Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Moulton, DMDMon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(803) 951-0991
Our qualified team provides expert care you can trust.
We use advanced technology for accurate treatments.
Every smile is unique. We create treatment plans just for you.
Book online, choose your time, and we’ll take care of the rest.
A cavity can start small and stay quiet for a long time. Many people feel nothing until decay has worked its way through the enamel and reached the softer layer underneath. At that point a filling is usually the most straightforward way to stop the damage, protect the tooth, and keep a minor repair from turning into a major one.
West Columbia sits along the Congaree River across from downtown Columbia, and its residents are never far from the Riverwalk or a busy day on Meeting Street. When a tooth starts to ache, Lexington Family Smiles is a short drive from West Columbia, with a welcoming neighborhood practice that offers tooth-colored fillings and unhurried appointments. Dr. Michael Moulton and our team explain every finding in plain language. Learn more about our dental filling services or the neighborhoods we serve around West Columbia.
Fillings repair teeth that decay has damaged. Bacteria in plaque make acid, and acid slowly dissolves enamel and creates a cavity. We remove the decayed area, clean the tooth, and fill the space to bring back its shape and strength.
A filling can also repair a tooth that is chipped, cracked, or worn from grinding. Before recommending any treatment, we examine the tooth and review digital X-rays, so West Columbia patients always know exactly why we suggest a filling.
Composite resin combines durable plastic with fine glass particles, and we match its shade to your natural tooth so the repair is hard to notice. It contains no mercury, unlike traditional silver amalgam, and it bonds right to the tooth, which lets us preserve more of your healthy tooth structure.
We place composite in thin layers and harden each one with a curing light, which allows us to sculpt the filling to fit your bite. For small to moderate cavities, it is a durable and natural-looking choice.
Most composite fillings take roughly an hour, depending on the size and position of the cavity. We start by numbing the area so you are comfortable from beginning to end.
After removing the decay, we build up the filling layer by layer, harden it with a curing light, and shape it to match the tooth. We finish by checking your bite and polishing the surface. You can usually go straight back to your day, but your lip and cheek may stay numb for a couple of hours, so hold off on eating until the feeling returns.
Composite fillings often last between five and fifteen years. The range depends on the size of the filling, which tooth it is on, and your habits. Molars carry more chewing force than front teeth, so their fillings tend to wear sooner.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss daily, and keep your regular checkups so we can catch early wear. If you clench or grind at night, ask us about a custom night guard to protect your fillings and enamel.
Cost depends on how many surfaces of the tooth are involved and where the tooth is located. We go over the numbers before treatment begins. Our financing page explains ways to spread out payments, and patients without insurance may also like our Dental Savings Plan.
Many dental plans cover composite fillings, though the level of coverage varies. We work with an insurance advocacy group to help you get the most from your benefits, and we review your coverage ahead of your appointment so there are no surprises.
Fillings can chip, crack, or loosen over time, creating small gaps where bacteria can collect. We check your existing fillings at every checkup and recommend replacement when we see wear or decay at the edges, before it becomes a bigger problem.
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common after a filling and usually settles within a few weeks. If it persists or your bite feels off, call us and we will take a look and adjust the filling if needed.
For West Columbia families looking for dependable dental care, Lexington Family Smiles offers tooth-colored fillings along with a full range of general, preventive, and restorative dentistry. From a child’s first cleaning to care for grandparents, we see the whole family under one roof. You will find us at 2001 Augusta Highway, Suite A, in Lexington, a short drive from West Columbia.
We welcome new patients from West Columbia and make scheduling simple. If you think you may have a cavity, or a tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets, contact our office to schedule a visit. Catching a cavity early usually means a simpler repair.
We would love to welcome you and your family to our Lexington office. Whether it is your first visit or your next checkup, our team is here to make you feel right at home.
We believe cost should never stand between you and a healthy smile. Our team works with an insurance advocacy group to help you get the most from your benefits, and we offer several ways to make care affordable.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf.
No insurance? Our in-house savings plan is a simple, affordable alternative.
Spread out the cost of care with Cherry, CareCredit, and Sunbit.
Schedule your visit today and experience comfortable, compassionate dental care for your whole family. New patients are always welcome.
Our Email :
Phone No :
Address :
