Dental Fillings
Dr. Shahdad Arami, DDS provides restorative dentistry at Northridge Dental Group.A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay, restoring its shape and strength so it works and looks like it should. At Northridge Dental Group we use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in with your natural teeth, so a repair does not stand out when you smile or speak.
Small cavities do not stay small
Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. Treating decay early with a simple filling keeps a minor problem from turning into one that needs a crown or root canal later.
- Stops decay before it reaches the nerve
- Restores the tooth's normal shape and bite
- Relieves sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet
- Protects the surrounding teeth from further decay
- Keeps a small repair from becoming a bigger one
Usually done in a single visit
Remove the decay
The area is numbed for comfort, then the decayed portion of the tooth is gently cleaned away.
Place the filling
Tooth-colored composite is shaped into the space and matched to the shade of your natural tooth.
Set and polish
The filling is hardened, then smoothed and adjusted so your bite feels normal before you leave.
Fillings that match your smile
Tooth-colored composite fillings restore a tooth without the dark look of older metal fillings. Dr. Shahdad Arami matches each filling to the shade of your natural tooth so the repair blends in.
If decay has reached deeper into the tooth, a filling may not be enough. In those cases we may recommend a dental crown or root canal. See the full range on the restorative dentistry page.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Modern composite fillings bond directly to the tooth and hold up well to everyday chewing. They also let us preserve more of the natural tooth than metal fillings, since composite does not require as much of the tooth to be removed.
The area is numbed first, so you should not feel discomfort during the procedure. Most patients are surprised by how quick and easy a filling is. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and usually settles within a few days.
Most fillings are completed in a single visit, often in under an hour. The exact time depends on the size and location of the cavity, which Dr. Arami will review with you beforehand.
Common signs include sensitivity to hot or cold, a visible dark spot or hole in the tooth, or discomfort when biting down. Many small cavities have no symptoms at all, which is why regular checkups catch them early before they grow.
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, composite fillings typically last many years. We check your existing fillings at each visit and let you know if one ever shows signs of wear and needs replacing.
Think you might have a cavity?
Catching decay early keeps treatment simple. Book an exam with Dr. Arami and we will take a look. Most major PPO dental plans are accepted, and new patients are always welcome.