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Dentist preparing a tooth-colored composite filling

Dental Fillings in Los Angeles, CA

Tooth-colored dental fillings for cavities and tooth decay in Los Angeles. Exam, digital X-rays, and gentle care. Call (310) 731-6119 to book a visit.

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Dental Fillings & Tooth Decay Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bijan Afar, DDS, MS — Periodontist & Oral Implantologist

A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay (a cavity). The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the space is filled to restore the tooth's shape, strength, and function.

Tooth-colored composite fillings are commonly used because they blend in with your natural teeth. We will talk through the material that makes sense for your tooth, and for your bite, before treatment.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Decay happens when bacteria in dental plaque turn sugars and starches into acids that wear away tooth enamel. In its earliest stage, enamel can sometimes be strengthened with fluoride and better home care. Once a hole (cavity) has formed, the tooth cannot repair itself and needs treatment.

Left alone, decay keeps moving deeper. It can reach the nerve inside the tooth, which may lead to infection and the need for a root canal or extraction. Catching it early usually means a smaller, simpler repair.

Signs You May Have a Cavity

  • Sensitivity to sweet foods, or to hot or cold drinks
  • A visible pit, hole, or brown or black spot on a tooth
  • Pain when you bite down, or a toothache that comes and goes
  • Food that repeatedly catches in the same spot

Early cavities often cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular exams and X-rays matter.

When to See a Dentist

Schedule a visit when you notice any of the signs above, even if the discomfort is mild. If you have severe pain, swelling in your face or gums, or a bad taste that may signal an infection, call us right away. See our page on emergency dental care for what to do in the meantime.

Fillings, Crowns, and Root Canals

The right treatment depends on how much of the tooth is affected. A small to moderate cavity is usually restored with a filling. A tooth with extensive damage or a large existing filling may need a crown. If decay has reached the nerve and caused infection, a root canal may be needed to save the tooth. We examine the tooth and take X-rays before recommending anything.

Aftercare for a New Filling

  • Your lips, cheek, or tongue may stay numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing until the numbness wears off so you do not bite yourself.
  • Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common for a short time.
  • Call us if your bite feels uneven, or if pain gets worse or does not settle down.
  • Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and keep your regular cleanings to help prevent new decay.

Related Care You May Be Looking For

This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a dental examination. Recommendations depend on your individual health, and results vary from patient to patient.

What's Included

  • Exam and digital X-rays to find decay, including early decay
  • Tooth-colored composite fillings where appropriate
  • Local anesthesia for comfort during treatment
  • A bite check so the new filling feels natural

What to Expect

  1. 1

    Exam & X-rays

    We look for decay and check the surrounding tooth structure, then explain what we find and your options.

  2. 2

    Numbing & decay removal

    The area is numbed, and the decayed part of the tooth is carefully removed.

  3. 3

    Filling placement

    The filling material is placed, shaped, and hardened to restore the tooth.

  4. 4

    Bite check

    We adjust the filling so your bite feels comfortable and give you aftercare instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental fillings hurt?
The area is numbed with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity afterward is common and usually settles within a short time.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Only the very earliest stage of enamel damage can be reversed, and that needs fluoride and good home care under a dentist's guidance. Once a cavity has formed, it needs a filling or other treatment.
How long do fillings last?
It depends on the size and location of the filling, the material, your bite, and how well you care for your teeth. Fillings do not last forever, and we check them at your regular exams.
What happens if I ignore a cavity?
Decay usually keeps growing. A small filling can turn into a larger repair, and in some cases the nerve becomes infected, which can require a root canal or extraction.
Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings blend in with your tooth and bond to it. Different materials suit different situations, so we discuss the options for your particular tooth.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a consultation for dental fillings today. We'll answer your questions and help you decide what's right for your smile, no pressure.

Request an AppointmentCall (310) 731-6119

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