- 4771 ROUTE 71, OSWEGO, IL 60543
- (630) 554-8600
Fillings: An Evolution to Stronger, Better-Looking Teeth
The filling: It’s the dental process for repairing a tooth that’s been damaged by decay, cracking, breaking or excess wear. It’s also one of the most common dental procedures for patients in Oswego, Yorkville, Boulder Hill, Plainfield, Montgomery, Aurora and North Aurora (IL). The goal of a filling is to restore the tooth’s appearance and function while helping prevent future decay.
Those of us who had to get a tooth filling a few decades ago likely remember the experience. We went to the dentist’s office, sat back in the chair, received the local anesthetic like a champ (or not) and listened to the drill as it prepared the tooth for the silver amalgam, which included mercury as well. Some of us also may have had a tooth filling of gold rather than silver.
Much has changed since then with the rapid, steady advance of dental technology. Most fillings today can be achieved with less drilling, better materials and greater results.
Regardless of whether we received a filling in 1983 or 2023, we all can appreciate how far we’ve come with the procedure and science.
Tooth Fillings: A Quick History
Tooth fillings date back to ancient times. The earliest known example was a young man with beeswax fillings found in a cave in Trieste, Italy, a discovery estimated to be more than 6,000 years old.
The following are more notable events in the long and storied history of tooth fillings:
Circa 200 A.D.: The Etruscans of Italy reportedly used dental prosthetics, including gold crowns.
700 A.D.: A Chinese medical text described the use of “silver paste” as an amalgam, leading some to believe the Chinese may have been using silver dental amalgams at that time.
1530: The first known book devoted to dentistry that included a discussion of any history of dental fillings was published in Germany. It addressed subjects such as tooth extraction, tooth drilling and placing gold fillings. The book was written mainly for barbers in addition to surgeons. Until our recent era, many people could not afford to see a dental professional, so they visited barbers for tooth extractions and fillings in addition to a haircut.
1746: A Parisian surgeon and dentist name Claude Mouton described procedures including gold crowns and recommended using white enamel to make gold crowns appear more like natural teeth.
1789: Another Frenchman named Nicolas Dubois de Cheman received the first known patent for porcelain teeth.
1819: A mercury-based dental amalgam filling was invented by the English chemist Jacob Bell.
1826: The dental amalgam mercury filling was first used in England and France.
1830: The mercury fillings were used in the U.S.
You can easily glean the amount of time, study, effort and challenges that preceded what we now know as modern dentistry, which is only about 150 years old.
Tooth Fillings Today
The need for tooth fillings remains consistent and obvious in the 2020s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of adults 20 years and older have had at least one cavity. More than half (57%) of adolescents 12 to 19 have had a cavity in their permanent teeth as well.
The main cause of many cavities is the amount of sugar in the daily diet. Eating sugar forms plaque on the teeth. If the plaque is not contained or removed with regular brushing and flossing, the plaque turns carbohydrates into acids that then promote tooth decay.
Some common indicators of the onset of tooth decay are increasing tooth sensitivity, pain in chewing and sharp pain when eating hot and cold foods.
What matters most today is having access to dental care with the resources to locate any decay and correct it with the least amount of intrusion and discomfort. The ability to form the filling with the proper material for the greatest function, strength and appearance is vital as well.
Tooth Fillings: Current Technology
At Oswego Dental Group, we no longer use traditional x-rays to locate decay. New technology lets us digitize dental images so we can view them on a computer screen instead of on a tiny film.
Where traditional x-rays degrade and lose their quality over time, digital x-rays can be stored in a computer server and remain unchanged with time. They further can be enhanced, similar to how you would touch up a digital-camera photo.
Digital x-rays also require only a fraction of the already low amount of radiation needed for traditional x-rays.
In some cases we might also use new intraoral cameras for detecting certain types of tooth decay. The cameras apply a filtered LED light to illuminate decay by making it fluoresce. This can often reveal a small cavity starting in surface enamel – something traditional x-rays can’t do.
Yet another notable resource is a diagnostic laser for identifying tooth decay that in the past would have been undetectable. As the laser illuminates the tooth’s small grooves and crevices, it measures the light reflected inside the tooth. It can then read the reflected light to tell us if a suspicious-looking tooth has a simple stain or a genuine cavity needing treatment.
Tooth Fillings: Materials & Procedure
Advancements in modern dentistry allow us to include biocompatible and natural-looking materials in restoring and maintaining healthy teeth for our patients from Oswego, Yorkville, Boulder Hill, Plainfield, Montgomery, Aurora and North Aurora.
