CAVITIES & FILLINGS

Don’t let cavities go untreated! Get quality fillings today at Midway Dental Group.

Fillings For Teeth and Cavity Treatment in El Cajon, CA

WHAT IS A DENTAL FILLING AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?

At Midway Dental Group, we understand how frustrating and painful tooth decay can be. That’s why we offer gentle, effective cavity treatment and tooth fillings right here in El Cajon, CA. Whether you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or looking for a long-term solution to protect your smile, our experienced team is here to help. We use the latest materials, including tooth-colored composite fillings, to restore both the function and appearance of your teeth.

What Is Tooth Decay and Why Do Cavities Form?

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that slowly break down your enamel. Over time, this erosion forms a tooth cavity, which, if left untreated, can lead to infection and tooth loss.

Common causes of cavities, even in patients with good hygiene habits, include:

Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks
Inadequate fluoride exposure
Deep grooves in teeth that trap food
Dry mouth or reduced saliva production
Genetics and underlying health conditions

If you’re dealing with cavity dental concerns, we’re here to provide expert cavity treatment

What Types of Dental Fillings Are Available?

At Midway Dental Group, we offer several types of dental fillings to suit your needs and preferences:

Composite (tooth-colored) fillings: Natural-looking and durable, ideal for visible teeth
Amalgam (silver) fillings: Long-lasting and cost-effective for back teeth
Ceramic fillings: Tooth-colored and resistant to staining
Gold fillings: Premium durability, often used for molars

What’s the Difference Between Silver and White Fillings?

White dental fillings (composite) blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them a popular option for front teeth and visible areas. Silver fillings (amalgam) are more noticeable but extremely durable, often used for molars.

Key differences:

Appearance: Composite is tooth-colored; amalgam is metallic
Durability: Amalgam tends to last longer but is more noticeable
Cost: Composite may be slightly more expensive but offers aesthetic benefits

What Are the Signs I Might Need a Tooth Filling?

These signs may mean it’s time for an exam:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Sharp pain when biting
Dark spots or visible holes on your teeth
Persistent toothache or pressure
Rough or chipped areas on a tooth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a visit for a dental cavity filling.

What Happens During a Filling Appointment?

Your filling appointment typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes and involves:

A thorough dental exam and X-rays
Numbing the area with local anesthesia
Removing the decayed part of the tooth
Cleaning the area and placing the filling
Shaping and polishing for a natural bite

We make every cavity filling appointment as comfortable as possible using modern techniques and gentle care.

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Can a Cavity Heal Without a Filling?

Once a tooth cavity forms, it cannot heal on its own. While early-stage decay (demineralization) might be reversed with fluoride and proper hygiene, an actual cavity needs professional treatment. Delaying care allows decay to spread deeper, eventually requiring more invasive restorative procedures like crowns or root canals.

What Happens If I Don’t Treat a Cavity?

Ignoring a cavity leads to:

Increased pain and sensitivity
Spread of decay to other teeth
Infection or abscess formation
Possible tooth loss

Don’t wait, our cavity treatment can stop decay and restore your oral health before it worsens.

Why Do I Still Get Cavities Even with Good Brushing?

Even with good habits, some patients still develop tooth decay due to:

Deep grooves that brushing can’t reach
Frequent snacking or acidic foods
Dry mouth
Genetics affecting enamel strength

If this sounds like you, our team at Midway Dental Group can recommend personalized treatment strategies to reduce your risk of dental cavities.

How Long Do Fillings Last and How Can I Make Them Last Longer?

On average:

Composite fillings last 5–10 years
Amalgam fillings last 10–15 years
Gold or ceramic fillings may last 15+ years

To make your tooth filling last:

Maintain excellent oral hygiene
Avoid chewing hard objects (like ice)
Attend regular dental checkups
Watch for signs of wear or damage

We provide long-lasting tooth filling services with patient education to support your investment

How Can I Prevent Cavities After Getting a Filling?

To prevent future cavities:

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks
Drink plenty of water
Consider dental sealants for additional protection

Ongoing care is key to extending the life of your composite dental filling and keeping your smile healthy.

How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost in El Cajon, CA?

The cost of a dental filling in El Cajon depends on:

The type of material used
Tooth location
Whether you have dental insurance

We accept many PPO plans and offer flexible payment options. Our team will review all costs with you before treatment so there are no surprises.

Why Choose Midway Dental Group for Your Cavity Treatment?

Experienced dentists with a focus on conservative, patient-first care
A full range of modern filling materials, including tooth-colored composite
Convenient appointments, including same-day availability
Insurance-friendly and transparent pricing
Located right here in El Cajon, CA

Ready to Treat Your Cavity? Book a Visit Today.

At Midway Dental Group in El Cajon, CA, we make treating cavities simple, stress-free, and affordable. Whether you’re due for a checkup or have tooth pain that needs attention, our friendly team is ready to help.

Call us today or book online to schedule your cavity filling appointment. Let’s get your smile back to full health.

RESTORATIVE RELATED:

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are artificial replacements for missing teeth. They are typically made from titanium and surgically inserted into the jawbone to provide a secure, long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth, or to support dentures.

CROWNS & BRIDGES

Crowns and bridges are restorative dental treatments used to repair decayed, broken, or missing teeth. A crown is a custom-made artificial tooth that covers the entire visible part of a natural tooth, while a bridge is a prosthesis consisting of one or more artificial teeth held together by two crowns that are attached to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Crowns and bridges can be made from different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys.

DENTURES

Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth used to replace missing teeth. They usually consist of an acrylic base that fits over the gums and artificial teeth made from porcelain or plastic. Dentures can be full or partial and may need to be adjusted or replaced as your mouth changes with age.