Dental Fillings – Restore Teeth and Stop Cavities from Spreading

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems – and they only get worse if left untreated. The good news is that a quick visit to the dentist for a dental filling can stop decay in its tracks. Dr. Harkirat Kaur Aulakh, our Elk Grove dentist at Profile Dental, specializes in restoring teeth with gentle, effective fillings.Dr Harkirat Kaur Aulakh has been selected among the best Family,Restorative and Cosmetic dentists in America for 2026 by National consumer advisory board. In this post, we explain why treating cavities early is so important, how dental fillings work as a tooth cavity treatment, and the differences between composite fillings and traditional amalgam fillings. Keep reading to learn how fillings restore your tooth’s health and prevent cavities from spreading!

Why Treat Cavities Early?

Tooth decay doesn’t fix itself – once a cavity forms, it will continue to enlarge and damage more of the tooth structure. Treating cavities early is crucial for several reasons:

• Prevent Further Decay: Filling a cavity in its early stage removes the decayed portion and seals the tooth. This stops bacteria from spreading deeper into the tooth or to adjacent teeth. Early treatment keeps a small problem from turning into a big one.

• Avoid Pain and Infection: An untreated cavity can eventually reach the tooth’s nerve, causing a painful toothache or even a serious infection (abscess). Early fillings help you avoid the pain and risk of infection that come with advanced decay.

• Preserve Tooth Structure: The larger a cavity gets, the more tooth structure must be removed to fix it. By catching decay early, Dr. Aulakh can preserve more of your natural tooth. A small filling maintains the tooth’s strength, whereas a big cavity might require a large filling or even a crown or root canal later on.

• Save Time and Money: A quick filling appointment now is far easier and less expensive than extensive dental work later. Treating cavities promptly minimizes the dental work you’ll need, which is better for your schedule and your wallet.

• Protect Overall Health: Oral health is linked to overall health. Stopping decay early prevents bacteria from possibly entering the bloodstream and ensures you can chew comfortably and maintain good nutrition. Taking care of cavities when they’re small helps protect your long-term health.

Bottom line: It pays to be proactive. If you have a cavity (or suspect one), don’t wait – address it as soon as possible. Early treatment means easier treatment!

How Do Dental Fillings Work?

Dental fillings are a straightforward, routine procedure – yet they do an incredibly important job: they restore a tooth’s structure and function after decay. Here’s how a typical tooth cavity treatment works:

1. Exam and Anesthesia: First, the dentist examines the tooth. If a cavity is present, local anesthesia is used to numb the area so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Dr. Aulakh has a gentle touch when giving injections, keeping you comfortable from the start.

2. Removing Decay: Once numb, the decayed tooth material is removed using a dental drill or laser. All the softened, infected part of the tooth is carefully cleaned out. This leaves a clean hole (cavity prep) where the decay was.

3. Filling the Cavity: Now the clean space must be filled to rebuild the tooth. Dental filling material (such as composite resin or amalgam) is packed into the cavity. It is placed in layers and shaped to match the contours of your tooth. For composite fillings, a special blue curing light is used to harden each layer of resin.

4. Bite Adjustment & Polishing: After the cavity is filled, Dr. Aulakh will check your bite by having you gently bite down on carbon paper. She adjusts the filling’s shape as needed so your teeth fit together comfortably. Finally, the filling is polished smooth. Once complete, your tooth is restored – no more hole, and no more decay!

5. Quick and Effective: The entire filling procedure usually takes under an hour for a single cavity. It’s often completed in one visit. You leave the office with the cavity gone and your tooth sealed and protected. Aside from staying numb for a few hours, there’s little aftercare – just avoid chewing on extremely hard or sticky foods with that tooth for the rest of the day.

By sealing off the space where bacteria entered, a filling prevents future decay in that spot. The tooth is strengthened and can be used normally again. In short, dental fillings restore the form and function of a decayed tooth, keeping your smile healthy.

Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings: What’s the Difference?

Not all fillings are the same. Dental fillings come in different materials, with the two most common options being composite resin and amalgam. Dr. Aulakh will recommend the best type of filling for your cavity, but it’s good to understand the differences:

• Appearance: Composite fillings are tooth-colored, made from a resin material that can be closely matched to your natural tooth shade. They blend in seamlessly, so no one will notice you’ve had a cavity filled. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, are silver-colored (metallic). Amalgam has a distinct dark silver/grey appearance, which is usually visible when you talk or laugh if placed on a front or side tooth. For a natural-looking smile, composite is the clear winner.

