Dental Fillings

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You're At Home With Us At Handcrafted Dentistry

At Handcrafted Dentistry, we believe every smile deserves personalized, thoughtful care. For many families in Durham, that includes restoring teeth with natural-looking dental fillings in Durham. Our dentists, Dr. Caitlin Singleton and Dr. Juliet Borchardt, welcome patients of all ages—from toddlers visiting the dentist for the first time to adults needing restorative care.

As a family dental practice, we aim to provide a dental home where children, parents, and grandparents can all feel comfortable. By combining preventive care with restorative solutions like fillings, we protect oral health across generations. We emphasize the importance of childhood dental care, since addressing cavities early in life helps prevent more complex problems later and fosters positive habits that last a lifetime.

dental fillings durham

what are

Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative materials that repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or everyday wear. Cavities form when bacteria erode the enamel, leaving small holes that compromise function and appearance. Fillings seal those spaces, restore tooth strength, and prevent decay from spreading.

Handcrafted Dentistry uses tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural enamel. These fillings not only provide durability but also maintain the beauty of your smile. Unlike the silver amalgam fillings of decades past, today’s composite materials are safe, effective, and practically invisible.

Fillings are essential in dentistry because they allow us to treat cavities conservatively. Rather than waiting until damage spreads and requires a crown or root canal, we can intervene early with a filling to preserve most of the natural tooth structure.

Who Are Dental Fillings For?

Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in family dentistry because almost everyone can need one at some point.

  • Children – Kids are particularly prone to cavities due to thinner enamel and developing brushing habits. Fillings in baby teeth are important because untreated decay can spread, cause pain, or affect the alignment of permanent teeth. Early treatment also helps children view dental visits positively.
  • Teens – Adolescents may need fillings due to dietary habits, sports injuries, or orthodontic complications.
  • Adults – Even adults with good hygiene can develop cavities over time. Cracks, grinding, or old fillings that wear down also require replacement.
  • Seniors – As gums recede and enamel naturally thins with age, seniors are more susceptible to cavities near the root surfaces of teeth.

In short, fillings are for any patient—child or adult—who needs protection against tooth decay or damage. Our family practice makes it easy to care for everyone under one roof, with dentists who understand the unique needs of each life stage.

our cosmetic
our cosmetic

Procedure Process

We want every patient, especially children, to feel comfortable during treatment. Here’s what to expect at a filling appointment:

  1. Diagnosis – We use digital X-rays and a careful exam to detect cavities or damaged areas.
  2. Numbing – Local anesthesia ensures comfort. For children or anxious patients, we offer additional comfort options.
  3. Decay Removal – The damaged portion of the tooth is gently removed, leaving behind healthy structure.
  4. Preparation – We clean and shape the tooth to hold the filling securely.
  5. Filling Placement – Composite resin is layered into the space, hardened with a curing light, and bonded to the tooth.
  6. Shaping & Polishing – We shape the filling to match your bite and polish it to look natural.

The process is quick and efficient, and children often leave feeling proud of their bravery. By explaining each step in simple terms, we help kids and adults alike feel at ease.

Aftercare

Taking care of your new filling is simple. Here are a few tips we share with patients:

  • Oral Hygiene – Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to protect against future cavities.
  • Avoid Chewing Hard Objects—Don’t chew on ice, pens, or hard candy, as this can crack fillings.
  • Watch for Sensitivity – Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur initially but usually resolves within days.
  • Regular Checkups – Visit us every six months so we can monitor the integrity of your fillings and detect any new concerns early.

Aftercare includes reinforcing brushing habits, encouraging healthy snacks, and reminding children not to pick or bite hard foods with a freshly filled tooth. Parents play a big role in helping kids keep fillings—and smiles—strong.

The Benefits of Dental Fillings

  1. Preserve Natural Teeth – Fillings save the remaining healthy tooth structure instead of requiring extraction.
  2. Prevent Spread of Decay – Bacteria can’t continue eroding the tooth once a cavity is sealed.
  3. Restore Function – Fillings bring back chewing strength, preventing pain or difficulty eating.
  4. Enhance Appearance – Tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly for a natural, confident smile.
  5. Support Lifelong Oral Health—Early intervention prevents more invasive and costly procedures, which is especially important for children learning to care for their teeth.

The Importance of Childhood Dental Care

Because cavities are children’s most common chronic condition, preventive and restorative dentistry matters from the first tooth. At Handcrafted Dentistry, we take extra time with young patients to make visits positive. By addressing cavities quickly and gently, we ensure kids grow up with healthy teeth and good experiences that shape their lifelong relationship with dental care.

Parents trust Dr. Singleton and Dr. Borchardt because we emphasize education as much as treatment. We show kids and caregivers how to brush effectively, choose tooth-friendly snacks, and understand why fillings or sealants protect smiles for years.

Related Services

Along with fillings, our office offers a full suite of services to keep your family’s smiles healthy:

 

Dental Fillings in Durham

Whether you need a new filling, a replacement for an old one, or preventive guidance for your child, Handcrafted Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Caitlin Singleton and Dr. Juliet Borchardt provide gentle, thorough, and family-centered care.

 

Schedule your visit today. Let us protect your smile with beautifully crafted dental fillings in Durham—because your family deserves a dental home that cares for every generation.



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