Natural, Conservative Cavity Treatment That Blends With Your Smile

Cavities are common — but treating them no longer means dark silver fillings.

At our Cincinnati dental office, Dr. Omeltschenko restores teeth using modern tooth-colored composite fillings designed to strengthen your tooth while maintaining a natural appearance.

If you’ve been told you have a cavity, have sensitivity, or are considering replacing an older silver filling, here’s what you should know.

What Is a Tooth-Colored (Composite) Filling?

A composite filling is a durable, tooth-colored material used to repair:

• Cavities caused by decay
• Small cracks or fractures
• Minor chips
• Worn areas from grinding

The material bonds directly to your natural tooth, allowing us to preserve more healthy structure compared to traditional amalgam fillings.

When placed properly, composite fillings are:

• Strong
• Aesthetic
• Conservative
• Long-lasting

They restore function without changing the appearance of your smile.

When Do You Need a Filling?

A filling is recommended when decay has damaged part of the tooth but the remaining structure is still healthy and stable.

Common signs include:

• Sensitivity to cold or sweets
• Food catching between teeth
• Rough edges or chipped enamel
• A cavity detected during an exam

Cavities do not heal on their own. Treating decay early often prevents the need for more advanced procedures such as a crown or root canal.

Why We Prefer Composite Fillings

Conservative Treatment

Composite material bonds directly to the tooth, meaning less healthy structure often needs to be removed.

Natural Appearance

The shade is carefully matched to your enamel, making the filling virtually invisible.

Reinforced Tooth Structure

Bonding helps strengthen the remaining tooth and reduce fracture risk.

Mercury-Free

Composite fillings do not contain mercury.

For small to moderate cavities, they are often the most predictable and minimally invasive solution.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The process is straightforward and typically completed in one visit.

• The area is gently numbed with local anesthesia.
• Decay is carefully removed.
• The tooth is cleaned and prepared.
• Composite material is placed in layers and cured with a special light.
• The filling is shaped and polished to match your bite.

Most patients return to normal activities immediately.

Does Getting a Filling Hurt?

With proper anesthesia, you should feel pressure but not pain.

Afterward, mild sensitivity is possible for a few days, especially to cold. This typically resolves quickly.

If discomfort persists, we evaluate your bite to ensure proper adjustment.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, composite fillings can last many years.

Longevity depends on:

• Size of the filling
• Bite forces
• Oral hygiene
• Grinding or clenching habits

If you grind your teeth, a nightguard may be recommended to protect both natural teeth and restorations.

Replacing Old Silver (Amalgam) Fillings

Some patients choose to replace older silver fillings for cosmetic reasons. Others need replacement because the filling has cracked, worn down, or begun to leak.

In many cases, we can safely remove the old filling and replace it with tooth-colored composite.

However, if the existing silver filling is large, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure left to safely support another filling.

In these situations, placing a dental crown may be the more predictable solution. A crown covers and reinforces the entire tooth, reducing the risk of future fracture and protecting long-term function.

Before recommending replacement, we evaluate:

• The size of the current filling
• Remaining tooth structure
• Presence of cracks
• Bite forces

Our goal is always long-term stability — not just cosmetic improvement.

When a Filling Isn’t Enough

If decay has reached the inner pulp of the tooth, a filling alone will not resolve the problem. In those cases, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove infection before restoring the tooth.

If the tooth has lost significant structure, a crown may be recommended instead of a filling to prevent fracture.

Early treatment keeps care simple. Delaying treatment increases the likelihood of needing more complex procedures.

What If You’re in Pain?

If you’re experiencing significant tooth pain, swelling, or sudden sensitivity, it may indicate deeper decay or infection.

In those cases, prompt evaluation is important. We provide emergency dental care for patients who need immediate relief and diagnosis.

The sooner decay is addressed, the more conservative the solution tends to be.

Preventing Future Cavities

The best filling is the one you never need.

Prevention includes:

• Daily brushing and flossing
• Regular professional cleanings
• Monitoring early enamel changes
• Managing grinding or clenching

Routine exams allow us to detect decay at its earliest stage, when treatment is simplest and most conservative.

Schedule a Consultation for Tooth-Colored Fillings in Cincinnati

If you’ve been told you have a cavity — or you’re unsure whether an older filling needs attention — Dr. Omeltschenko can evaluate your tooth and explain your options clearly.

Our Cincinnati office focuses on conservative dentistry that protects your natural teeth, restores comfort, and supports long-term oral health.

Tooth-colored fillings are a modern, reliable solution designed to strengthen your teeth while maintaining a natural, healthy smile.

We’re here to help you make informed decisions — calmly, clearly, and confidently.