What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a damaged area of a tooth caused by tooth decay. It develops when plaque bacteria feed on sugars and starches left on your teeth, producing acids that weaken and break down the enamel.
Early enamel damage may sometimes be managed with fluoride and improved oral hygiene. Once a hole forms in the tooth, however, the damaged area generally needs restorative treatment, such as a filling. Without treatment, decay can spread deeper into the tooth, potentially causing pain, infection, or the need for more extensive dental work.
Signs You May Need a Tooth Filling
Early cavities often do not hurt. That is why regular checkups matter. But watch for these signs:
- Tooth pain or a toothache that comes and goes
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot drinks, or cold drinks
- A visible hole, pit, or rough spot on a tooth
- Brown, black, or white stains on a tooth’s surface
- Pain when you bite down
- Food that keeps getting stuck in the same spot
Seeing any of these? Do not wait. Call us at (509) 466-1200, and Dr. López will take a look. If you have a bad toothache, ask about our emergency dentistry services.
What Are Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings?
Composite fillings are made from a durable resin material designed to match the color of your natural teeth. Dr. López applies and shapes the material to restore the damaged area while helping the filling blend in with your smile.
Unlike traditional silver-colored amalgam fillings, composite restorations are designed to look more like natural tooth enamel. They also bond directly to the tooth, making them a popular option for repairing cavities in visible areas of the smile. Composite materials do not contain mercury.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings offer several advantages when repairing a cavity. They restore the damaged area while helping your tooth look and function naturally.
- Natural-looking results. Composite resin can be matched to the shade of your surrounding teeth, making the filling less noticeable than traditional silver-colored amalgam.
- Direct bonding. The material bonds to the tooth, helping restore its shape and support its function.
- Conservative treatment. Depending on the size and location of the cavity, composite fillings may allow Dr. López to preserve more of your healthy natural tooth structure.
- Mercury-free material. Composite resin does not contain mercury, making it an option for patients who prefer a tooth-colored alternative to amalgam.
- A comfortable fit. Dr. López shapes and polishes the material to restore your tooth’s contours and help your bite feel natural.
- Convenient treatment. Many composite fillings can be completed in a single appointment, so you can get back to your routine without multiple visits.
What Happens When You Get a Filling at Summit Dentistry?
Worried about the visit? Here is what to expect, step by step:
- Numbing. Dr. López applies a local anesthetic so you do not feel pain.
- Cleaning out the decay. He removes the decayed part of your tooth, so it is clean and healthy.
- Bonding. He bonds the composite resin to your tooth.
- Shaping. He shapes the resin so it blends in naturally and feels right when you bite.
- Finishing up. Your tooth looks and works like it should again.
In most cases, the whole treatment takes one visit. Just wait to eat or drink until the numbness wears off, so you do not accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
Nervous About Dental Work? We Can Help
If dental visits make you anxious, you are far from alone. Our team is known for helping nervous patients feel comfortable, and Dr. López is licensed to provide oral sedation. Learn more about sedation dentistry.
After Your Filling: What to Know
- Wait for numbness to wear off. Avoid chewing until feeling returns to your lips, cheeks, and tongue so you do not accidentally bite yourself.
- Expect possible sensitivity. Some temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure can occur after a filling.
- Check your bite. If your tooth feels too high or your bite feels uneven after the numbness fades, contact our office. A small adjustment may help.
- Keep up your routine. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and attend regular dental exams and cleanings.
What If a Filling Is Not Enough?
Fillings are best for small to medium cavities. If decay is deep or a tooth is badly damaged, you may need another treatment. Dr. López will explain your options clearly. They may include:
- A dental crown to cover and protect a weak tooth
- A root canal treatment to clear an infection and save the tooth
- An extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
The sooner you treat a cavity, the more likely it is a simple filling will do the job.
How to Prevent Cavities
You can lower your risk with a few easy habits:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day.
- Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks, especially sipping all day.
- Drink water, especially after meals.
- Do not skip your regular dental exams and teeth cleanings.
Why Spokane Families Choose Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
- Experienced dentist. Dr. Anibal López earned his dental degree from Marquette School of Dentistry in 2009 and has treated patients in Washington for more than 17 years. He keeps learning through continuing education in areas like dental implants, sedation, and cosmetic dentistry.
- Clear explanations. Patients tell us they appreciate that we go over their options, with the pros and cons of each.
- One-stop care. From fillings to crowns to implants, you can get care in one convenient place.
- Bilingual care. Hablamos Español.
- Serving Spokane since 2011.
- Accepting new patients.
Filling Cost, Insurance, and Payment Options
The cost of a tooth filling depends on the size and location of the cavity and how much of the tooth needs to be restored. After examining your tooth, Dr. López can explain the recommended treatment and review the expected costs before moving forward.
Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry works with many major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and MetLife. Coverage varies by plan, so our team can help you review your benefits and understand your estimated out-of-pocket costs.
If you have further questions about financing your dental care, visit our Financing & Insurance page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Fillings
We use local anesthesia to numb the area before placing a filling. You may feel some pressure during treatment, but you should not feel sharp pain. Mild sensitivity afterward is possible and generally improves with time. If dental visits make you nervous, ask us about oral sedation.
Many fillings can be completed in one appointment. The exact amount of time depends on the size and location of the cavity and how much of the tooth needs to be restored. Dr. López can give you an idea of what to expect after examining your tooth.
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material. Dr. López applies and shapes the resin to repair the damaged area and match the appearance of your surrounding teeth. Composite material does not contain mercury.
Amalgam fillings are silver-colored restorations made from a mixture of metals, including mercury. Composite fillings are made from tooth-colored resin that can be matched to your natural teeth. Composite also bonds directly to the tooth and may allow for a more conservative restoration, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
It’s best to wait until the numbness from local anesthesia wears off before eating. This helps prevent accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue. Your dentist may also recommend avoiding particularly hard or sticky foods if your tooth feels sensitive.
Composite fillings can last for many years, but their lifespan depends on factors such as the filling’s size and location, your bite, and your oral hygiene habits. Regular dental exams help Dr. López monitor existing fillings and identify signs of wear or damage.
Ready to Fix That Cavity? Schedule Your Filling Today
Don’t let a small cavity turn into a bigger issue—protect your oral health with gentle, lasting dental fillings at Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Conveniently located on West Francis Avenue, our bilingual team is proud to treat patients throughout Spokane Valley, Mead, and Nine Mile Falls.
We’re accepting new patients. To learn more, call our Spokane dental practice at (509) 466-1200 or request your appointment online. Hablamos Español.