Cavities are the most common dental problem we treat in Keller — and also one of the most misunderstood. Many patients assume that if a tooth doesn’t hurt, it must be fine. In reality, by the time a cavity aches, the decay has usually traveled deep into the tooth. Caught early, a small filling is a quick, comfortable appointment that can save you from a root canal or crown later. Here’s what to know.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Cavities often start silently, which is exactly why regular checkups matter. Signs worth calling us about include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods that lingers
- A visible dark spot, pit, or hole on a tooth
- Food repeatedly catching in the same place
- A rough edge your tongue keeps finding
- Pain when biting down on one specific tooth
Even with none of these signs, decay can hide between teeth or under old fillings — small cavities are usually found on X-rays long before you’d ever feel them.
What are fillings made of?
The standard of care today is the tooth-colored composite filling — a durable resin that bonds directly to your tooth and is shade-matched so closely that most people can’t spot it. Compared to the old silver amalgam fillings, composites require less drilling, support the remaining tooth structure by bonding to it, and look completely natural. For larger areas of decay, we may recommend a porcelain restoration or a crown ($899) to protect what remains of the tooth — we’ll always explain why and show you what we see.
What happens during a filling appointment?
1. Numbing. We gently numb the area — most patients tell us the appointment was far easier than they expected.
2. Removing the decay. The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, leaving healthy structure intact.
3. Bonding and shaping. The composite is placed in layers, hardened with a curing light, and sculpted to match your tooth’s natural contours.
4. Bite check and polish. We fine-tune your bite and polish the filling smooth. Most fillings are finished in 30–60 minutes, and you can eat again as soon as the numbness wears off.
How much does a filling cost in Keller?
Filling costs depend on the tooth, the size of the cavity, and how many surfaces are involved, so we provide an exact quote after your exam — before any treatment begins, with no surprises. We verify your insurance for you (most PPO plans cover fillings well), and financing options are available. If you’re new to Keller Parkway Dental, our new patient special — comprehensive exam, X-rays, and cleaning for $179 — is the ideal way to find out exactly where you stand.
What happens if I wait?
Decay never gets smaller. A cavity that could be fixed with a simple filling this month can reach the nerve of the tooth over time — at that point the fix becomes a root canal ($899) and crown, or in the worst case an extraction. The pattern we see every week in our Keller office is consistent: the earlier a cavity is treated, the simpler and less expensive the visit.
Preventing your next cavity
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day
- Be mindful of sipping habits — sodas, sports drinks, and sweet coffees bathe teeth in sugar
- Drink water after meals when you can’t brush
- Keep twice-yearly cleanings and exams so problems are caught while they’re small
Gentle, judgment-free care in Keller
Dr. Brijesh Patel and Dr. Priyaben Patel have helped thousands of Keller-area patients treat decay comfortably — including plenty of patients who put off the dentist for years. Whether it’s one small filling or a longer to-do list, you’ll get an honest assessment, clear pricing, and care at your pace. We proudly serve Keller, Watauga, North Richland Hills, Southlake, and the surrounding communities.
Think you might have a cavity? Call Keller Parkway Dental at (817) 431-6995 or book online. A quick exam today beats a toothache next month.