*Special offer valid for patients paying in cash at time of service. New patients only.
*Special offer valid for patients paying in cash at time of service. New patients only.
Dealing with a cavity not only impacts your ability to chew and speak, but can also hit your confidence and overall wellness. That’s where fillings come in handy. In just one visit, your tooth can be restored to its natural health, so you can start smiling again.
New patients welcome. Call today to ask about dental fillings, insurance, and payment plans, or book online anytime.
A cavity rarely announces itself until it hurts. A twinge when you drink something cold or a rough spot you keep touching with your tongue can mean decay is already working its way into the tooth, and waiting usually makes the repair larger. A filling removes the decayed part of the tooth and restores its shape so you can chew and smile comfortably again.
At Designing Smiles, Dr. Ryan Rose and our team provide dental fillings as part of our restorative dentistry services in Westchase. With over a decade of experience and a degree from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Rose keeps care straightforward, and most fillings can be completed in a single visit.
Cavities do not heal on their own, and they tend to grow. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 5 adults aged 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity, and it warns that untreated decay can cause pain and infection. Signs that a tooth may need a filling include the following:
An exam, along with X-rays when needed, shows how deep the decay goes and whether a filling is enough. Catching a small cavity early often means a smaller filling and a shorter visit.
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These three treatments are easy to mix up, but each one has a different job.
A filling repairs a cavity or a small fracture by replacing the damaged part of the tooth with tooth-colored resin that can be matched to the shade of your natural tooth.
Dental bonding uses similar tooth-colored resin, but it is mainly used to improve how a tooth looks, such as a small chip or gap.
When a tooth has lost too much structure to hold a filling, a dental crown covers the whole tooth to protect it.
If decay has reached the nerve, a filling may not be enough, and root canal therapy may be needed. An exam shows which option fits your tooth, and we explain the reason for our recommendation so you can decide with confidence.
A filling appointment can take about an hour, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Most fillings are completed in one visit, so you can often return to your day afterward.
We confirm the cavity and numb the area so you stay comfortable during treatment.
We remove the decayed part of the tooth, clean the area, and place tooth-colored resin in layers, hardening each layer with a special light.
We check your bite, shape the filling, and polish it so it feels natural when you chew.
Some sensitivity to hot and cold can follow a filling and often settles within a few days. Call us if it lingers or your bite feels uneven. If dental visits make you nervous, ask us about sedation dentistry options.
A filling lasts longer when the tooth around it stays healthy, and a few daily habits make a real difference.
Cleaning around the filling every day helps keep new decay from starting along its edges.
If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard may help protect your fillings and your natural teeth from extra wear.
Regular cleanings and exams every six months help us spot new decay or a worn filling early.
Sugary snacks and drinks feed the bacteria that cause decay, so limiting how often you sip or snack helps protect both your fillings and your natural teeth. If a filling cracks or falls out, call us right away so we can protect the tooth before the damage grows.
Many dental plans help cover fillings, though the amount depends on your plan. We accept a range of PPO insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and MetLife, and checking your benefits before you book can prevent surprises.
For patients without insurance, payment plans are available. No insurance, no problem. We would rather talk through the cost with you up front than have you put off a cavity that is likely to grow.
Here are answers to common questions about fillings.
Dr. Ryan Rose earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, and served as a dentist in the U.S. Army. With more than a decade of experience, he treats each filling as part of your long-term oral health, and patients rate our practice 4.9 stars on Google.
We accept a range of PPO insurance plans and offer payment plans for patients without coverage. If you have a sore tooth or a spot you are worried about, contact our office to schedule your filling appointment.
