3100 S Congress Ave, Suite F, Austin, TX 78704
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is one of the most common procedures in dentistry — and an important part of restorative dental care. When a cavity forms, the decayed portion of the tooth needs to be removed and the area sealed to help prevent further progression of decay and restore the tooth's function and shape.
At TRU Dentistry SoCo, we use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that are designed to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. Unlike older metal amalgam fillings, composite fillings are highly aesthetic and natural-looking, and bond directly to the tooth structure while supporting the strength and appearance of the tooth.
Book Your Appointment
Signs You May Need a Filling
Cavities don't always announce themselves with pain — in fact, many go unnoticed until they're caught during a routine exam. That's one of the most important reasons to keep up with your regular checkups.
Some signs that you may have a cavity or need a filling include:
- A toothache or persistent tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
- Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on a tooth
- Pain or discomfort when biting down
- A rough or chipped edge you can feel with your tongue
- A lost or broken filling that needs to be replaced
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait — the sooner a cavity is treated, treatment is often simpler and more conservative when concerns are identified early.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings?
We exclusively use composite resin fillings at TRU Dentistry SoCo for several reasons:
Aesthetics
Composite resin is matched to the shade of your natural teeth, Composite resin is matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making fillings virtually undetectable.
Bonding Strength
Unlike metal fillings, composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, which can help preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Versatility
Composite can be used to fill cavities, repair chipped or cracked teeth, and even reshape teeth for cosmetic purposes.
Mercury-Free
Composite resin contains no mercury or metal, making it a popular option for patients seeking a metal-free restoration.
Your Filling Appointment, Step by Step
Getting a filling at TRU Dentistry SoCo is designed to be efficient and comfortable. Here's what the process looks like:
Numbing the Area
We start by applying a local anesthetic to help ensure the area is thoroughly numb before treatment begins. We take our time here — your comfort matters and we take time to help patients feel comfortable before beginning treatment.
Removing the Decay
Once you're comfortable, we carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth, while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Placing the Filling
We apply the composite resin in layers, shaping and hardening each layer with a special curing light until the cavity is completely filled and the tooth is restored to its natural shape.
Polishing & Bite Check
Finally, we polish the filling and check your bite to make sure everything feels right. We'll make any adjustments needed to help ensure the restoration feels natural and functions comfortably.
Personalized Recommendations
Before you leave, we'll share any findings and discuss next steps — whether that's scheduling a follow-up treatment or simply continuing with your current routine. We focus on clear communication, personalized recommendations, and helping patients make informed decisions about their care.
Insurance & Membership Options
We are in-network with Delta Dental and will submit claims on your behalf for all other insurance providers to help patients utilize available out-of-network benefits whenever applicable. For patients without insurance, the the TRU Club™ offers reduced member pricing on fillings and other restorative procedures.
Early Treatment Helps Keep Care Simple
The longer a cavity goes untreated, treatment may become more complex over time if decay progresses. If you're overdue for a checkup or think you may have a cavity, come see us. We’ll evaluate the area, discuss your treatment options clearly, and whenever appropriate, treatment may be completed the same day.