Cavities don’t wait, and neither should your dental care. At Little Smiles of Washington, we provide various restorative options, including amalgam fillings in Dardenne Prairie. Whether you chipped a tooth on a popcorn kernel or woke up with an unexpected toothache, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel confident about your treatment.
Not-So-Sweet Toothaches: What Causes Cavities?
The main culprit behind most fillings is tooth decay. Sugar feeds bacteria, bacteria create acid, and acid eats through enamel. You might notice sensitivity to hot or cold, a dull ache, or a sudden sharp pain when biting. If any of that sounds familiar, you might need a filling.
Our team spots cavities early during regular checkups. X-rays and visual exams help us catch even the sneakiest signs of decay. The sooner we see it, the smaller the fix.
Metal Mouth or Mighty Molar Fix? The Scoop on Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings have been a go-to solution for over 100 years thanks to their strength, affordability, and speed. Dentists create them using a mix of metals like silver, tin, copper, and mercury. We can usually complete the entire process in one visit—after removing the decay, we place the filling, shape it to match your bite, and let it harden on the spot. These fillings hold up especially well in back molars, where chewing pressure is highest. Still, they come with some trade-offs:
- Highly visible: The silver color stands out, especially on front teeth.
- Mercury content: While deemed safe, some patients prefer to avoid it.
- Temperature sensitivity: Amalgam can expand or contract slightly, stressing the tooth over time.
- Not ideal for aesthetics: Ceramic or composite fillings may be better if you aim for a seamless smile.
Smile Stealth Mode: Ceramic Filling Benefits
Ceramic fillings, often called tooth-colored or composite fillings, offer a seamless, aesthetic alternative. We color-match them to your natural tooth so no one will spot your secret dental work.
Ceramic fillings also:
- Bond tightly to the tooth surface, adding strength
- Don’t expand or contract like metal fillings
- Resists staining better than other white materials
- Are ideal for front teeth or smile-sensitive zones
We often recommend ceramic fillings when patients want durability with discretion.
When to Choose Ceramic Over Amalgam
Sometimes function matters most. Other times, looks take the lead. Here’s when ceramic fillings win the race:
- You want your dental work to be invisible
- You’ve had sensitivity to metal in the past
- You’re concerned about mercury content
- You need a filling on a front or visible tooth
- You want a long-term, aesthetically pleasing solution
Your dentist will help you weigh the pros and cons based on the location of the cavity and how you use that tooth.
Not Just for Adults: Fillings for Kids, Too
Cavities don’t play favorites with age. Kids often get small cavities in their molars, especially if they’ve skipped a few brushing sessions or have deep grooves in their teeth.
For pediatric patients, we use both amalgam and ceramic fillings, depending on the tooth’s location and function. Our staff keeps little ones comfortable with gentle techniques and a calm, kid-friendly approach.
Cavity Blockers: Sealants, Fluoride & Cleanings to the Rescue
The best way to deal with cavities? Don’t get them in the first place. Dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and routine cleanings work together to stop decay before it starts. These simple, non-invasive steps can save you time, money, and tooth trouble.
- Dental sealants: These thin coatings cover the chewing surfaces of molars, sealing off the deep grooves where food and bacteria love to hide.
- Fluoride treatments: This enamel-strengthening solution helps protect teeth from acid attacks and decay by creating a more resilient surface.
- Professional cleanings: Our hygienists remove plaque, tartar, and buildup to keep your teeth sparkling and reduce the risk of cavities.
We recommend these preventive steps for:
- Children getting their first and second molars
- Teens with deep grooves in their back teeth
- Adults with a history of cavities or weak enamel
- Anyone who wants to avoid fillings altogether
Amalgam Fillings in Dardenne Prairie: When You Might Need One
You might need an amalgam filling if:
- You have a deep cavity in a back molar
- You need a quick, affordable restoration
- You’ve had good results with amalgam before
- You’re okay with a silver-colored material
We’ll explain all your options, show you images, and answer every question. Our goal is always to fix your tooth in the best way for your mouth, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Fillings, Fixes, and Fantastic Smiles—Let’s Do This!
If you might need amalgam fillings in Dardenne Prairie, don’t wait. We provide high-quality dental care in Dardenne, Missouri, and have additional locations in Hazelwood and Washington for your convenience. Dr. Orrick, Dr. Hastings, Dr. Freihofer, and Dr. Bourdeaux are here to help you choose between amalgam or ceramic fillings, ease tooth pain, and restore your smile.
Book an appointment with us today. We offer flexible financing options to make your care stress-free and affordable. Let’s get your smile back on track—metal, ceramic, or somewhere between.