Who tooth fillings are for
Fillings treat small to medium cavities and can also repair minor chips or worn spots. Signs you may need one include sensitivity to sweets or cold, a visible dark spot or hole, food catching between teeth, or floss that shreds in one place.
Many cavities cause no symptoms at all and are found on an exam or X-ray, which is one reason regular checkups matter.
How it works, step by step
- We numb the tooth and the area around it.
- We remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the space.
- We place the filling material. Composite is applied in layers and hardened with a curing light.
- We shape the filling so it matches your tooth and check your bite.
- We polish the surface so it feels smooth.
What to expect at our Hanford office
Most fillings are completed in one visit. You will be numb during the procedure, and the numbness usually fades within a few hours. We will talk with you about which material makes sense for the tooth involved.
Silver amalgam is the traditional material and is durable under the heavy chewing forces of back teeth. Tooth-colored composite resin blends in with your natural tooth and is the usual choice for front teeth and visible areas. It can often be used on back teeth as well, depending on the size and location of the decay.
Benefits
- Stops decay from spreading deeper into the tooth
- Restores normal chewing on the tooth
- Composite fillings match the color of your teeth
- Usually done in a single, short visit
Aftercare
Avoid chewing on the numb side until feeling returns so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
Some sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days to a couple of weeks is common. Call us if your bite feels high or sensitivity is getting worse instead of better.
Cost and insurance
Cost depends on the size of the filling, the number of tooth surfaces involved and the material. We give you an estimate before treatment.
Dental plans commonly cover part of the cost of fillings. Coverage for composite on back teeth varies by plan.
A cavity that is too large for a filling may need a crown instead. We will show you why if that is the case.
You can pay your bill online, and our new patient page explains what to bring to your first visit.
Your dentist: Daniel W. Unzicker, DDS
Dr. Daniel Unzicker, DDS, provides tooth fillings at our Hanford office. He is a general dentist who was born and raised in Hanford, graduated with high honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2012 and completed a general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.
Page last updated November 10, 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. If you have significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the head or jaw, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
