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Restorative care

Dental fillings in Herriman

A small cavity is easy to miss until a tooth twinges when you bite or sip something cold. A filling can stop the damage early and keep more of your natural tooth.

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What is a dental filling?

A filling repairs a tooth that has a cavity, a small crack or a chip. Your dentist removes the decayed part and fills the space with a material that rebuilds the tooth's shape. This helps you chew normally and keeps germs from getting deeper into the tooth.

  • Usually done in one visit
  • Tooth-colored options can blend in with your smile
  • Treating a cavity early often means a smaller repair

When you might need a filling

Many cavities cause no pain at first. Your dentist often finds them on an exam or x-ray. You may need a filling if you notice:

  • A twinge with sweets, hot drinks or cold foods
  • A rough spot or small hole you can feel with your tongue
  • Food that keeps catching in the same place
  • A dark spot on a tooth
  • An old filling that feels loose or worn

A filling works best when the damage is small. If decay or a crack has taken out a large part of the tooth, your dentist may suggest a crown instead, since it covers and protects the whole tooth. If the crack is the main problem, see our page on cracked teeth.

What to expect

  1. Check. Your dentist looks at the tooth and may take x-rays to see how deep the decay goes. You talk about your material choices.
  2. Numbing. The area is numbed so you stay comfortable while your dentist works.
  3. Cleaning out decay. Your dentist removes the soft, damaged part of the tooth and cleans the space.
  4. Filling and shaping. The filling material is placed, shaped to fit your bite and polished smooth.

Filling materials

Tooth-colored composite is the most common choice today because it blends in. Other options can include glass ionomer, porcelain or gold. Each has its own strengths for where the tooth is and how much force it takes. Your dentist will explain which fits your tooth and you decide together.

After your filling

Your lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours. Wait to eat until the feeling comes back so you do not bite your cheek. The tooth may feel a little sensitive to cold or pressure for a few days. If your bite feels high or uneven after the numbness wears off, call us so we can adjust it. Brush twice a day, floss once a day and keep up with your checkups to help prevent new cavities.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about dental fillings

Does getting a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so most people feel pressure and vibration but little else. Some mild soreness or cold sensitivity for a few days is normal.
How long do fillings last?
Many fillings last 10 years or more. Size, location, the material used and habits like grinding all play a part. We check your fillings at each visit and let you know if one starts to wear.
Are tooth-colored fillings safe?
Yes. Composite and other tooth-colored materials are widely used and well studied. If you have allergies or concerns about any material, tell your dentist so you can talk through your options.
What happens if I wait to fill a cavity?
A cavity tends to grow over time. A small one can often be fixed with a simple filling. If it reaches the nerve, the tooth may need a root canal and a crown instead.
Will insurance cover my filling?
Most dental plans cover fillings at least in part. We check your benefits and go over your estimate with you before treatment begins.

Related care

You may also want to know about

Dental Crowns

A custom cap that covers a weak or broken tooth so you can bite and chew normally.

About dental crowns

Cracked Teeth

Find and repair cracks early, before they spread and put the whole tooth at risk.

About cracked teeth

Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

Call (385) 481-6738Get directions