Cavities Don’t Always Hurt—But They Always Get Worse

You may not notice a cavity at first, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage. Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, or the need for more serious procedures like a root canal or crown.

At Dental Design of Brentwood, we help adults across Brentwood and West Los Angeles catch cavities early and treat them with long-lasting, natural-looking tooth-colored fillings. Here’s what you should know about how dental fillings work and why early care matters.

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a treatment used to repair a tooth after decay is removed. Once the damaged portion is cleaned out, the area is filled with a durable material that restores strength, protects the tooth, and prevents further damage.

Most filling appointments are quick, comfortable, and completed in just one visit.

How Do You Know If You Need a Filling?

Cavities often start silently. You might not feel pain right away, which is why routine checkups and X-rays are essential. Still, here are some signs that you may need a filling:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
A dark spot or rough patch on a tooth
Pain when chewing or biting
Food getting stuck between certain teeth
An old filling that feels loose or chipped

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to book an exam with a Brentwood dentist.

Types of Dental Fillings

Dentists use a variety of materials to restore teeth based on where the cavity is and how much structure needs to be rebuilt. Common options include:

🦷 Composite (white) fillings – The most popular choice for their natural look, these blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth and work well for both front and back areas.

🦷 Silver (amalgam) fillings – Strong and affordable, these are typically used in back molars but are now less common due to their noticeable color.

🦷 Porcelain or ceramic fillings – These offer excellent durability and a lifelike appearance, making them a great choice for larger cavities in visible areas.

🦷 Glass ionomer fillings – Often used near the gumline, these release fluoride and are ideal for low-pressure areas.

🦷 Gold fillings – Though long-lasting and biocompatible, gold fillings are used less frequently today due to higher cost and their noticeable appearance compared to tooth-colored options.

Your dentist will recommend the best material based on your tooth’s location, your budget, and how visible the area is when you smile or speak.

What Happens During a Filling?

Most dental fillings take under an hour. Here’s what to expect:

Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area
The decay is gently removed
The tooth is cleaned and prepared
The filling material is placed and shaped
A curing light hardens the filling, and it’s polished for comfort

After your appointment, you can eat and drink normally once the numbness fades.

How Long Do Fillings Last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, most fillings last 8 to 12 years or more. However, you may need a replacement if the filling:

Wears down, cracks, or chips
Starts to loosen or leak
Becomes part of a tooth that needs a crown or root canal later

We’ll keep an eye on your restorations at each cleaning visit.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix a Cavity

Tooth decay doesn’t reverse on its own—and delaying treatment can make things worse. Getting a small cavity filled early means:

Simpler, less expensive treatment
Less risk of pain or infection
Better long-term protection for your tooth

If you’ve been putting off care, this is your sign to take action now.

📍 Quality Dental Fillings in Brentwood, Los Angeles

If you’re looking for reliable, natural-looking cavity treatment in West LA, Dental Design of Brentwood offers high-quality tooth-colored fillings in a modern, patient-centered environment. Conveniently located near Wilshire Blvd, we serve adults from Brentwood, Westwood, Santa Monica, and nearby communities with gentle care and conservative solutions that protect your smile long term.

Book Your Cavity Checkup Today

Whether you’re dealing with new sensitivity or want to replace an old filling, we’re here to help. Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a bigger problem—schedule your visit today and take a proactive step toward a healthier smile.

📞 310.820.5703 | 📅 Schedule Your Checkup Online