How much does a tooth filling cost?

Prices start around $150 per surface. Tooth‑coloured composite fillings usually cost $150–$300 per tooth, while porcelain inlays or onlays are higher. Insurance often covers 50–80 % after your deductible. We’ll provide a personalized quote when you visit us.

Do you offer white (tooth-colored) fillings or only silver?

Yes. We mostly use tooth-coloured composite resin that bonds to your enamel and matches your tooth shade. We still offer silver amalgam on back teeth and porcelain or gold inlays when needed.

How long does a dental filling appointment take?

Most simple fillings take about 30–60 minutes. Complex or multiple fillings may take longer, and custom porcelain or gold inlays can require a second visit.

Is the filling procedure painful? Do you use local anaesthesia?

No. We always numb the tooth with local anaesthesia so you only feel pressure, not pain. For anxious patients we can offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation.

Can I get a filling done in just one visit?

Yes. Composite and amalgam fillings are placed in a single visit. For bigger cavities, we can mill a same-day porcelain inlay or onlay so you leave with a fully restored tooth.

How long do white composite fillings last?

With good home care and regular check-ups, composite fillings last about 5–15 years.

Will the white filling match my natural tooth colour?

Yes. We use a shade guide to match your enamel so the composite blends seamlessly once polished.

Can I replace my old silver fillings with new white ones?

Yes. We often replace ageing silver amalgam with tooth-coloured composites. We’ll first check that enough healthy tooth structure remains.

How soon can I eat after getting a filling?

Once the numbness wears off you can eat. Choose soft foods first and avoid biting hard objects until you’re comfortable.

Are your composite fillings completely mercury-free and safe?

Yes. Composite fillings are mercury-free, biocompatible and have been used safely for decades.

Do you offer payment plans or financing for fillings?

Yes. We’ll review your insurance benefits and discuss financing options to make your treatment affordable.

Can you fix a chipped front tooth with a natural-looking filling?

Yes. Composite resin is ideal for repairing chips or worn edges on front teeth. We sculpt it to match your tooth’s shape and cure it with a light for a seamless repair.

What happens if I delay getting a cavity filled?

The decay will keep progressing and can reach the nerve, causing pain or infection. It may eventually require a root canal or even an extraction. Early treatment is simpler and less expensive.

Will I have sensitivity after the filling? How long?

Mild sensitivity to cold or biting is common for a few days and usually fades. If it lasts more than two weeks or gets worse, call us.

Does dental insurance cover tooth-coloured fillings?

Most PPO plans cover composite fillings on front teeth and partially cover them on back teeth. You may be responsible for 20–50% after your deductible.

Can children get white fillings in your clinic?

Yes. Tooth-coloured fillings are safe and durable for children, and some materials even release fluoride to help protect against future cavities.

What should I do if my filling falls out or cracks?

Call us right away. Avoid chewing on that tooth and keep it clean. We’ll fit you in as soon as possible to replace or repair the filling.

Do you offer emergency same-day filling appointments?

Yes. If you have sudden pain or a broken filling, we offer same-day appointments to relieve discomfort quickly. Call our office and we’ll do our best to see you immediately.

Which is stronger for back teeth – white filling or silver?

Amalgam is generally stronger and longer-lasting for heavy chewing in back molars. Composite resin offers a natural look and works well in areas with moderate forces. We’ll help you choose the best option for your tooth.

How long does numbness last after a filling?

Numbness usually lasts 2–4 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia used and your individual response. Sensation returns gradually. Avoid chewing until feeling is fully back to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.

Can I drive home after a filling?

Yes, most patients can drive home after a routine filling done with local anesthesia. If you receive oral sedation or IV sedation, you’ll need someone else to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

(562) 242‑1411

Trusted by Thousands, Across 23 Locations

Dental Filling

Tooth-Colored Fillings for a Smooth, Natural Look — Phone Support Available 24/7

Tooth-colored fillings repair small to moderate tooth decay, chipped areas, and worn or leaking fillings, often completed in a single visit. These restorations blend naturally with your enamel while restoring strength and everyday comfort for chewing and speaking.

At Gold Coast Dental, we provide tooth-colored filling care across our CA and TX locations. To find the closest office, visit our Gold Coast Dental locations page.

Open weekends including Sundays (hours vary by location).

Same‑day & emergency care: Most cavities are filled in a single visit and we provide emergency appointments when you search “dental filling open now near me” or “emergency cavity filling near me.” Local anaesthesia makes the procedure painless.
Materials: We offer composite resin (white) fillings, mercury‑free bonded fillings and traditional amalgam (silver) fillings. Composite fillings blend with your tooth colour and require minimal drilling.
Longevity & cost: Composite fillings typically last 5–15 years, while amalgam fillings can exceed 15 years. 1‑year survival is 91 % and 5‑year survival 86 % for composite fillings. Costs depend on the number of surfaces; many plans cover 50–80 % after deductibles.
Why treat early: Filling a cavity promptly prevents deeper decay, cracks and pain. Delaying can lead to root canal therapy or crowns.

