Our Approach
We use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with your smile, rather than the dark metal fillings of the past. Beyond treating cavities, fillings can also correct minor cosmetic concerns like small chips or gaps.
Signs You May Need a Filling
- Visible pits or dark spots on a tooth
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold
- A rough or catching feeling on a tooth's surface
- Pain when biting down
From Cavity to Filling
- Finding itSmall cavities are often caught on a routine X-ray before you'd feel anything at all.
- Numbing the toothThe area is numbed before any drilling starts.
- Removing the decayOnly the decayed portion of the tooth is removed — Dr. Ali is conservative about how much healthy tooth structure to take.
- Filling and shapingA tooth-colored composite filling is placed and shaped to match your bite — usually done in one visit.
From Dr. Ali
I'd rather see you for a small filling than a root canal you could have avoided. If I flag something small on an X-ray, it's worth addressing now — it's a faster, cheaper, less invasive fix at this stage than it will be later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the filling match my tooth color?
Yes — we use tooth-colored composite material, shaded to match your natural tooth, not the silver amalgam fillings you may remember from years ago.
Does getting a filling hurt?
No — the area is numbed first. Some tenderness or sensitivity to temperature for a day or two afterward is normal.
How long does a filling last?
Composite fillings typically last 7–10 years or longer with good care, though it varies by tooth and location.
What if the cavity is too big for a filling?
If too much of the tooth structure is compromised, Dr. Ali may recommend a crown instead — she'll tell you which applies to your specific tooth before starting.
Related Services
Catching decay at the filling stage is the goal of regular cleanings — the alternative, if it's ignored, is usually one of these two.
Ready to schedule?
Give us a call — we'll find a time that works for you.