• Material & Composition: Composite is a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles. It’s sometimes called a “white filling” or “tooth-colored filling.” Amalgam is a metal alloy – a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. It’s often referred to as a “silver filling.” Importantly, the mercury in amalgam is bound in the alloy and has been deemed safe by the American Dental Association; however, many patients today prefer mercury-free options like composite.

• Durability: Amalgam fillings have a long track record and are very durable. They can withstand strong chewing forces and often last 10–15 years or more. Composite fillings have improved greatly over the years – a well-placed composite filling can last 5–10 years or longer with good oral hygiene. For small-to-medium cavities, composite durability is usually excellent. Very large cavities in back teeth might still benefit from amalgam’s extra strength, but in many cases composite is durable enough while offering other advantages.

• Tooth Conservation: Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure. This bonding allows dentists to remove less healthy tooth when preparing the cavity – a conservative preparation is possible, since the composite will adhesively stick in place. Amalgam fillings do not bond to tooth; they are held in by shape, which often requires cutting a larger cavity with “undercuts” to lock the filling in. In short, composites usually preserve more of your natural tooth, keeping it stronger in the long run.

• Temperature Sensitivity: Metal amalgam fillings can expand or contract slightly with hot and cold temperatures (for example, drinking hot coffee then ice water). Over many years, this expansion/contraction can potentially cause tiny cracks in the surrounding tooth. Composite resin does not have the same thermal conductivity, so it’s more stable with temperature changes – reducing risk of those stress cracks.

• Aesthetics & Usage: Because composite looks so natural, it’s the go-to choice for visible teeth (front teeth and smile zone). Many dentists, including Dr. Aulakh, use composite routinely for back teeth as well, unless conditions suggest otherwise. Amalgam is typically used only on back molars now, or not at all in offices that are completely metal-free. At Profile Dental, we primarily use composite fillings in our Elk Grove office to give patients beautiful, metal-free restorations. We can also safely replace old amalgam fillings with composite if desired, to improve your smile’s appearance.

• Cost and Insurance: Generally, composite fillings may cost slightly more than amalgam due to material cost and technique sensitivity, but the difference is usually modest. Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings on posterior teeth nowadays (sometimes with a small upcharge). For most patients, the advantages of composite – aesthetics, tooth preservation, and mercury-free composition – outweigh the minor cost difference. Our office will discuss your options and any costs beforehand, so you can make an informed choice.

Which is better? It depends on your needs, but for a majority of cases, composite fillings are the preferred, modern solution. They look natural, bond well to teeth, and provide plenty of strength for everyday chewing. Amalgam is a tried-and-true material that is very strong, but due to its cosmetic downsides and the presence of mercury, it’s falling out of favor in modern dentistry. Dr. Aulakh will help you choose the right filling material – but rest assured, at Profile Dental we offer excellent composite fillings that will restore your tooth and keep your smile looking great.

Dental Fillings in Elk Grove, CA – Caring for Your Cavity

If you’re looking for dental fillings in Elk Grove, you’ve come to the right place! Profile Dental is your local home for gentle cavity treatment. Dr. Harkirat Kaur Aulakh and our team have extensive experience in restoring teeth with composite fillings – often in a single quick visit. Here’s why Elk Grove patients trust us for their tooth cavity treatment:

• Experienced, Compassionate Care: Dr. Aulakh is known for her friendly chair-side manner and gentle technique. She takes the time to explain procedures and ensure you’re comfortable, even if you’re nervous about dental work. Our motto is “comfort comes first,” so getting a filling here is nothing to fear.

• Advanced Materials: We use high-quality composite resin fillings that are durable and blend in with your tooth. Our office is mercury-free, meaning we do not use silver amalgam unless absolutely necessary. You’ll leave with a natural-looking restoration that no one can spot.

• Efficient Treatment: Because we prioritize early cavity detection, many fillings we do are small and caught before they become big problems. Our efficient workflow (including options like one-visit CEREC crowns for larger restorations) means you spend less time in the chair. We even offer sedation options or nitrous oxide for patients who feel anxious, ensuring a relaxing experience.

