Our fillings save more healthy tooth structure and offer a seamless appearance.

Composite Tooth Fillings in Erie

At Carroll Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we do everything we can to help your family's teeth stay strong, healthy, and cavity-free. We focus on prevention first.

Even so, patients who brush, floss, and come in regularly may still develop tooth decay. If that happens, Dr. Tara Carroll offers conservative tooth-colored composite fillings that restore your tooth so you can chew on it comfortably again.

Signs You May Have a Cavity

Knowing what to look for is one of the best ways to catch cavities early. Some cause no pain at all, especially in the early stages. That’s why regular checkups are so important. Dr. Carroll can often find decay before you feel it. Still, there are signs to watch for:

A toothache or pain when biting down
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks
A visible hole or dark spot on the tooth
Food getting stuck in the same spot repeatedly
A rough or uneven surface you can feel with your tongue

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is a good time to schedule an appointment. Remember, you’ll receive no judgment here. We understand that cavities are common, and seeking care early is always the right decision, no matter how long it has been since your last visit.

Why We Use Composite Tooth Fillings

Dr. Tara Carroll uses composite resin for all fillings. Here is why we believe composite is the better option for maintaining a healthy smile:

Preserves More of Your Natural Tooth

Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure. This means Dr. Carroll can remove only the decayed material and preserve more of your healthy tooth. Older metal fillings required removing more of the tooth to hold the filling in place.

Bonds with and Strengthens the Tooth

Because composite bonds to the tooth, it actually adds support to the remaining structure. It helps the tooth handle normal biting and chewing forces without the risk of cracking that can occur with metal fillings over time.

Looks Natural for a Seamless Appearance

Dr. Carroll carefully matches the shade of the composite resin to the shade of your natural tooth. This ensures that the filling blends in seamlessly, and most people won't be able to see it, including you.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Carroll Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, placing a composite filling is straightforward and usually completed in one appointment. Here is what the process looks like:

Examination — Dr. Carroll examines the tooth and takes an x-ray if needed to see how deep the decay goes and confirm the right treatment.
Tooth Numbing — We apply a numbing gel to the gum before giving a local anesthetic injection. The tooth and surrounding area will feel numb before any work begins.
Removing Decay — Dr. Carroll carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, leaving only healthy structure behind.
Preparing the Tooth — The inside of the cavity is cleaned and prepared so the composite material will bond securely to the tooth.
Placing the Filling — The tooth-colored resin is applied in thin layers. Each layer is hardened using a special curing light before the next is added.
Shaping and Polishing — Once the filling is built up to the right size, Dr. Carroll shapes it to match the natural contours of your tooth and polishes the surface smooth.
Checking the Bite — You will bite down gently so Dr. Carroll can check that the filling feels comfortable and your bite is properly aligned. Small adjustments are made as needed.

The entire appointment typically takes an hour or less. Your tooth may feel slightly sensitive for a day or two afterward. This is normal and usually passes quickly.

Have a Cavity and Need a Filling?

If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect you have a cavity, please call our Erie, CO, dental office at (303) 962-6400 to schedule an appointment so we can help you.

How Does a Cavity Form?

The process that causes a cavity to develop starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque produce acids. Those acids attack the outer enamel layer of your tooth.

The result is demineralization, meaning the acid is removing minerals from the enamel and weakening it. Eventually, the enamel breaks down and a small hole forms. That hole is a cavity.

If you don't have the tooth treated with a filling, the decay moves deeper. It can reach the softer layer under the enamel, called dentin. At this point, the tooth may become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. If the decay continues into the center of the tooth, where the nerve is, it can cause significant pain and may require more complex treatment to resolve.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Tara Carroll

Dr. Carroll knows firsthand what a transformed smile can do. At just seven years old, she began orthodontic treatment and spent more than five years in braces. The confidence she gained inspired a career dedicated to helping others feel that same joy.

Dr. Carroll completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2005, beginning her career in a corporate practice before founding her own practice in 2007. After a decade of growth ...

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Composite Resin for Cosmetic Bonding

Dr. Carroll can use the same filling material for cosmetic bonding. This treatment is a conservative cosmetic fix to repair chipped teeth, close small gaps, or improve the shape of a tooth. Bonding is quick, requires little or no removal of tooth structure, and we can often complete the process in one visit.

Schedule an Appointment

If you think you may have a cavity, or if it has been a while since your last checkup, we are here to help without judgment. Call our Erie, CO, dental office at (303) 962-6400, and we'll be happy to help you.

We welcome patients from all surrounding communities, including Broomfield, Lafayette, Westminster, Thornton, Brighton, Dacono, Frederick, and Firestone. We accept most PPO insurance plans, and CareCredit financing and an in-house membership plan are available for our uninsured patients.