Cavities are one of the most common dental problems for both children and adults. The good news is that when decay is caught early, a simple filling can stop it and restore the tooth. At Olive Branch Dental Columbus, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with your smile, so no one has to know you had a cavity.

How Cavities Form

Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches from food and drinks, producing acids that soften and break down enamel. Over time, a small weak spot becomes a hole, or cavity. Without treatment, decay spreads deeper into the tooth, reaching the softer dentin and eventually the nerve, which can lead to pain, infection, and the need for a root canal or extraction.

Signs You May Have a Cavity

• Sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold
• A sharp twinge when biting down
• Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on a tooth
• Food repeatedly catching in the same spot
• Floss that shreds between certain teeth

Many early cavities cause no symptoms at all. Regular exams and X-rays help us find them while they are still small.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Composite fillings are made of a durable resin material that can be shade-matched to your natural teeth. The material is placed in layers and hardened with a special light, then shaped and polished so it looks and feels like part of the tooth.

Benefits Over Silver Fillings

• Natural appearance: Composite matches your tooth color, making it ideal for visible teeth.
• Conservative: Composite bonds directly to the tooth, so less healthy structure usually needs to be removed.
• Strengthening: The bond helps support the remaining tooth.
• Metal-free: A good option for patients who prefer to avoid metal restorations.
• Versatile: Composite can also repair chips and small cracks.

Should I Replace My Old Silver Fillings?

Silver (amalgam) fillings that are intact and working well do not need to be replaced just because they are silver. However, older fillings can crack, leak, or develop decay around their edges over time. If we see a problem during your exam, we may recommend replacing an old filling with a composite or, for larger areas, a crown.

What to Expect During a Filling Appointment

1. We numb the area so you stay comfortable.
2. The decayed portion of the tooth is gently removed.
3. The tooth is cleaned and prepared for bonding.
4. Composite is applied in layers and hardened with a curing light.
5. We shape and polish the filling and check your bite.

Most fillings take less than an hour, and you can return to work or school the same day. Wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek.

Caring for Your Fillings

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and limit sugary snacks and drinks. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and keep up with checkups so we can monitor your fillings. Some mild sensitivity after a filling is normal and usually fades within a couple of weeks.

Do Not Wait on a Cavity

Cavities only get bigger with time. Treating them early means a smaller filling, a shorter visit, and lower cost. Call Olive Branch Dental Columbus at (812) 516-5777 or visit 2459 W Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN 47201 to schedule your appointment.