Dental Fillings

Repair Cavities and Restore Tooth Strength

Cavities are one of the most common dental issues faced by patients of all ages—and fortunately, they are also among the easiest to treat. At Chips Dental Associates, we offer high-quality, tooth-colored dental fillings designed to restore your tooth’s structure and function while blending in naturally with your smile. Whether you're dealing with new decay or replacing an old metal filling, our goal is to provide long-lasting results with minimal discomfort.

Our team uses advanced materials and gentle techniques to ensure that your filling not only stops the spread of decay but also reinforces your tooth for long-term protection. We take a conservative approach to treatment—preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, small fractures, or wear. Fillings seal the affected area after the decayed portion is removed, preventing further deterioration and restoring normal chewing function.

At Chips Dental Associates, we primarily use composite resin fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, for their durability, aesthetics, and ability to bond directly to enamel. These materials are mercury-free and can be precisely shaded to match your existing teeth.

In some cases, depending on the size and location of the cavity, other restorative options such as porcelain crowns or inlays and onlays may be recommended.

Signs You May Need a Filling

Tooth decay doesn’t always cause pain right away. That’s why routine dental checkups and cleanings are so important. If decay is detected early, a filling can often prevent the need for more invasive treatments later on.

Common symptoms that may indicate the need for a filling include:

  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing
  • Visible holes or dark spots on a tooth
  • Chipped or worn areas of enamel
  • Pain that comes and goes in a specific area

If the decay is left untreated and reaches the pulp of the tooth, root canal therapy may become necessary.

Our Filling Process

Getting a filling is a routine and straightforward procedure, typically completed in one visit. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Evaluation and Imaging – We begin with an exam and digital X-rays to assess the extent of the decay.
  2. Anesthesia – The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
  3. Decay Removal – We carefully remove the damaged portion of the tooth.
  4. Filling Placement – The tooth is cleaned and the composite resin is layered, shaped, and hardened using a special curing light.
  5. Final Polishing – We adjust your bite and polish the filling for a smooth, natural feel.

We also offer oral sedation for patients with anxiety or sensitivity, making the process even more stress-free.

Why Choose Dental Fillings?

Tooth-colored composite fillings are a preferred choice for both aesthetic and functional reasons:

  • Natural Appearance – Blends seamlessly with the surrounding enamel
  • Preserves Tooth Structure – Bonds directly to the tooth with minimal preparation
  • Durable – With proper care, can last many years
  • Mercury-Free – No metal components, making it a safer and more biocompatible choice

If you have older metal fillings you'd like to replace for cosmetic or health reasons, we offer filling replacement as part of our restorative services.

Personalized Dental Care in a Trusted Setting

At Chips Dental Associates, we take pride in delivering restorative dentistry that’s both effective and patient-centered. Every treatment is tailored to your individual needs and long-term oral health goals. Whether it’s your child’s first cavity or your own replacement of an old restoration, we’re here to help make the process as comfortable as possible.

Our team—including Dr. Timothy Chips—is committed to quality care through compassionate communication and clinical excellence. We use state-of-the-art tools like digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to ensure accurate diagnoses and transparent treatment planning.

Dental Fillings for Patients in Gibsonia, Pittsburgh & Nearby Areas

Our durable, natural-looking dental fillings restore both function and appearance, and we’re proud to provide this essential service to patients across Gibsonia, Pittsburgh, and surrounding North Pittsburgh suburbs.

Our dental team serves families from:

  • McCandless
  • Allison Park
  • Wexford
  • Ross Township
  • Hampton Township
  • North Hills

Schedule your visit today and experience restorative care that puts your comfort and oral health first.

Dental Fillings FAQs

How long do tooth-colored dental fillings last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, composite dental fillings can last many years. Longevity depends on the size of the filling, bite forces, and daily habits.

Are dental fillings noticeable?

No. Tooth-colored fillings are designed to closely match your natural enamel, making them virtually unnoticeable once placed.

Can I eat after getting a filling?

You can usually eat once the numbness wears off. For composite fillings, there is no long waiting period since the material hardens immediately under a curing light.

What happens if I don’t treat a cavity?

Untreated cavities can worsen over time, leading to tooth pain, infection, or the need for more advanced treatment such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

Can old metal fillings be replaced?

Yes. Many patients choose to replace older silver fillings with tooth-colored alternatives for improved appearance and preservation of tooth structure.

Book Your Dental Filling Appointment Today

Don’t let a small cavity turn into a bigger problem. Contact Chips Dental Associates to schedule an exam and find out if a dental filling is the right solution for you or your child. With locations in Gibsonia and Pittsburgh, we make quality dental care convenient and accessible.

We’re here to restore your smile—comfortably, efficiently, and with results that last.