• Local Convenience: Our Elk Grove dental office is conveniently located near Laguna Blvd, making it easy for patients from Elk Grove and nearby communities to reach us. We proudly serve patients from Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, and the greater Sacramento area. When you search for a “tooth cavity treatment near me” in the Elk Grove region, Profile Dental is ready to help! We offer flexible scheduling (including some Saturdays) to accommodate your busy life.

• Patient Education: We believe an informed patient is a healthy patient. Not only will we fix your cavity, but we’ll also show you preventive tips to avoid future cavities – such as proper brushing, flossing, diet choices, and regular checkups. Our goal is to help you maintain a cavity-free smile long after your filling is done.

Don’t Wait on Cavities: The longer you wait, the more damage decay can do. A simple filling now can save your tooth (and you) from pain and bigger treatments later. If you have a toothache, sensitivity, or suspect a cavity, contact Profile Dental in Elk Grove for an exam. Dr. Aulakh will assess your tooth and treat any cavities with skill and care, restoring your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dental Fillings

Q: What happens if you don’t get a cavity filled?

A: An untreated cavity will continue to grow. Over time, the decay can reach deeper layers of the tooth, causing severe pain or infection. You may end up needing a more invasive treatment like a root canal or even risk losing the tooth. It’s also possible for the decay-causing bacteria to spread to neighboring teeth, leading to new cavities. In short, not filling a cavity allows the damage to worsen – so it’s best to treat it early with a filling to preserve your tooth.

Q: Does it hurt to get a dental filling?

A: The filling procedure is generally painless. Dentists use local anesthesia to completely numb the area around the tooth. You might feel a tiny pinch from the numbing injection, but after that you shouldn’t feel pain while the decay is removed and the filling is placed. You may experience some pressure or vibration from the dental drill, but no sharp pain. After the numbness wears off, the tooth might be a little sensitive for a day or two, especially to hot or cold, but this is usually mild and temporary. Dr. Aulakh also uses gentle techniques and offers comforts like numbing gel and even sedation options if you’re very anxious. Most patients handle fillings very well without any pain.

Q: How long do dental fillings last?

A: The lifespan of a filling depends on the material and how well you care for your teeth. Composite resin fillings typically last around 5 to 10 years, though many can last well beyond 10 years with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Amalgam (silver) fillings are very durable and can last 10 to 15 years or more. Over time, any filling can start to wear down or edges can leak, so your dentist will check them at your exams. Biting on very hard objects or grinding your teeth can shorten a filling’s lifespan. To make your fillings last as long as possible, maintain good brushing and flossing habits, limit very sugary foods, and see your dentist regularly to catch any issues early.

Q: Are silver amalgam fillings safe?

A: Amalgam fillings have been used for over a century and are generally considered safe by major dental organizations. While they do contain mercury, it is in a stabilized alloy form and studies (including reviews by the U.S. FDA and ADA) have found that amalgam fillings do not cause health problems for the vast majority of people. That said, we understand some patients are concerned about any mercury exposure. Pregnant women and those with certain health conditions sometimes choose to avoid amalgam out of caution. If you prefer to avoid metal fillings, composite fillings are a safe alternative – they contain no mercury and are well-tolerated. At Profile Dental, we’re happy to provide mercury-free, tooth-colored fillings for those who want them. If you have existing amalgam fillings that are in good shape, there’s no urgent need to remove them, but if one cracks or leaks over time, we can replace it with composite. Your safety is our top priority, and Dr. Aulakh will only recommend treatments that are proven to be safe and effective.

Q: Can I replace my old silver fillings with composite?

A: Yes, in many cases you can upgrade old silver fillings to composite for a more attractive smile. People often choose to replace amalgam fillings in teeth that show when they smile, or if an old filling is failing. Dr. Aulakh has experience safely removing amalgam fillings and refilling the teeth with composite resin. It’s a straightforward procedure: the old filling is drilled out, any residual decay is cleaned, and a new composite filling is bonded in place. Replacing silver fillings is usually done one tooth at a time (as needed or as you desire). There’s no rush to replace functional amalgam fillings if they aren’t causing any issues, but if you dislike the look of metal in your mouth or have concerns, talk to us. We’ll evaluate your old fillings and help you decide the best course of action. Many patients love the result of swapping metal fillings for virtually invisible composite fillings – their teeth look natural and cavity-free, with no silver spots.