A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay. We remove the decay, clean the area, and fill it with a tooth-colored material that blends in with the rest of your smile. It’s one of the most common and comfortable treatments in dentistry.
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Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches and produce acid. Over time, that acid wears away the hard outer layer of your tooth, creating a small hole, or cavity. Cavities are more likely between teeth, in the grooves of back teeth, and around old fillings.
Many cavities cause no symptoms at all in the early stages. That’s why regular checkups and X-rays matter so much.
Cavities don’t heal on their own. A small one is a quick, comfortable filling. Left alone, decay spreads deeper into the tooth, and can turn into a crown, a root canal, or losing the tooth altogether. Fixing it early is easier on your tooth and your wallet.
The material is shade-matched to your tooth, so fillings are almost invisible.
This helps support the remaining tooth structure.
Because they bond, we can often preserve more of your healthy tooth.
A good choice for patients who prefer to avoid metal fillings.
Most fillings take under an hour.
We numb the area so you’ll feel some pressure but no pain.
We gently clear out the damaged part of the tooth.
We place the tooth-colored material in layers and harden each one with a special light.
We shape the filling to fit your bite and polish it smooth.
You can eat normally once the numbness wears off, usually within one to three hours. Avoid chewing on that side until then so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue. Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal. If your bite feels high or uneven, call us and we’ll adjust it. It only takes a minute.
Older metal fillings can wear, crack or start to leak over time, letting new decay form underneath. If yours need replacing, we can swap them for tooth-colored fillings. If they’re still sound, we’ll tell you honestly and leave them alone. There’s no need to replace a healthy filling just because it’s silver.
If a cavity is very large or a tooth is cracked, a filling may not be strong enough. In that case, we may recommend a crown to protect the tooth. If decay reaches the nerve, you may need a root canal first. We’ll explain why and show you on your X-rays.
The cost depends on the size and location of the cavity and how many surfaces of the tooth are involved. Most dental insurance plans cover a large part of a filling. We’ll check your benefits and give you a written estimate before we start.
For larger damage, see crowns. If decay reaches the nerve, see root canal treatment. To stay cavity-free, see our oral health tips.
Children get cavities too, especially in the grooves of back teeth. We fill baby teeth when needed because they hold space for adult teeth and help kids chew and speak. We keep the visit gentle and explain everything in words kids understand.
We only recommend a filling when there’s a real cavity, and we’ll show it to you on your X-ray or with a close-up of the tooth. We use tooth-colored materials, keep as much healthy tooth as possible, and take the time to shape the filling so your bite feels natural as soon as the numbness wears off.
Often ten years or more with good brushing, flossing and regular checkups.
Usually one to three hours. Avoid chewing on that side until the feeling comes back.
The area is numbed first, so most people feel only pressure.
Most plans cover a large part of the cost. We’ll check your benefits before we start.
No. Very early weak spots can sometimes be strengthened with fluoride, but once a cavity forms, it needs to be repaired.
Book online in about a minute, or call us at (703) 420-5250. New patients are always welcome.
