbness for 2 to 4 hours after the procedure. The exact timing depends on the type of anesthetic used, the location of the filling, and your individual metabolism. Numbness in the lower jaw typically takes longer to wear off than in the upper jaw because the nerves are bundled differently.
Delaying a dental filling allows decay to spread deeper into the tooth. What begins as a small cavity can quickly turn into a large fracture or an infection of the dental pulp. If the decay reaches the nerve, you may require a root canal or even a tooth extraction to resolve the pain. Treating a cavity early with a simple filling is the most cost effective way to save your natural tooth and avoid complex dental surgery.
Yes. At Smiles of Bulverde, we use composite resin (tooth-colored fillings) that can be precisely matched to the shade of your natural enamel. This material mimics the translucency of your teeth, making the filling virtually invisible when you laugh, speak, or smile. Unlike old-fashioned silver fillings, composite resin provides a seamless, aesthetic result.
Absolutely. We provide gentle pediatric dentistry services, including fillings for both primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. It is vital to fill cavities in baby teeth because they hold the space for permanent teeth to grow in correctly. We use a compassionate approach to ensure our younger patients in San Antonio feel safe and comfortable during their treatment.
On average, composite fillings last between 7 and 10 years. Their lifespan depends on several factors, including the size of the filling, its location in your mouth, and your oral hygiene habits. Patients who maintain regular dental cleanings and avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or hard candy often see their fillings last much longer.
No. Getting a dental filling is a routine, virtually painless procedure. We use a local anesthetic to completely numb the tooth and the surrounding area before we begin. Most patients only feel a slight pressure during the process. For those who experience dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to ensure a completely relaxed experience.
At Smiles of Bulverde Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make it simple for families in North San Antonio, TX to access high-quality dental care close to home. Our office on Bulverde Road is easily reachable for patients traveling from Northwood Hills, Roseheart, Emerald Forest, Encino Park, Redland Ridge, Redland Woods, Sendero Ridge, Emmitt Park, Gold Canyon, Oak Haven Heights, Hollywood Park, Kentwood Manor, Semora Oak, Cibolo Canyons Resort Community, Stone Oak Park, Hidden Canyon, Terra Bella, Summit, Wilderness Pointe, Far North Central, Cibolo Green Park, Christian Park, Timberwood Park, Franklin Park, Burlington, Ravello Oaks, Amalfi Oaks, Fossil Ridge, Palm Point, Creek River, Dusty Canyon, Montrose Wood, Park Hollow, Hardy Oak Blvd offering a convenient location for all your dental needs.
From preventive and family dentistry to orthodontics, cosmetic treatments, and emergency dental care, we offer complete dental services under one roof to support healthy, confident smiles for every stage of life. Our dental office is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind to ensure stress-free visits for patients of all ages. Located at 22103 Bulverde Road, Suite 108, San Antonio, TX 78259, we offer ample parking, flexible scheduling, and a warm, welcoming environment. Call (210) 907-8666 today to schedule your appointment and discover why families across North San Antonio trust us as their dental and orthodontic home.
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