Fillings that match your teeth
A cavity does not heal. Filling it early is a short appointment; leaving it until the nerve is involved turns it into a root canal and a crown. We use tooth-coloured composite, so nothing about the repair announces itself.
How you know you need one
Sometimes you do not, which is the argument for check-ups.
- A twinge with cold, sweet things, or biting down
- A rough edge or a visible dark spot
- Food packing into the same gap every time you eat
- Nothing at all, and it shows up on an X-ray
Caught at the X-ray stage, a filling is usually one visit and no numbing beyond the local.
What the appointment involves
Usually under an hour for a single filling.
Numb the tooth
Local anaesthetic, and we wait until you genuinely cannot feel it before starting.
Clean out the decay
Only the damaged part comes away. Healthy tooth stays.
Place the composite
Built up in layers and cured, then shaped to your bite.
Check the bite
You bite down on paper and we adjust until it feels like nothing changed.
What it costs
A filling is quoted by how many surfaces of the tooth are involved, and a small one costs considerably less than a large one, which is the whole argument for coming in early. Most PPO plans cover a large share. You get the figure in writing before anything is booked, and we check your insurance first so you know your share, not just the list price.
Common questions
How much does a filling cost?
It depends on how many surfaces of the tooth are affected. A one-surface filling is the cheapest thing we do; a four-surface repair on a back molar costs several times that. We quote the exact figure before starting, and most PPO plans cover a good share of it.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The injection is the worst of it, and that is a few seconds. The drilling itself is done numb. Most people are surprised how quick it is.
Are white fillings as strong as silver?
For the sizes we place, yes. Composite bonds to the tooth rather than being wedged into it, which means less healthy tooth has to be cut away to hold it.
Can I eat afterwards?
Straight away, once the numbness wears off, which is two to three hours. Composite is set hard before you leave.
How do I book?
Call (530) 671-2170 or request a time on our booking page. We are at 909 Plumas Street, Yuba City, CA 95991, Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM.