Should you need to fill a cavity, the material used will typically depend on the type and location of the tooth, the extent of the tooth decay and any allergies to filling materials.
Filling materials in 2024 typically include four types:
Silver amalgam. These cavity fillings are made of about 50% mercury in addition to silver, tin and copper. They are very strong, making them desirable for less-visible stress-bearing surfaces such the enamel of a molar. Silver amalgam is the least expensive filling material.
Gold. Gold fillings are customized in a lab and then applied and shaped into place in the tooth in our office. Gold fillings are very strong and usually well tolerated by surrounding gum tissue.
Porcelain. Referred to as inlays or onlays, porcelain fillings typically cover most of the tooth. Custom-formed in a lab and then bonded to the tooth, they are made to match the tooth color and resist staining.
Composite resin. A blend of polymer resin and powdered glass, composite resin fillings are currently used to restore most teeth, especially front ones. Beyond being mercury-free, they are shaded to match the natural tooth color. Their look that blends seamlessly with other teeth makes them very popular.
While different variables may determine the approach, the following are the general steps you might expect for a tooth filling at Oswego Dental Group.
Anesthetic. If the decay has moved farther into the tooth, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. If the cavity is tiny or the decay has barely impacted the tooth, a filling might not require an anesthetic, depending on your choice.
Decay removal. With the anesthetic in effect, your Oswego Dental Group dentist will remove the decay from the tooth, typically with a dental handpiece, an air-abrasion instrument or a laser. Next, we’ll clean the empty space and ensure the hole is the right size and shape to secure your filling material.
Material other than silver amalgam: For a gold or porcelain filling, we will obtain a mold or digital impression of the tooth and forward it to our lab. We also will place a temporary filling for the tooth while the gold or porcelain filling is being created. When the filling is ready – usually a few weeks later – we will have you back to the office to cement it.
For a composite resin filling, we’ll etch the tooth surface with a cleaning agent and then apply a thin layer of the bonding agent. After pressing and shaping the composite material, we’ll complete the filling by hardening the material and the bonding agent with a curing light.
Shaping and polishing. We’ll further refine the set filling’s shape to resemble the original tooth. If the filling is on a biting surface, we will have you bite down on marking paper to ensure a proper fit. The marks left by the teeth will show us how the new filling contacts the other teeth. If needed, we will make further small refinements and then polish the filling.
Tooth Cavity Treatment: Contact Us Today
Oswego Dental Group serves Oswego, Yorkville, Boulder Hill, Plainfield, Montgomery, Aurora and North Aurora (IL) with professional tooth fillings that restore function, strength and aesthetic appeal. We also add to your convenience with shorter office visits, attentive communication and easy appointment scheduling. To find out more about our tooth cavity treatment or make an appointment, contact us at (630) 554-8600 or complete and send our contact form.
References
All About Dental Fillings and How They Have Changed Over The Years
A Brief History of Amalgams
How Fillings Have Changed Over the Years
10 Unknown Fun Facts About Dental Fillings and Cavities
Cavities (cdc.gov)
What Our Patients Say
I love my dental hygienist! Very nice, great conversation and no pain cleaning!!!
- Kevin J 11/25/2024What Our Patients Say
Excellent comprehensive dental care. A great team effort, especially Dr. MacDonald.
- Nancy M 11/25/2024What Our Patients Say
Great staffing and service.
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Great care & service
- Philip B 11/13/2024What Our Patients Say
My first visit was very professional from beginning to end.
Dr. MacDonald was kind, considerate, and skillful. What more
could you ask for?
What Our Patients Say
Jen always provides top service as a hygienist. As someone who suffers anxiety from past experiences, it is refreshing to feel supported while getting excellent care.
- Carla W 11/05/2024What Our Patients Say
They’re always so thorough and attentive. We drive from a few towns over to continue dental care here.
- Mike C 10/28/2024What Our Patients Say
The staff was very attentive and helped make my daughter feel comfortable for her first ever visit. They were patient and very friendly.
- Sarah S 10/28/2024What Our Patients Say
Gentle cleaning, friendly, patient staff.
- Tammy L 10/23/2024What Our Patients Say
Jen is the best hygienist! She is gentle, but my teeth always look great! Dr. Macdonald is so nice! I appreciate that he is honest with me about what care is needed for my teeth. I would definitely recommend them to my friends & family.
