Tooth-colored fillings in Irving, TX

Why a cavity needs a filling

A cavity is a hole that acid-producing bacteria wear into your tooth. Very early soft spots can sometimes be stopped with fluoride, but once a true hole forms, enamel can't grow back. A tooth-colored filling is the simplest fix: at our Irving office, we remove the decay and rebuild the tooth with composite resin matched to your natural shade.

Small cavities often don't hurt, which is why they're usually found at a routine exam and x-rays. Waiting until it hurts usually means the decay has reached deeper layers. Left alone, a cavity can reach the nerve and need a root canal — a bigger, costlier visit than a filling.

Signs you might need tooth-colored fillings

• Sensitivity to sweets, cold or heat
• A sharp twinge when you bite
• A visible dark spot or hole
• Food catching in the same spot
• A rough or chipped edge you feel with your tongue
• An old filling that's cracked or dark at the edges

Tooth-colored fillings vs. silver amalgam

Most of our fillings are composite, a tooth-colored resin that bonds directly to the tooth. We also offer amalgam (silver) fillings, which still have a place in some situations.

The ADA considers amalgam safe for most people. The FDA recommends that certain higher-risk groups — including people who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or nursing, young children, and people with kidney problems or a mercury sensitivity — receive an alternative when possible. We'll talk through the choice with you.

Getting a filling: what it feels like

Most fillings take one visit of 20 minutes to an hour, depending on size. We start with a numbing gel, then a local anesthetic, and we wait until the tooth is fully numb before starting. Most patients feel pressure and vibration, not pain. Our electric handpieces are quieter and smoother than the high-pitched drills many people remember, and we go at your pace — raise your hand and we stop.

Numbness usually wears off in two to four hours. Until then, avoid hot drinks and chewing on that side so you don't bite your cheek, lip or tongue — this matters especially for kids. If you're very anxious, ask about our sedation options; we'll review which are appropriate for your health history.

Sensitivity after a filling

Some sensitivity is normal for a few days to a couple of weeks, especially to cold, air or biting. Deeper fillings tend to be more sensitive because they sit closer to the nerve. A sensitivity toothpaste helps, and it should steadily improve.

Call us if:

• Your bite feels high or uneven — a quick adjustment usually fixes it.
• Pain gets worse instead of better, or lingers long after a cold drink.
• You have throbbing pain, pain that wakes you up or swelling. These can mean the nerve is inflamed. Our guide is it a dental emergency? can help you decide how soon to come in.

How long fillings last — and when you need more

Composite fillings commonly last 5 to 10 years or more, and amalgam often lasts longer. How long yours lasts depends on its size, whether you grind your teeth, your diet and how well you clean around it. Fillings rarely fail all at once; more often, new decay starts at the edge or a corner chips.

When a cavity or old filling takes up a large part of the tooth, a big filling can weaken what's left and lead to cracks. In that case a crown protects the tooth better. We'll show you on the intraoral camera so you can see why.

Fillings for kids

Baby teeth matter. They help children chew, speak clearly and hold space for adult teeth, and some back baby teeth stay until age 10 to 12. A cavity in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection just as it can in an adult.

We explain each step in kid-friendly words and keep visits short. For larger cavities in baby molars, a stainless steel crown is often more durable than a big filling. To help prevent new cavities, ask about sealants and fluoride. Texas Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children 18 and under — our Medicaid and CHIP guide explains what's included.

What to expect, step by step

1. Find and show the cavity

   We confirm the cavity with an exam and digital x-rays and show it to you on the intraoral camera.

2. Numb the tooth

   Numbing gel first, then a local anesthetic. We wait until you're fully numb before starting.

3. Remove the decay

   We gently clean out the decayed part of the tooth, keeping as much healthy tooth as possible.

4. Bond and build

   Composite goes on in thin layers, each hardened with a curing light and matched to your tooth's shade.

5. Shape, polish and check your bite

   We shape the filling to your bite and polish it smooth. You can chew on it once the numbness wears off.

Cost, insurance & financing

In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, a composite filling typically costs about $150 to $450 per tooth without insurance, depending on its size and how many surfaces of the tooth it covers. Amalgam fillings are usually somewhat less. Many PPO plans cover fillings as a basic service, though some pay only the amalgam rate for composite fillings on back teeth, leaving a small difference for you.

Your exact cost depends on the size and location of the cavity and your plan. We give you a written estimate before we start. Texas Medicaid and CHIP cover children 18 and under; see insurance and financing for membership and payment options.