What are Dental Fillings?

The fillings procedure at our Marietta dental office is quick, comfortable, and designed to keep your teeth healthy for years to come. Fillings repair cavities and small fractures, restore your ability to chew comfortably, and prevent decay from spreading further.

Consultation and Planning

Your appointment begins with a gentle exam. Dr. Patel may use X-rays and other tools to check the size and location of the cavity. If the issue is small, a filling is often the best choice. For larger problems, you may benefit from an inlay, onlay, or crown for extra strength.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Getting a filling is simple:

  • Comfort First – The tooth is numbed so you won’t feel pain.
  • Cleaning the Tooth – The cavity is carefully removed, and the area is cleaned.
  • Restoration – A tooth-colored filling material is placed to rebuild the tooth. For bigger repairs, a porcelain inlay or onlay may be used.
  • Finishing Touch – The filling is polished so it blends naturally with your smile.

Restorative and Preventative Benefits

Dental fillings do more than just fix cavities — they are both restorative and preventative dental care. Restoratively, they rebuild a tooth’s natural shape and strength so you can chew and smile with confidence. Preventatively, they seal off damaged areas and stop cavities from spreading deeper, which helps you avoid more serious treatments like root canals or tooth extractions.

When a cavity is too big for a traditional filling, inlays and onlays provide extra durability while still protecting your natural tooth. Together, these treatments restore health and also prevent future problems, saving you time, money, and discomfort down the road.

Caring for Your Dental Fillings

After your filling is placed, keeping up with good daily care will help it last for many years. Dr. Patel recommends:

  • Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily
  • Flossing every day to clean between teeth
  • Using a fluoride rinse if you’re at higher risk for decay
  • Asking about sealants for extra protection on back teeth
  • Scheduling regular cleanings and exams at our Marietta dental office

FAQs

A filling fixes small cavities. An inlay fits inside the tooth when more repair is needed, while an onlay covers a larger portion — sometimes the biting surface — and is often called a “partial crown.”

With good care, composite fillings can last 7–10 years. Porcelain inlays and onlays may last even longer.

No. The tooth is numbed, so the procedure is comfortable. Some patients feel mild sensitivity afterward, but it usually goes away quickly.

If it feels loose, cracked, or you notice pain or sensitivity, it’s time to have it checked.

Yes. Dr. Patel will review your options, but most patients choose tooth-colored materials for their strength and natural look.

Schedule Your Appointment for Fillings in Marietta

Whether you need to fix a new cavity, replace an old metal filling, or strengthen a tooth with an inlay or onlay, Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Patel provides personalized care to restore your smile and keep it healthy.

Call (770) 578-1331 today to schedule your appointment for fillings in Marietta and take the next step toward a stronger, healthier smile.