- Briana J 10/17/2024What Our Patients Say
My son is a patient at the clinic He is on the autism spectrum. The staff do a fantastic job working with him. Explaining what to expect and letting him feel some of the sensations on his hand before they use the equipment. They are patient and kind to both of us. Thank you for your great care.
- Chris B 09/25/2024What Our Patients Say
We had a wonderful experience with Dr Milazzo and Ann. I called to ask for a consultation and got an appointment the next morning. Upon arriving we were greeted and shown to the back. My husband (70 yrs old) had a baby tooth that needed to be pulled but he is on blood thinners and has an LVAD (heart pump) and we always encounter people not wanting to help him because of his medical condition. But Dr Milazzo and his assistant Ann were like a breath of fresh air! They took great care of my husband and he got in there and pulled the tooth without a problem. It was amazing to be in a dentist office with such caring kind professional’s. We have found our dentist.
Thank you so much Anthony Milazzo and Ann for taking such great care of my husband.
What Our Patients Say
As usual, the services provided were exceptional. The people were friendly, professional and a joy to work with.
- Andy G. 09/25/2024What Our Patients Say
I had need for emergency dental work when part of my front tooth broke off. Dr. MacDonald and his staff provided outstanding same day care and restored my broken tooth that very afternoon. Now my teeth look perfectly and just as nice as they did before the incident. Thanks Dr. MacDonald for your competent and caring service.
- Thomas S. 09/19/2024What Our Patients Say
Another awesome experience at Oswego Dental Group! They are worth the hour drive I travel to get there.
- Tina D. 09/17/2024What Our Patients Say
What a pleasant office. Friendly, courteous, jovial, and always on time to take patients in back. So nice to see someone respects the patients time! The staff never lets me down and professionalism is second to none.
- Marty S. 09/17/2024What Our Patients Say
Always a wonderful visit , love Pam and Dr Tony!!!!
- Michelle F. 08/20/2024What Our Patients Say
Friendly staff and I love the technology reminders, best dental group ever!
- Doro S. 08/19/2024What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo and staff are just wonderful! They fit you in right away and take such good care of their clients!
- Jennifer E. 08/13/2024What Our Patients Say
Scheduled appointment completed on time with no waiting. Staff were courteous and professional.
- Les N 08/13/2024What Our Patients Say
Quick and painless. Dental hygienist was polite, professional, and thorough.
- Jerry S 08/07/2024What Our Patients Say
5/5 Stars – Phenomenal and Exceptional Care!
I am still in awe of the incredible experience I had at Dr. Milazzo Dentistry! When a sudden dental emergency arose, their front office team sprang into action, while working diligently to fit me in within hours – a true lifesaver!
Dr. Milazzo exceeded all expectations with his:
*Unparalleled expertise*: He explained everything with clarity and precision, putting my mind at ease.
*Unwavering patience*: He took the time to address all my concerns and questions.
*Genuine kindness*: His compassion and empathy made me feel valued and cared for while he took his time.
Within just one hour, Dr. Milazzo had me fixed up and smiling again! I am forever grateful for his exceptional skill and dedication.
The Oswego Dental Group shines brightly thanks to Dr. Milazzo and his team! Their commitment to delivering top-notch care, compassion especially in emergent situations, is truly heartwarming. If you are seeking a trustworthy and compassionate dental practice, look no further!
Thank you, Dr. Milazzo, for being an angel in disguise!* Your kindness, expertise, and dedication have earned you a patient for life!
- E H 07/30/2024What Our Patients Say
Thank you so much! My visit was what I expected, I have heard wonderful praises for your complete staff. Thank you!
- Judy M 07/22/2024What Our Patients Say
I am always treated very well at Dr. Milazzo’s office. Excellent
dentistry, compassionate and kind professionals are all part of his practice.
What Our Patients Say
I have been seeing Dr Milazzo for over 40
Years. Everyone is professional and friendly.
What Our Patients Say
This was a first visit for me. Very professional and friendly. I’m glad I made the switch.
- Martha I 07/03/2024What Our Patients Say
Excellent service.
- Sandy H 06/26/2024What Our Patients Say
Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable care given.
- Pat F 06/18/2024What Our Patients Say
Amy was wonderful and professional!
- Cheryl J 06/11/2024What Our Patients Say
Their dental hygienist Jen did a great job!
- Ken Z 06/06/2024What Our Patients Say
Pam is great!