Restorations That Stop Decay and Support Tooth Strength

What Are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling replaces decayed or damaged enamel with a restorative material to protect the tooth and restore normal function. Most appointments take about 30–60 minutes. Composite fillings are tooth-coloured materials that bond directly to enamel and dentine for a natural look, while amalgam fillings are valued for strength and durability in areas under heavy chewing pressure. If a filling cannot fully protect the tooth, other options may provide better long-term support. For larger cavities or weakened tooth structure, gold or porcelain inlays may be recommended. We help you choose the right material based on tooth location, function and appearance so your restoration feels comfortable and lasts.

When a Filling Is Not Enough

A filling works best for small or moderate cavities. If the damage is extensive, other treatments may provide better long-term stability.

Large cavities that weaken the tooth structure
Cracked or fractured cusps
Teeth with repeated filling failures

In these cases, inlays & onlays, a dental crown, or dental implants may provide better long-term protection and stability for the tooth.

Conservative Treatment Based on Decay Mapping

Why Dental Fillings at Gold Coast Dental

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Pain‑Free Treatment

Our dentists use gentle techniques and effective anaesthesia so your filling appointment feels like a routine cleaning. For anxious patients, we offer sedation to make the experience comfortable.

Custom Shade Matching

We match composite resin to your tooth’s exact shade so the restoration disappears. Your smile looks natural, and no one will notice you’ve had a cavity filled.

Durability & Expertise

Our dentists are skilled in placing both composite and amalgam fillings. We choose the right material for your tooth’s location and load, ensuring long‑lasting results.

Affordable & Flexible

We provide transparent pricing and offer flexible payment plans. Most PPO plans cover 50–80 % of fillings after your deductible, and we’ll help you navigate your benefits.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

4.6 / 5

+500 reviews

Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. Read their stories and discover how compassionate care and trusted dentistry have made a difference in their smiles.

My dental filling repaired a cavity that had started to cause sensitivity when eating. The tooth felt smooth afterward, and chewing returned to normal the same day. The process stayed calm and straightforward, which helped ease my worries about the visit.

Farshad N., Buena Park

The filling blended in with my natural tooth color, and I couldn’t feel the edge once it settled. The soreness faded quickly, and brushing felt comfortable again. I appreciated how clearly the steps were explained from start to finish.

Marco T., Glendale

I had a small cavity treated, and the filling restored the tooth’s shape without feeling bulky. Eating felt balanced again, and there was no lingering sensitivity. The visit was simple, and the result felt stable right away.

Alejandro V., La Verne

The filling fixed a worn spot that kept catching food, and the surface feels smooth now. Chewing feels easier, and the tooth feels protected again. The entire appointment stayed calm, which helped me feel relaxed throughout.

Ayumi K., San Gabriel

Options designed to balance function, aesthetics, and longevity

Dental Filling Options at a Glance

Filling Type	Appearance	Tooth Preservation	Best Use	Durability
Tooth-Coloured (Composite)	Matches natural tooth	Conservative	Small to medium cavities, visible teeth	Long-lasting with proper care
Silver (Amalgam)	Metallic	Moderate shaping required	Back molars under heavy chewing	Very durable
Porcelain (Inlay / Onlay)	Natural, custom-fit	Conservative	Larger cavities or weakened teeth	Strong and wear-resistant
Gold (Inlay / Onlay)	Metallic	Conservative	Large restorations needing longevity	Extremely durable
Glass Ionomer	Tooth-coloured	Minimal	Temporary or low-stress areas	Short- to medium-term

The right filling depends on cavity size, tooth location, bite pressure and aesthetic goals. We recommend the option that balances strength, appearance and long-term stability.

Longevity & Colour Match

Composite resin fillings typically last many years with proper care, while amalgam fillings often last even longer in high-pressure areas. We carefully shade-match composite materials to your enamel so they blend naturally. For front teeth, tooth-coloured fillings restore strength without changing the look of your smile.

How Treatment Works

Your Path to Dental Filling: Timeline & Process

Exam & Diagnosis

We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays to confirm decay. If a filling is needed, we review material options and costs with you.

Exam & Diagnosis

We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays to confirm decay. If a filling is needed, we review material options and costs with you.

Comfort & Preparation

The area is numbed so you stay comfortable throughout the visit. We prepare the tooth and protect it from moisture during treatment.

Comfort & Preparation

The area is numbed so you stay comfortable throughout the visit. We prepare the tooth and protect it from moisture during treatment.

Removing Decay

Damaged tooth structure is gently removed, and the cavity is shaped to support the filling.

Removing Decay

Damaged tooth structure is gently removed, and the cavity is shaped to support the filling.

Filling Placement

The filling material is placed and adjusted to restore the tooth’s shape and bite. Tooth-coloured fillings are carefully matched to your enamel.

Filling Placement

The filling material is placed and adjusted to restore the tooth’s shape and bite. Tooth-coloured fillings are carefully matched to your enamel.

Final Check & Aftercare

We polish the filling, check your bite and review simple care instructions. Most fillings are completed in one visit, and normal activities can resume the same day.

Final Check & Aftercare

We polish the filling, check your bite and review simple care instructions. Most fillings are completed in one visit, and normal activities can resume the same day.

Your First Visit, Made Simple

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first visit at Gold Coast Dental focuses on comfort, clarity, and understanding your oral health. Here’s what typically happens during your 30–60-minute visit: