Haley Julian Dental Arts

Haley Julian, DDS

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(865) 982-4958

General and Aesthetic Dentistry

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Haley Julian Dental Arts > Services > Composite Fillings

Protect your smile with natural-looking, durable composite fillings that blend with your smile.

Do You Have a Cavity and Need a Filling?

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Composite Fillings

Have you noticed a dark spot on your tooth? This is a common sign of a cavity that needs prompt attention.

At Haley Julian Dental Arts, we use tooth-colored composite fillings to treat dental decay. Whether you have a cavity or want to repair minor chips, composite resin fillings blend perfectly with your teeth, support oral health, and provide lasting results. If you suspect a cavity, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments in Maryburg, TN, to relieve your pain fast and get you on your way.

What Is Composite Resin?

Composite resin is a durable, tooth-colored material made from a blend of plastic and fine glass particles. It’s designed to bond directly to your natural tooth structure, offering a strong and seamless repair. Compared to traditional silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more aesthetically pleasing, mercury-free, and require less removal of healthy tooth structure.

Why Choose Composite Tooth Fillings?

Composite resin tooth fillings provide a more aesthetic alternative to silver amalgam fillings and offer oral health benefits.

Natural Appearance

Composite resin mimics the appearance of enamel, and when we custom-match the shade to your tooth, the result is a virtually invisible repair—no dark spots to mar your smile like silver fillings!

Conservative Repair

Composite material bonds directly to your tooth, preserving more of the healthy tooth structure compared to silver amalgam fillings. This conservative approach helps maintain your tooth's natural strength.

Metal-Free Protection

Unlike silver amalgam fillings, our composite resin contains no mercury or metals. The biocompatible material won't expand and contract like amalgam, which can lead to further cavities in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do composite fillings last?

With proper care, composite fillings typically last 5–7 years. However, many patients enjoy longer-lasting results. Several factors influence your filling's longevity:

Factors That Affect a Filling's Durability

Key elements that impact how long your filling will last:

Location of the filling (back teeth experience more wear)
Size of the restored area
Your bite alignment and grinding habits
Oral hygiene practices
Diet and lifestyle choices

Maximizing Your Filling's Lifespan

You can extend the life of your composite fillings when you:

Brush twice daily and floss regularly
Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth
Limiting hard, sticky, or highly acidic foods
Maintaining regular dental checkups

Signs Your Filling Needs Attention

Being proactive is one of the keys to preserving your filling for as long as possible. Watch for signs that Dr. Julian needs to evaluate it, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, changes in the filling’s color, and rough spots when you run your tongue over the filling.

Don't wait for problems to develop. Contact Haley Julian Dental Arts in Maryville, TN, at (865) 982-4958 if you notice any changes in your filling. Regular checkups allow Dr. Julian to monitor your restorations and address potential issues before they become problems, helping you maintain your investment in your oral health.

How Do Cavities Develop?

Cavities occur gradually as bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel. This process begins when food particles, especially sugars and starches, remain on your teeth. The bacteria naturally present in your mouth feed on these substances, creating acid that creates holes in the protective enamel layer.

Watch for these signs that may indicate a cavity:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Sudden, sharp pain when biting or chewing
A persistent toothache
Visible holes or dark spots on teeth
Lingering dental discomfort after eating

The Composite Filling Process

Getting a composite filling at Haley Julian Dental Arts is a comfortable, efficient process where Dr. Julian takes the following steps:

Examines your tooth and take digital x-rays if needed
Numbs your tooth to ensure a pain-free experience
Carefully removes decay while preserving healthy tooth structure
Shapes the composite material on the tooth in layers
Hardens each layer with a special curing light
Makes final adjustments and polish the filling for a smooth appearance

Meet Our Dentist:

Haley Julian

Dr. Haley Julian is from Knoxville, TN, and graduated from South Doyle High School. She spent much of her time playing soccer and basketball and went on to play soccer for Carson Newman University. After completing her undergraduate degree in biology, she attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry.

Composite Resin for Cosmetic Bonding

Composite resin isn’t just for cavities—it’s also an excellent material for dental bonding, a cosmetic treatment that repairs minor imperfections. Bonding can:

Fix small chips or cracks in teeth
Close gaps between teeth
Reshape uneven or worn teeth
Cover tooth discoloration or stains

Dental bonding is a quick, affordable way to improve the look of your smile without invasive procedures.

Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you suspect a cavity or are experiencing tooth pain, please don’t wait to seek treatment. We offer same-day emergency appointments at Haley Julian Dental Arts to get you out of pain and back to smiling. Call (865) 982-4958 today to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Maryville, TN. We proudly serve surrounding communities, including Knoxville, Alcoa, and beyond.

Restore Your Smile with Natural-Looking Fillings!

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