- Judi B 05/20/2024What Our Patients Say
Excellent comprehensive dental care. A great team effort, especially Dr. MacDonald.
- Nancy M 05/20/2024What Our Patients Say
Amazing staff who all do a stellar job
- Mike C 05/16/2024What Our Patients Say
The office, hygienists and dentists are all fantastic. Always a pleasant experience. Everyone is friendly and makes you feel welcomed and comfortable.
- Loreta S 05/15/2024What Our Patients Say
Staff are so pleasant and are able to put you at ease. I had X-rays and that also went very smoothly.
- Jaye T 05/08/2024What Our Patients Say
I used to not be a fan of going to the dentist…was just a necessary evil that I knew had to be done. Not the case here. Everyone we’ve dealt with has been great. Highly recommend them.
- Rob P 04/16/2024What Our Patients Say
Dr Milazzo is fabulous! I was in the chair for two hours and he is soo excellent and gentle but precise I almost fell asleep! His coworkers that assist him are just as awesome!
- Peggy L 03/13/2024What Our Patients Say
I had my teeth cleaned, xrays, and checked. They did a thorough job and I was very happy with the experience. I would recommend Oswego Dental Group.
- Carla H 03/27/2024What Our Patients Say
I used to not be a fan of going to the dentist…was just a necessary evil that I knew had to be done. Not the case here. Everyone we’ve dealt with has been great. Highly recommend them.
- Rob P 03/18/2024What Our Patients Say
Dr Milazzo is fabulous! I was in the chair for two hours and he is soo excellent and gentle but precise I almost fell asleep! His coworkers that assist him are just as awesome!
- Peggy L 03/18/2024What Our Patients Say
Great care as always. A little nervous about a procedure – but Dr. MacDonald and his assistant were great!
- Jim C 02/02/2024What Our Patients Say
This is a wonderful dental office, I have been going here for years. Pam is amazing. Dentists are great. I would highly recommend!
- Leslie E 01/16/2024What Our Patients Say
For the past twenty (20) years, the Oswego Dental Group has been my go to for all dental treatment needs. I have found that they consistently improve by providing excellent treatment using the most up-to-date practice tools and technologies. Additionally, the Staff from the front office to technicians are the best with a special shout-out to Pam.
- Roger B 01/09/2024What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo and his staff were very attentive to my situation and were willing to make time for me the day I called. I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group.
- Gail KWhat Our Patients Say
Our family needed to find a new dentist since ours retired. We were going to him for over 35 years so picking a new office was a little nerve racking. From the very beginning the office made us feel very welcome. My children were very nervous at first but the moment the hygienists called their names the nerves faded since they were both very warm, friendly and caring. They were even comfortable enough to go by themselves.
I also had Amy for my appointment the next week and she was excellent. Also, Dr. Milazzo was great as well. I highly recommend Oswego Dental Group!
What Our Patients Say
Dr. MacDonald is very personable and offers all treatment options! He makes dental visits less stressful! I highly recommend him!
- Eileen O 12/26/2023What Our Patients Say
My appointments always run smoothly. With their help, my teeth have been in great shape. Have been going there for more than 20 years.
- Sharlene MWhat Our Patients Say
Thanks Pam. Always does an outstanding job. Pam is very friendly and makes it a great experience. My teeth look great.
- Steve O 12/13/2023What Our Patients Say
From the start to finish true professionals, Dr.Milazzo explained every step, he made you feel at ease during the procedure.
- Christopher A 09/06/2023What Our Patients Say
Another great experience at Oswego Dental! Sally and Dr. MacDonald are amazing!
- Tina DWhat Our Patients Say
Always have the utmost faith in Dr. Milazzo’s dental skills and his staff is always so friendly and professional.
- Nancy H 08/22/2023What Our Patients Say
Jen is amazing, very informative and always makes myself feel comfortable and relaxed during my visit. Dr. Macdonald is very efficient as well. Highly recommend Oswego Dental group.
- Marissa MWhat Our Patients Say
Always very professional and friendly. Been coming here 30 years — the best!
- Cheryl J 09/05/2023What Our Patients Say
I’m grateful and thankful, everything was fine. Service was great, I had issue with my tooth and now I feel perfect. Thanks to doctor Tony 🙏
- Tina K 05/24/2023What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo was amazing with my 7 year old daughter. She got her first filling done and I loved that he spoke to HER (as the patient) and not just me. He showed her what everything did and sounded like before he started. He also explained what everything was that was going in her mouth. I was very impressed with how everything went! The dental hygienists are also amazing!
