Dental Fillings

Our Specialty Dentists

Justin Liddle, DMD, CDT, Prosthodontist

Dr. Liddle is a distinguished prosthodontist who earned his doctorate from Case Western Reserve University and completed a three-year Prosthodontic Residency at Louisiana State University Health Science Center. Internationally trained in dental esthetics and implant dentistry, he was awarded 1st Place in the Nobel Biocare Student Case Presentation Award. As one of the few prosthodontists serving Northern Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, Dr. Liddle is also a respected educator, leading advanced courses on implant dentistry techniques.

Kirk Harvey, DMD

Dr. Kirk Harvey earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona, where he was honored with the prestigious Hanau Excellence in Prosthodontics Award for his outstanding clinical skills.

Meet the Team

Types of Dental Fillings

You may be surprised to learn that not all fillings are created equal. The right filling material for your tooth will vary based on:

• The location of the cavity
• The size of the restoration
• Your aesthetic preferences
• Your budget

That’s why every dental filling procedure starts with a comprehensive consultation where we can analyze the issue at hand and create a roadmap to better oral health.

Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored)

Composite fillings are one of our most popular choices for visible teeth. Composite fillings are made from a blend of plastic and fine glass particles. They're carefully matched to your natural tooth color, so no one will know you have a filling at all!

Composite bonds directly to your enamel and dentin, so we can often preserve more of your healthy tooth structure through this method. It’s an excellent choice for small to moderate restorations, especially in areas where appearance matters.

Amalgam (Silver)

Amalgam fillings have a long history – over 150 years to be exact! – and they remain one of the most durable options for back teeth where chewing forces are strongest. Amalgam fillings are made from a metal alloy, making them exceptionally long-lasting and cost-effective.

Major health organizations, including the FDA and ADA, consider amalgam safe for most patients.

But there are some individuals – such as those with mercury sensitivities or specific health conditions – who may prefer alternative materials. We're happy to discuss what's right for you during your consultation!

Ceramic and Porcelain

Are you looking for the best in aesthetics and durability? Ceramic or porcelain fillings (often called inlays or onlays) offer an excellent solution.

Ceramic or porcelain fillings are custom-crafted in a dental lab to match your tooth precisely. Plus, they resist staining better than composite and can last for decades with proper care.

Gold Alloy

Gold fillings are one of the longest-lasting filling material options available, and can often survive 20 years or more. Gold alloy fillings are less common today due to their appearance and cost, but they remain a choice for patients who want maximum durability in back teeth.

Not sure which material is right for your filling? During your consultation, we'll help you weigh the pros and cons of each material and recommend the best option for your specific situation.

Signs You May Need a Filling

Cavities are sneaky, and often only really start hurting when they become more severe. If you know what to watch for, there are some warning signs that can tell you a filling may be in your future:

• Sensitivity to temperature: You feel sudden or sharp discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic
• Pain when chewing: You feel discomfort or tenderness in your mouth or gums when biting down on food
• Visible holes or pits: You start to see dark spots or small holes on your tooth, or you feel rough areas on the tooth surface
• Food getting trapped: Food consistently gets caught between certain teeth where it didn't before
• Floss shredding: You find that your floss is fraying or catching around a specific tooth
• Worn or broken fillings: Existing restorations that have cracked, chipped, or fallen out

Our best tip? Don't wait for pain to tell you something's wrong before you seek help.

Many cavities develop without obvious symptoms until they've grown much larger, leading to more extensive dental treatments. This makes regular dental exams so important – we can catch decay in its earliest stages when treatment is simplest.

If you're experiencing any of these warning signs, schedule a consultation with our team. Early intervention can typically mean a smaller filling and a longer-lasting treatment outcome!

Benefits of Dental Fillings

There are plenty of reasons to be proactive about your dental health. Here are some key reasons why getting a filling instead of waiting is so important!

Fillings Stop Decay Before It Spreads

The harsh reality? Cavities don't heal on their own. When cavities are left untreated, decay continues to grow. In many cases, that decay can reach the inner pulp of your tooth – requiring a more extensive root canal treatment later.

Fillings Can Restore Normal Function

A damaged tooth is one of the top reasons that chewing and talking become painful or uncomfortable. Fillings restore your tooth's shape and strength so you can eat normally without pain or sensitivity.

Fillings Protect Your Investment

Your natural teeth are the best teeth – and they’re irreplaceable. Fillings are one of the most conservative treatments available, preserving much of your existing tooth structure and preventing deterioration of the jawbone and other dental issues.

Fillings are Quick and Comfortable

The best benefit? Most dental fillings are completed in a single appointment. The process typically takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Plus, with modern anesthesia and techniques, the procedure is comfortable and straightforward.

What to Expect During Your Filling Appointment

Are you nervous about getting a filling? You’re not alone, but there’s no reason to fear. Here's exactly what happens in a dental filling, and why there's nothing to worry about.

Step 1: Examination and Diagnosis

Your appointment starts with a thorough examination at our Fort Collins office. We may take X-rays to assess the extent of any decay and determine the best treatment approach. We’ll talk with you about your options, and once we've developed a plan, we’ll get to work!

Step 2: Numbing the Area

Before any work starts, we'll help reduce the discomfort by numbing the treatment area with a local anesthetic. Most patients feel only slight pressure during the procedure, and most report little to no pain.

Step 3: Removing the Decay

Our experts use precision instruments to carefully remove the decayed or damaged tooth structure. Once the decay is removed, we will clean the cavity to prevent any further growth.

For composite fillings, we apply an etching gel and bonding agent to help the material adhere securely to your tooth.

Step 4: Placing and Shaping Your Filling

Once the decay is gone, it’s time to restore your tooth! For most treatments, the filling material is placed in layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light (for composites).

Once the cavity is filled, we shape the material to match your natural bite and polish it to a smooth finish for a comfortable, natural-looking fit.

For indirect restorations like inlays or onlays, we'll take a digital scan or impression and have your custom restoration fabricated at the lab. You'll return for a second visit to have it permanently cemented.