Tooth Fillings in Marietta, GA | Mercury-Free – East Cobb Dentist
Fillings
Repair Cavities and Protect Your Natural Teeth
A cavity doesn't always cause pain, especially in its early stages. When tooth decay is caught early, a dental filling can remove the damaged portion of the tooth and restore its shape, function, and appearance — often without the need for more extensive treatment.
At Merchants Walk Dental in East Cobb, we use tooth-colored composite fillings designed to blend naturally with your smile. Before treatment, we'll examine the tooth, review any necessary X-rays, and explain whether a filling is the right solution for your specific situation. Think you may have a cavity? Schedule an exam with our Marietta dental team.
White Composite Fillings in East Cobb
At Merchants Walk Dental, we use tooth-colored composite resin — no silver, no mercury — so your filling blends naturally with your smile. Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth structure, which means we remove less healthy tooth material compared to traditional amalgam fillings. The result is a conservative restoration designed to preserve healthy tooth structure while blending naturally with your smile.
- Mercury-free composite resin — no silver amalgam
- Shade-matched to your natural tooth color
- Bonds directly to tooth structure for added strength
- Most fillings completed in a single appointment
- Comfortable procedure with local anesthesia
Do I Need a Filling?
If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be worth scheduling an exam to check for cavities:
Tooth sensitivity
Pain when eating sweets
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Visible dark spots on a tooth
A hole or chip in the tooth
Food getting trapped in the same spot
Pain when biting
Important: Some cavities cause no symptoms at all — which is exactly why regular exams and X-rays are so important. Catching decay early means a smaller, simpler filling and less time in the chair.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you need a filling. A dental examination and, when appropriate, X-rays are needed to determine whether decay is present and what treatment is appropriate.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that weaken tooth enamel over time. Several factors can increase the risk:
Frequent sugar exposure
Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids.
Poor oral hygiene
Infrequent brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up and attack enamel.
Dry mouth
Saliva helps neutralize acids. Less saliva means more risk.
Deep grooves in teeth
Back teeth with deep pits and fissures are harder to clean and more cavity-prone.
Inadequate fluoride exposure
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps resist acid attacks.
Certain medications
Some medications reduce saliva flow or affect oral pH, increasing cavity risk.
The best defense is a combination of good home care and regular professional cleanings. If it has been a while since your last visit, our teeth cleaning and new patient pages have more information on getting started.
Dental Filling Materials: What's Right for Your Tooth?
Not every filling is the same, and the right material depends on the situation. Here is how we think about it:
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
- Natural appearance — blends with surrounding teeth
- Commonly used for visible areas
- Bonds directly to tooth structure
- Mercury-free
Other Materials
Depending on the situation, different materials may be considered based on the location of the tooth, strength requirements, and individual patient needs. Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate option for your specific case — there is no single material that is always the right answer for every tooth.
Your Filling Appointment
Most fillings at our Marietta office are completed in a single, comfortable visit. Here is what to expect:
Examination
Your dentist evaluates the tooth and determines whether a filling is appropriate.
Comfort Preparation
The area is numbed with local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Decay Removal
The damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed, removing the decayed or damaged tooth structure while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Filling Placement
The tooth is restored with filling material, shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth.
Bite Check
The filling is adjusted so your bite feels completely natural and comfortable.
Bite not feeling right? If your bite doesn't feel quite right after your filling, let us know. A simple adjustment can often improve the way the tooth feels when you chew.
What Happens If I Don't Treat a Cavity?
Cavities don't stay small on their own. An untreated cavity may continue growing and potentially lead to:
Larger fillings
The longer decay is left untreated, the more tooth structure is lost — and the bigger the filling needed.
Cracks or fractures
Weakened tooth structure is more prone to cracking under normal biting forces.
Need for a crown
When too much tooth is lost to decay, a filling may no longer be sufficient.
Learn about dental crowns →Infection requiring root canal treatment
If decay reaches the nerve, root canal therapy may be needed to save the tooth.
Learn about root canals →Extraction in severe cases
When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the only option.
Learn about tooth extractions →When a cavity is treated while it is still small, treatment is often simpler and less extensive than waiting until more tooth structure has been lost. That is why we recommend regular checkups, especially for children, whose teeth are more vulnerable to decay.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Composite fillings can last many years, but their lifespan varies significantly depending on the size and location of the filling, biting forces, oral hygiene, diet, and other factors.
Location of the filling
Size of the filling
Bite forces
Oral hygiene habits
Diet and sugar intake
Regular dental visits
Your dentist can evaluate your existing fillings during routine exams and let you know when a filling may need repair or replacement.
Cost & Insurance for Fillings
The cost of a filling depends on several factors:
- •Size and location of the cavity
- •Number of teeth being treated
- •Insurance benefits
- •Materials used
Our team verifies insurance benefits when possible and reviews estimated costs with you before treatment begins — so you always understand your options before we start.
If you have questions about your insurance coverage, our team can help review your benefits and explain your estimated out-of-pocket cost before treatment.
Quick Answers
Filling or Crown: Which Do I Need?
A filling is generally used when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration. If a tooth has extensive decay, a large existing filling, significant damage, or a crack that compromises its strength, a crown may be recommended instead.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and explain which option is appropriate for your situation.
Learn more: Crown vs. FillingDental Filling FAQs — Marietta & East Cobb
Have Questions?
Dental Filling FAQs
Serving East Cobb, Marietta & Surrounding Areas
We provide tooth-colored fillings to patients throughout the East Cobb area, including:
Think You May Have a Cavity?
Don't wait for a small problem to become a bigger one. Schedule an exam at Merchants Walk Dental in East Cobb, Marietta. We'll evaluate your tooth, review any necessary X-rays, explain what we find, and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your smile. Schedule your appointment today or call (770) 691-5051.