- Lindsay C 06/13/2023What Our Patients Say
Absolutely fantastic from Theresa, to Liseldy upfront!
To the amazing Ann and Dr Milazzo!
Highly recommend you make these folks at Oswego Dental, on route 71, your go to for all dentistry!
- Christopher C. 01/18/2023What Our Patients Say
I’ve been going to Oswego Dental for 20+ years. Not your typical Dentist Office that you dread to go to. Warm and welcoming with a great staff! Amy, Pam and Sally are the best!
- Bryan C 01/26/2023What Our Patients Say
Very happy with my care at this office. I have not had a hygienist or dentist at this office that hasn’t treated me very compassionately and professionally. Have been a patient here over 30 years!
- Tom B. 07/13/2022What Our Patients Say
Teeth look amazing!!! I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group if you are looking to have work done!
- David L. 05/23/2022What Our Patients Say
Super friendly and very professional. My whole family have been patients there for many years. Wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.
- Kevin O. 04/15/2022What Our Patients Say
I have been going to Oswego Dental Group for years. They are excellent. Pam has been my hygienist and she is thorough, extremely professional and very kind. My family and I highly recommend this dental office.
- Wendy K. 04/11/2022What Our Patients Say
Another great experience from the Oswego Dental Group! Jen took great care of my teeth, they have never looked so white! Everyone was super friendly and made sure I was comfortable through my whole visit. See you in 6 months!
- Collin M. 03/02/2022What Our Patients Say
Our family has been seen by this practice for many years. Always professional and thorough. They have taken great care of us! Highly recommend!
- Susan R. 01/25/2022What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo and Dr. MacDonald are awesome!! So glad I found them after I moved to their area. They are the best. Pam cleans my teeth and she is wonderful, painless too! They take very good care of my teeth! If you are looking for a new Dentist and a good office, then this place is for you!
- Marion G. 06/24/2021What Our Patients Say
Dr Milazzo, Sally and the whole staff are the best. THE BEST. I was a mess and had been in pain for a long time before finally finding Dr. Milazzo. I spent a lot of time and a lot of money going to another dentist that just kept making everything worse…I was literally living on protien drinks because it hurt too much to chew. It took a little time (I needed a lot of work done) but Dr Milazzo fixed everything and I can finally eat again. I’m forever grateful for Oswego Dental Group and would without hesitation recommend them.
- Sonya 05/25/2021What Our Patients Say
Great experience! Amy did a great job cleaning my teeth and Dr. MacDonald was also professional and very thorough and helped me understand what treatment options were available to me. I highly recommend this dental practice!
- Kristina L. 02/23/2021What Our Patients Say
Oswego Dental Group has a staff of kind and caring hygienists and the entire staff does a great job of keeping the entire office clean and safe for people coming in as well as for themselves.
- Karen A. 12/28/2020What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo’s dental office is fabulous!!! Very patient friendly!! Sally my dental hygienist is awesome!! Very personable, thorough and gentle!! I love the way you feel after a cleaning! I would not go anywhere else!!
- Cheryl K. 09/22/2020What Our Patients Say
I have been a dental patient at the Oswego Dental Group for nearly 15 years and have always been very happy with the care that I have received. Dr MacDonald and all of the hygienists I have ever had are fantastic people and do a great job on my teeth! Love coming here!
- Susan E. 08/18/2020What Our Patients Say
Very friendly staff and professional. Always a great experience.
- Kristine F. 04/09/2020What Our Patients Say
Always a great experience.
- John S. 02/09/2020What Our Patients Say
I love going to my dentist! For 13 years I have never been disappointed and I greatly appreciate how personable and kind the Hygenists have always been! Today my visit was with Pam. I appreciate the time she took to ask how My family and I were going. Dr, MacDonald also took the time to explain a small upcoming procedure I would be having and in doing so put my doubts at ease! Thank you!!!!
- Jeanne P. 02/08/2020What Our Patients Say
Best dentist experience. Everyone from the receptionist to Dr Milazzo and Dr Macdonald are very friendly. Pam is an amazing dental hygienist. She is absolutely fantastic. Extremely thorough and friendly. I’m sure everyone is great as well but I’ve only had the pleasure of having my teeth cleaned by Pam and have no need to search elsewhere. Thanks everyone at Oswego Dental Group for making my dental visit a good one.
- Ryan I. 08/17/2019