Dental Fillings Houma, LA
A dental filling restores a tooth that has been damaged by decay, cracks, or fractures, bringing it back to its normal shape, function, and comfort. At Porche Dental Care in Houma, Louisiana, Dr. Corey Porche has placed fillings for patients across Terrebonne Parish for 20 years, using tooth-colored composite resin materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Whether you have a cavity that needs to be addressed or old silver amalgam fillings you would like replaced, we will help you understand your options and choose the approach that makes the most sense for your situation as part of our preventive care and restorative services.
Decay is more common than most people realize. According to the CDC Division of Oral Health, cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States, affecting adults and children alike. The good news is that a cavity caught early, before it reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, is one of the simplest and most affordable dental problems to treat.
Types of Dental Fillings
Several filling materials are available, and the right choice depends on the location of the tooth, the extent of the decay, your aesthetic preferences, and how much chewing force the tooth needs to withstand. Dr. Porche will walk you through which option makes the most sense before any treatment begins.
What Is Right for Me?
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and cost of dental restorations. When deciding on a filling material, Dr. Porche considers:
- The location and size of the cavity and how much healthy tooth structure remains
- The chewing forces the tooth must withstand
- Your cosmetic preferences, particularly whether the tooth is visible when you smile
- Whether the restoration can be completed in one visit or requires two
- Your overall dental health history and any existing restorations nearby
Before treatment begins, Dr. Porche will review your X-rays, explain what he finds, and discuss all your options clearly. You will never be moved into a procedure without understanding exactly what is being done and why.
Direct vs. Indirect Fillings
It is also helpful to understand the difference between the two broad categories of restorations before your appointment:
What Happens During a Filling Appointment
If you have never had a filling before, here is what to expect at Porche Dental Care:
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings
Are dental fillings painful?
The procedure itself is not painful. Dr. Porche numbs the area with local anesthesia before beginning, so you will feel pressure but no pain during treatment. Some mild sensitivity in the filled tooth is normal for a few days afterward, particularly to hot and cold temperatures, and typically resolves on its own.
How long do fillings last?
Lifespan varies by material and how well the tooth is cared for. Composite resin fillings typically last 7 to 10 years; amalgam fillings can last 10 to 15 years or longer; ceramic and gold restorations may last 15 years or more with good maintenance. Dr. Porche checks your existing fillings at every exam and will let you know if one is showing signs of wear or failure.
What is the difference between composite and amalgam fillings?
Composite resin is tooth-colored and bonds directly to the tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy enamel and producing a result that is nearly invisible. Amalgam is silver-colored, highly durable, and generally less expensive, but more visible and not preferred by most patients for teeth that show when smiling. Dr. Porche uses composite resin as the standard material at Porche Dental Care and will recommend alternatives only when clinically appropriate.
Can I eat normally after getting a filling?
Yes, though with some minor precautions. With composite resin fillings, you can eat as soon as the anesthesia wears off, though you may want to avoid very hot or cold foods for a day or two if sensitivity is present. With amalgam fillings, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before chewing on the filled side to allow the material to fully set.
Does Porche Dental Care offer tooth-colored fillings?
Yes. Dr. Porche uses tooth-colored composite resin as the standard filling material at our Houma office. Composite fillings are matched to the shade of your natural tooth and are indistinguishable from the surrounding enamel once placed. If you have old silver amalgam fillings you would like replaced with tooth-colored material, we can discuss whether that is a good option at your next exam.
What happens if I do not get a cavity filled?
Untreated decay continues to grow and deepen. A cavity that could have been resolved with a simple filling may eventually reach the inner pulp of the tooth, requiring a root canal and crown to save it — or extraction if the tooth cannot be restored. Getting a filling while a cavity is small is almost always faster, less invasive, and less expensive than waiting.
