Most cavities cause no pain at all in their early stages, which is why they are usually found during a routine examination rather than because something hurts. By the time a tooth becomes sensitive to cold or sweet foods, the decay has often reached the inner layer of the tooth.
At Rita Marroghi DDS, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that bond directly to the tooth structure. They match your natural enamel, require less drilling than traditional silver fillings, and strengthen the remaining tooth rather than simply plugging the hole.
Most fillings are completed in a single visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes.
Your dentist numbs the area, removes the decayed portion of the tooth, and cleans the cavity thoroughly. The composite material is applied in layers, each hardened with a curing light, and shaped to restore the tooth’s natural contour.
Finally, your bite is checked and adjusted so the filling feels comfortable when your teeth come together, then the surface is polished smooth.
Mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days afterward is normal and settles on its own.
Composite resin has largely replaced amalgam as the standard filling material, and for good reason:
If you have older silver amalgam fillings that are cracked, leaking, or simply visible when you laugh, they can be replaced with tooth-colored composite.
Fillings restore teeth with small to moderate decay. When too much tooth structure has been lost, a filling cannot provide enough support and may fracture under chewing pressure.
In those cases, your dentist may recommend a crown to cover and protect the whole tooth. If decay has reached the nerve, root canal treatment is needed before the tooth can be restored.
Your dentist will explain which option applies to your tooth and why.
A filling should not be noticeable — not in appearance, and not when you chew. Getting there depends on careful shade selection, precise placement, and correct bite adjustment.
With over 25 years of restorative experience, Dr. Marroghi treats each filling as a restoration rather than a patch, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.
Composite fillings are durable and typically last 7 to 10 years or longer:
The practice is committed to helping patients become informed decision-makers who fully understand their dental conditions and treatment options. The team will listen to your concerns and explain its recommendations so you can make an informed choice about your care.
The practice encourages patients to prepare for their appointment and discuss any concerns with the dental team. Sharing your anxiety in advance helps the doctor understand your needs and provide appropriate care during your visit.
The practice treats dental injuries such as chipped, displaced, or knocked-out teeth. Same-day treatment is not guaranteed on the website, so patients should call the office immediately for assistance and appointment availability. For a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
The practice provides routine and restorative dental services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, root canal treatment, and sealants to protect children’s teeth. Contact the office to discuss the most appropriate care for you or your child.
