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Dental Fillings

Learn more about the benefits of dental fillings.

During a dental filling procedure, your dentist numbs the area around the tooth, removes the decay, and cleans the area. A tooth-colored composite resin is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light. Tooth fillings are then shaped and polished to match the look and feel of your real teeth.

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Dentist Smiling

During a dental filling procedure, your dentist numbs the area around the tooth, removes the decay, and cleans the area. A tooth-colored composite resin is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light. Tooth fillings are then shaped and polished to match the look and feel of your real teeth.

Gentle Dental provides a variety of dental fillings to suit your needs. Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend in naturally. Amalgam fillings are known for their strength. Ceramic fillings are long-lasting and stain-resistant. Glass ionomer dental fillings release fluoride to help prevent decay.

A tooth filling may be needed if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Pain when chewing or biting down
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Pain when eating or drinking
  • Bad breath that does not go away
  • Visible holes, pits, or brown or black spots on the tooth
  • A cracked or chipped tooth

A dental filling restores your tooth and keeps decay from doing more damage. You get your normal bite back and can eat without pain. Tooth fillings made from composite resin are color-matched to your teeth so they blend right in. They bond directly to your tooth, adding strength and durability.

The cost of a dental filling typically ranges from $150 to $600 per tooth, depending on the material used (such as composite, amalgam, or porcelain), the size of the cavity, and the tooth’s location.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, especially for basic fillings. For patients without insurance, we provide financing options or in-house payment plans to help make treatment more affordable.

Yes, but only if the decay is caught in its earliest stages. Before a cavity fully forms and requires a traditional filling, we can often halt and reverse the damage with advanced remineralization therapies such as Curodont and CPP. These non-invasive treatments work to rebuild and harden your natural enamel without the need for drilling. Learn more about how we address early decay on our Curodont/CPP treatments page.

Before & After

Cosmetic Veneers Cosmetic Veneers

Cosmetic veneers added to enhance smile

Veeners Whitening Veeners Whitening

Veneers, whitening and filing

Replacement Crown to all Porcelain Replacement Crown to all Porcelain

Replacement crown to all porcelain

Hear From Our Patients

Robert

Gentle Dental Brighton

I can't say enough good things about how I was treated at Gentle Dental Brighton over the last few years but more specifically recently when I had an infected root. Dr. Meyer was exceptional not just in her skills as a dentist, but how compassionate she was to the amount of pain I was in. She helped me from start to finish and even checked on me after the root canal. Not just a great dentist but a great person.

Michel

Gentle Dental Jamaica Plain

Dr. Mancini and his staff got me in for an appointment within an hour of my call and took care of a loose, temporary cap. To my surprise they were able to “install” my permanent crown even though the appointment for that procedure was scheduled a week later. Perfect fit! Made my day. Thank you Gentle Dental Jamaica Plain!

Denise

Gentle Dental Nashua

Best dental care around! Immaculate office. Staff is exceptional and truly caring. Dr. Anthony is the Best! He understands my anxiety. I am telling everyone to request an appointment at Gentle Dental Nashua!

Tom

Gentle Dental Wakefield

Just had my last implant visit and can now smile again! The whole process went smoothly. Hats off to Dr. Amin, Dr. Colon and Sheela. All three, along with the rest of the staff, were very professional and pleasant to work with. I have been a patient at this office for 10+ years and would recommend Gentle Dental Wakefield to anyone for their next dentist appointment!

Carolyn

Gentle Dental Belmont

This is an excellent dental practice with flexible scheduling and friendly staff. Hygienists and dentists are very knowledgeable and skilled. Would also recommend their periodontist. Prices are quite reasonable as well. The Saturday hours are a huge plus at this dentist in Belmont.

Laura

Gentle Dental Cambridge

I would definitely recommend my experience at Gentle Dental Cambridge in Porter Square. A truly wonderful team of talented people! And they are paired with the most up-to-date technology. My experience was terrific! I needed a root canal and crowns in addition to a cavity filling. I was in safe hands! From start to finish, I was treated well and the procedures were completed in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for my dental fillings after treatment?

Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods for the first couple of days after getting a tooth filling. You might notice some sensitivity, but it usually goes away in a few weeks. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and don't skip your checkups. Good oral hygiene helps tooth fillings last longer.

Do dental fillings hurt?

No. Your Gentle Dental dentist will numb the tooth and the surrounding area before the procedure starts. You won't feel any pain while the filling is being placed. A little sensitivity afterward is normal and typically fades within a few days. It's one of the most routine and comfortable procedures.

How much do dental fillings cost at Gentle Dental?

