For centuries, silver fillings (called amalgam) have been used in dentistry. Dentists considered them the standard of care for a long time, and it wasn't until recently that we had an alternative. 
Now, the vast majority of dentists place white, tooth-colored fillings (called composite) in lieu of amalgam. Obviously, they look much better than their silver counterparts, but they also overcome other issues that amalgam presents.
Amalgam is a strong metal material that can last a long time in your mouth. Over time, though, amalgam fillings break down and corrode. Older fillings can develop a gap between the filling and the tooth, allowing bacteria to leak in and cause cavities again.
Because of temperature changes in your mouth, amalgam fillings also contract and expand at a different rate than your tooth structure, which can lead to cracks. These cracks become larger and larger until a catastrophic break occurs. Unfortunately, sometimes, this breakage happens in such a way that the tooth is not fixable.
Dr. Shiflett uses high magnification and bright lights to check for and monitor these cracks, doing all he can to prevent this. Our team will alert you if they see cracks in your teeth and will recommend treatment, often a crown, to help prevent tooth loss if necessary.
The most apparent downfall of amalgam fillings is their appearance. They are silver and can stain the surrounding tooth structure and soft tissue. While Dr. Shiflett does not recommend replacing amalgam fillings simply due to their color, he will be more than happy to discuss your dentistry options if cosmetics are a concern.
When you visit Shiflett Family Dental, our top priority is your comfort. We’ll ensure you are seated comfortably in a treatment room before placing your tooth-colored filling. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
Dr. Justin Shiflett graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2016. He received his undergraduate degree from Malone University in Canton, OH, where he competed on the baseball team. He started all four years as an infielder, setting the career mark for sacrifices.
Since completing his dental education, Dr. Shiflett has taken additional courses to advance the services he can offer patients and stay up to date on the latest technologies. Shiflett Family Dental is proud to offer dental implants, clear aligners, root canal therapy, and ...
White, tooth-colored fillings (composite) offer several advantages over amalgam. Composites come in numerous shades and colors, allowing us to get an extremely close match for your teeth. The team at Shiflett Family Dental can even place composites on your front teeth that your friends and family won't notice because they blend so seamlessly!
Silver fillings expand and are held in by the shape the dentist creates when he prepares the tooth. White fillings are held in by a dental adhesive that we bond directly to your tooth, allowing Dr. Shiflett to conserve more of your natural tooth structure. Since they do not contract and expand as much as amalgams, they do not have the same issues with cracks and breakage.
Recently, there has been some controversy over the mercury content in amalgam fillings. While Dr. Shiflett does not remove silver fillings based on this debate, he does not place new amalgam fillings either.
The team at Shiflett Family Dental is experienced in placing beautiful composite tooth-colored fillings in Columbus, OH, and we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental technology. We take your oral health very seriously and are happy to answer any questions you have.
Our dental fillings are typically priced between $200 and $400. These prices are for patients without insurance and do not reflect any insurance coverage. For patients insured through Delta Dental, our in-network rates differ from the standard pricing above. If you’re unsure about your coverage, we’re happy to help you review your plan and provide a personalized estimate.
Dr. Shiflett can also use composite material for a procedure called dental bonding that helps to eliminate minor cosmetic concerns with your smile. This is an affordable and non-invasive way to enhance your smile. Some of the problems that dental bonding can fix:
If you're interested in improving and enhancing your smile, Dr. Shiflett can discuss your options with you.
Call today to learn more about composite fillings in Columbus, OH, or to schedule a dental cleaning at Shiflett Family Dental.
Today, the primary materials dentists use for filling cavities are metal amalgam or tooth-colored composite resin.
Silver metal fillings were the standard material used in the past for dental fillings; however, these days, most dentists choose composite resin for several reasons:
Composite resin is comprised of a mixture of glass and plastic particles that your dentist in Columbus, OH, can also use to restore minor cosmetic concerns like:
This procedure is known as dental bonding, a quick and inexpensive way to enhance your smile.
Do you have additional questions about tooth-colored dental cavity fillings in Columbus, OH? Contact Shiflett Family Dental at (614) 262-1807 for answers to your dental questions.
Tooth-colored fillings tend to last for seven to twelve years, depending on how you care for them.
Commitment to an excellent home care routine with brushing twice daily and flossing once gives your dental restorations longevity because it keeps plaque and bacteria at bay. Regular checkups every six months with your dentist in Columbus, OH, also help protect the longevity of your dental restorations.
Dr. Shiflett uses tooth-colored composite resin to fill the hole in your tooth left by decay. Composite resin is pliable, easy for him to work with, and completely customizable, so he can match it seamlessly with your tooth. This means no one will notice your dental filling when you talk or laugh like they would with a gray metal filling.
Tooth-colored fillings are not only aesthetically pleasing with great longevity, but they're also very durable. Unlike metal fillings, they bond directly to your tooth and don't require Dr. Shiflett to remove as much of your natural tooth structure to place them. Using tooth-colored composite resin for dental fillings actually preserves more of your natural tooth, which is our primary goal.
If you have questions about dental cavity fillings in Columbus, OH, or other dental treatments, we invite you to call Shiflett Family Dental at (614) 262-1807 for more information.
The straightforward answer is that once a cavity has formed, it cannot completely heal on its own. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which occurs when acids produced by bacteria in plaque erode the enamel of the teeth.
This process creates permanent damage in the form of a cavity. While the body can remineralize small areas of enamel erosion before a cavity forms, professional dental care is necessary to restore the tooth once a cavity has developed.
Preventative measures are crucial for maintaining healthy enamel. You can prevent cavities with:
Treatments like tooth-colored dental fillings are necessary for already-formed cavities to prevent further decay and restore the tooth's integrity.
At Shiflett Family Dental, a trusted pediatric dentist Columbus Ohio, we emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of dental issues. Regular dental checkups allow us to catch problems before they become more serious, ensuring your child's smile remains healthy and bright.
We invite you to call us today to book an appointment. We welcome patients of all ages to our conveniently located dental office in Columbus, OH.
Advances in the world of dental materials have truly changed the game and allowed dentists in Clintonville, OH to provide unparalleled service.
At Shiflett Family Dental, we use the best materials and dental labs available to make your mouth as healthy and beautiful as possible. White, tooth-colored fillings (referred to as composites) are stronger and more life-like than ever. Crowns made from zirconia give us a combination of esthetics and strength previously thought impossible. Porcelain crowns can be made to match natural teeth almost perfectly while still being resilient.
Our dental office uses these innovations to your advantage, making sure our valued patients get what they deserve!
When you visit your dentist for a dental exam and cleaning twice a year, the hope is that you don’t have any dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease. However, if your dentist spots a cavity in your mouth, you will need to come back to your ...
Updated on August 12, 2025
It can be easy to put off dental work. You might be having some tooth discomfort and simply hoping it will go away. But when you're proactive about filling a dental cavity, there’s an easy fix. And today's dental fillings are made of durable composite resin, ...
At Shiflett Family Dental we know It stinks to be surprised by a dental bill, especially when you aren’t experiencing any pain associated with the problem. If it doesn’t hurt, there must not be a problem at all, ...
