Fillings & Bonding in Chicago, IL

Modern composites are strong and hold up well on both front and back teeth. Amalgam still has a longer track record on very large molar restorations, but composite materials have advanced a great deal and are now the standard of care for the majority of cavities.

For an especially large or heavily loaded restoration, Dr. Raffi may suggest an inlay, onlay, or crown instead, since those add strength where a filling would be pushed to its limit. The goal is always a repair that lasts, matched to how much of the tooth needs rebuilding.

Most patients feel little to nothing. The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before any drilling starts, so the sensation is usually mild pressure rather than pain. Very small fillings sometimes do not need numbing at all.

Once the anesthesia fades, any tenderness or sensitivity to temperature tends to be minor and short-lived, easing over a few days. If your bite feels uneven or the sensitivity lingers, a quick adjustment usually takes care of it.

With proper care, composite fillings generally last 7 to 10 years, and many hold up considerably longer. A filling in a low-stress spot, backed by good home care, can outlast that range by a wide margin.

Everyday habits make the difference. Consistent brushing and flossing, regular checkups, and steering clear of ice-chewing and similar hard-biting habits all help your fillings and bonding go the distance.

Yes. Plenty of patients trade in aging amalgam fillings for tooth-colored composite. People often decide to replace a silver filling when:

• They want a more natural look, especially on a visible tooth
• The old filling is worn, cracked, or leaking at the edges
• Recurrent decay has formed around an existing restoration

Dr. Raffi will evaluate each existing filling and recommend replacement only when there is a genuine benefit, rather than swapping out sound fillings for their own sake.

A filling treats a cavity. Decay is removed and the tooth's structure is rebuilt so it can function normally again, so the focus is on health and strength.

Bonding puts the same composite resin to cosmetic use, reshaping or repairing the visible surface of a tooth to correct chips, gaps, or discoloration. It concentrates on appearance. In many cases a single procedure does both at once, restoring a decayed tooth while also improving how it looks.

Cost depends on the size of the restoration and which tooth is being treated, since a small front-tooth repair and a large molar filling are not priced the same. We walk you through a detailed estimate before any treatment begins.

Most dental insurance plans cover fillings that treat decay, while purely cosmetic bonding may not be covered. We verify your benefits and, at our Chicago and Bourbonnais, IL offices, offer flexible payment options so cost never stands between you and a healthy tooth.