Tooth fillings at Gentle Dental generally range from $150 to $600 per tooth without insurance. The price depends on the material, the cavity size, and the tooth location. Gentle Dental will provide you with an estimate during your visit so you can plan ahead before treatment begins.

Does Gentle Dental accept insurance for dental fillings?

Yes. Gentle Dental accepts most dental insurance plans. Insurance usually covers part of the cost of tooth cavity fillings, including composite and amalgam fillings. Click here to check your coverage online or ask your Gentle Dental office to verify your benefits, so you know what's covered before you come in for treatment.

Can Gentle Dental replace old or worn dental fillings?

Yes. Old fillings can crack, loosen, or wear down over time. At Gentle Dental, your dentist fills the tooth with fresh composite or other materials, restores it, and protects it from decay. Many patients switch from metal to composite fillings for a more natural appearance.

How do I book a dental filling appointment at Gentle Dental?

Visit the Gentle Dental website or call your nearest Gentle Dental office to schedule your appointment. As a dental filling clinic serving all six New England states, Gentle Dental makes it easy to find an office near you. For emergencies, ask about same-day availability when you reach out.

What are dental fillings and why are they used?

A dental filling repairs teeth damaged by decay or minor trauma. For tooth fillings, dentists at Gentle Dental remove the decayed or broken portion, clean the tooth, and fill it with a material such as composite resin or amalgam. This restores function and prevents the damage from spreading.

Are composite fillings better than amalgam fillings?

It depends on your needs. Composite fillings look natural and bond to the tooth, so less of your tooth is removed during placement. Amalgam fillings are stronger and last longer, especially on back teeth. Your dentist at Gentle Dental will recommend the best option for your situation.

Are silver amalgam fillings safe?

Yes. Silver amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for years and are considered safe by all major dental organizations. Gentle Dental also provides composite and ceramic if you prefer a non-metal alternative.

When do you need a dental filling?

You need a dental filling when a tooth has a cavity, a small crack, or decay that needs to be repaired. Common signs include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, or a visible dark spot. At Gentle Dental, dentists' filler recommendations are based on the type of damage and the location of the tooth requiring repair.

How long do dental fillings typically last?

Most composite fillings last 5 to 10 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10 to 15 years or more. Factors like tooth location, chewing habits, and oral hygiene all play a role. Regular checkups at Gentle Dental help your dentist spot any wear or damage before it becomes a problem.

What should I avoid after getting a dental filling?

Avoid hard, sticky, and very hot or cold foods for the first couple of days after your filling. Don't chew on the treated side until the numbness goes away. Some sensitivity is normal and should fade within a few days. After that, stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine.

Can you get a cavity in a tooth that already has a filling?

Yes. A tooth can still get a cavity even if it has a filling. Decay may form around the filling or elsewhere in the tooth over time. Regular checkups at Gentle Dental help catch these problems early before the tooth gets worse.

What are the signs that a dental filling needs to be replaced?

A filling may need to be replaced if it feels loose, looks cracked, or causes pain or sensitivity. Food getting stuck around the tooth can also be a sign. At Gentle Dental, we examine worn fillings and replace them before they cause further decay or damage.

Related Services

We deliver top-tier family dental care under one roof. Experience complete, multi-specialty dentistry.

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  • Preventive & General Care

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  • Restorative Dental Care

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  • Specialty Care

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Personalized treatment plans that combine multiple services to create your dream smile

Thin, custom porcelain shells to instantly perfect the appearance of your teeth

Safe whitening treatments to dramatically brighten your smile

Prompt, compassionate care for toothaches, broken teeth, and other urgent issues

Safe, gentle removal of severely damaged or problematic teeth

Expert extraction of impacted or painful wisdom teeth for lasting relief

Traditional and modern braces to straighten teeth

Clear, removable aligners for discreet and comfortable teeth straightening

Professional cleanings to remove plaque and keep your smile fresh

A new, non-invasive treatment designed to prevent and reverse cavities

Personalized care to manage gum health for patients with diabetes

Low-radiation imaging for fast, precise, and comfortable diagnostics

Thorough checkups to monitor your oral health and catch concerns early

Quick treatments to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities

Quick, painless screenings to check for early signs of oral cancer

Protective coatings applied to teeth to help prevent decay

Custom crowns and bridges to restore damaged or missing teeth

Advanced care to treat gum disease and support oral health

Natural-looking, long-lasting replacements for missing teeth

Custom dentures designed for comfort and a complete smile

Gentle treatment to relieve pain and save your natural teeth

Professional treatments for facial aesthetics and TMJ relief

Gentle oral care tailored for growing smiles

Safe options to keep you fully relaxed during dental visits

Custom oral appliances to improve breathing and sleep quality

Targeted care to relieve jaw pain, clicking, and discomfort

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