Does getting a filling hurt?

We numb the tooth with local anesthetic before treatment, so most patients feel pressure but no pain during a filling. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and usually resolves on its own. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically all that is needed if you feel any tenderness.

How long does a filling take?

Most fillings are completed in well under an hour, often during a single visit. The exact time depends on the size and location of the cavity. We schedule enough time so you never feel rushed and the work can be done carefully.

Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as metal ones?

Modern composite fillings are durable and bond directly to the tooth, and they perform well for most cavities in both front and back teeth. Very large cavities or teeth under heavy chewing force may be better restored with a crown. We will recommend the option that best protects your tooth.

Should I replace my old metal fillings?

Not necessarily. A metal filling that is intact and sealing well often does not need to be replaced. We generally recommend replacement only when a filling is worn, cracked, leaking, or has decay forming around it. We will examine your fillings and share an honest recommendation.

How can I avoid getting more cavities?

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and keeping up with cleanings and exams every six months go a long way. Regular checkups at our Spokane Valley office help us catch decay early, while it is still small and simple to treat.

Tooth Fillings Spokane Valley

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay. After we remove the decayed portion of the tooth, we fill the cleaned-out space with a durable material that restores the tooth's shape and function and seals out bacteria.

Filling a cavity early stops decay from spreading deeper into the tooth. Left untreated, a small cavity can grow and reach the inner pulp, which may lead to more involved treatment such as a root canal or even tooth loss.

For most Spokane Valley patients, a filling is a quick, routine procedure that can often be completed in a single visit.

Signs You May Have a Cavity

Cavities do not always cause obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. When signs do appear, they may include:

Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
A toothache or pain when biting down
A visible hole, pit, or dark spot on a tooth
Food that frequently gets caught in the same spot
Rough or chipped edges you can feel with your tongue

Because early decay often has no symptoms at all, regular checkups at our Spokane Valley office are the best way to catch cavities while they are still small and simple to treat.

Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings

We offer tooth-colored composite fillings that we shade to match your natural teeth, so your repaired tooth blends in rather than standing out.

Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which lets us preserve more of your healthy natural structure. They are a popular choice for both front and back teeth because they restore the tooth discreetly.

If you have an older metal filling that is worn, cracked, or failing, we can talk through whether replacing it with a tooth-colored filling makes sense for you.

What to Expect During Your Visit

We start by numbing the area with local anesthetic so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you are at ease, we gently remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly.

Next, we place the filling material, shape it to match your tooth, and harden it in place. Finally, we check your bite and polish the filling so it feels smooth and natural.

Most fillings take well under an hour, and many patients return to their normal day right afterward. Any numbness usually wears off within a few hours.

Caring for Your Filling and Preventing Cavities

After your filling, it is normal to feel some sensitivity to temperature for a few days. This typically settles on its own. Let us know if discomfort lingers or your bite feels uneven, and we will make a quick adjustment.

The best way to avoid future fillings is consistent prevention: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and keep up with cleanings and exams every six months.

Regular visits let us spot new decay early, when a small filling — rather than a larger restoration — is all that is needed.

Gentle Cavity Care for the Whole Family

From a child's first filling to an adult replacing an old restoration, we keep care gentle and judgment-free for every age in your family. We take time to explain what we see and why we recommend treatment.

We are in-network with most major PPO plans and file claims for you, and we are happy to review costs and options before we begin. Our goal is to make treating cavities simple and stress-free for Spokane Valley families.

Tooth Fillings in Spokane Valley, WA