Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are commonly used to repair teeth affected by cavities or small areas of damage. Removing the damaged portion of the tooth and restoring it with a filling can help protect the remaining tooth structure and restore normal function.
At Texan Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Sneha Xavier provides tooth-colored composite fillings that are designed to blend with the natural appearance of your teeth.
If you have tooth sensitivity, a visible cavity, a chipped filling or another concern, call 832-271-8280 or schedule an evaluation.
Why Might You Need a Dental Filling?
A filling may be recommended when decay or minor structural damage can be repaired without requiring a larger restoration such as a crown.
Dental fillings may be used to restore teeth with:
- Cavities caused by tooth decay.
- Small areas of damaged or weakened tooth structure.
- Worn or defective existing fillings.
- Selected small chips or defects when a filling material is appropriate.
Treating decay before it becomes more extensive may help preserve more of the natural tooth. If decay progresses deeper into the tooth, a larger restoration, dental crown or root canal treatment may sometimes be needed.
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
Texan Smile uses tooth-colored composite resin for many dental fillings. Composite material can be selected to closely match the surrounding tooth color, making the restoration less noticeable when you smile or speak.
Composite resin bonds to the prepared tooth and can be shaped and polished to restore the damaged area. The amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed depends on the size and location of the cavity and the condition of the tooth.
Dr. Xavier will determine whether a composite filling is appropriate after examining the tooth.
How Do I Know If I Have a Cavity?
Some cavities cause symptoms, while others may be found during a routine dental examination before you notice a problem.
Possible signs that a tooth should be evaluated include:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets.
- Pain or discomfort when biting.
- A visible dark spot, hole or damaged area.
- Food repeatedly getting trapped around a particular tooth.
- A filling that feels loose, chipped or rough.
- Tooth pain that does not resolve.
These symptoms can have several causes, so a dental examination is needed to determine whether a filling or another treatment is appropriate.
How Cavities Are Evaluated
Dr. Xavier evaluates teeth visually and may recommend dental imaging when appropriate. Some areas of decay, particularly between teeth or beneath existing restorations, may not be visible during a routine visual examination.
Texan Smile may also use DEXIS CariVu as an additional diagnostic aid in selected situations. CariVu uses near-infrared transillumination to help visualize certain changes within tooth structure without using ionizing radiation.
No single diagnostic tool is appropriate for every situation. The examination findings, dental history and imaging needs are considered together when determining treatment.
What Happens During a Dental Filling?
The exact procedure depends on the tooth and the size of the restoration, but a typical composite filling may involve:
- Numbing the area when appropriate. Local anesthesia may be used to help keep you comfortable.
- Removing damaged tooth structure. Decay and weakened material are removed from the affected area.
- Preparing the tooth. The area is cleaned and prepared for the restorative material.
- Placing the composite. Tooth-colored resin is applied, shaped and hardened.
- Checking the bite. Dr. Xavier checks the shape and bite and makes adjustments when necessary.
- Polishing the restoration. The filling is finished to create a smooth surface.
Do I Need a Filling or a Crown?
A filling is generally used when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support a smaller restoration. If a tooth has extensive decay, a large existing restoration, a significant fracture or substantial loss of tooth structure, a crown may sometimes provide more appropriate protection.
Dr. Xavier will evaluate how much healthy tooth remains and explain whether a dental filling or crown is more appropriate for the tooth.
What to Expect After a Filling
Your mouth may remain numb for a period of time if local anesthesia was used. Be careful when eating until normal sensation has returned.
Some patients notice temporary sensitivity after a filling. Your experience depends on the depth and size of the restoration and the condition of the tooth.
Contact Texan Smile if you experience persistent or worsening pain, swelling, a filling that feels unusually high when you bite, or another concern after treatment.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
There is no fixed lifespan for every dental filling. How long a restoration lasts depends on factors such as its size and location, the amount of chewing force it receives, oral hygiene, diet, grinding or clenching habits and the condition of the surrounding tooth.
During routine dental examinations, existing fillings can be checked for signs of wear, cracks, leakage or recurrent decay.
Dental Fillings with Dr. Sneha Xavier
Dr. Sneha Xavier provides restorative and preventive dental care at Texan Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Sugar Land.
If decay or damage is found, Dr. Xavier will explain what she sees and discuss whether a filling or another restorative option is appropriate for your tooth.
Learn more about Dr. Sneha Xavier and her approach to patient care.
Dental Filling Cost, Insurance & Payment Options
The cost of a dental filling depends on factors such as the size and location of the cavity, the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of the restoration.
If you have dental insurance, benefits for fillings vary by plan. Our team can review available insurance information and prepare an estimated patient portion before treatment.
Learn more about dental insurance at Texan Smile and our payment and financing options.
Dental Filling FAQs
Do all cavities need fillings?
Not every area of early tooth demineralization requires a filling. The appropriate treatment depends on the depth and extent of the decay and the condition of the tooth. Dr. Xavier will recommend treatment after examining the area.
Are your fillings tooth-colored?
Texan Smile uses tooth-colored composite resin for many dental fillings. The material can be selected to blend with the surrounding tooth structure.
Does getting a dental filling hurt?
Local anesthesia may be used to numb the tooth and surrounding area when appropriate. Individual experiences vary depending on the tooth and the extent of treatment.
Can a large cavity still be filled?
It depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains. Larger cavities may sometimes require a crown or another treatment instead of a conventional filling.
Can decay underneath an old filling be treated?
Decay can sometimes develop around or beneath an existing restoration. The old filling may need to be removed so the tooth can be evaluated and restored appropriately.
Think You May Need a Dental Filling?
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sneha Xavier to find out whether a tooth-colored filling or another treatment is appropriate.
Texan Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
4821 LJ Parkway, Suite 30
Sugar Land, TX 77479
832-271-8280
Reviewed by Dr. Sneha Xavier, DMD – Family & Cosmetic Dentist in Sugar Land, TX.
Dental Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information about dental fillings. Whether a filling, crown, root canal or another treatment is appropriate depends on the condition of the individual tooth and requires a dental examination and diagnosis.