Dental Fillings in El Paso
DENTAL FILLINGS IN EL PASO
Protective, Natural Looking Tooth Fillings
A dental filling repairs a tooth damaged by a cavity, a small crack, or wear, sealing it so decay cannot spread and restoring its normal shape and strength. At Dental Fun Zone, Dr. Thanh Fernandez provides dental fillings in El Paso for children, teens, and adults using tooth colored materials that blend in with your smile. Fillings can be made from composite resin, porcelain, gold, or silver amalgam, and our office focuses on tooth colored options, including porcelain inlays and onlays for larger repairs, so your fillings look natural and stay strong.
We care for families throughout El Paso and the surrounding communities, and we accept Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and most preferred provider organization dental insurance plans.
To schedule your dental filling appointment, call us today at (915) 271-4747.
Why Choose Tooth Colored Fillings?
Tooth colored fillings look natural, bond tightly to your tooth, and usually require removing less healthy tooth structure than older metal fillings. A composite resin filling is shaded to match your enamel and bonded directly to the tooth, which seals out bacteria and helps support the remaining tooth. When a cavity is too large for a regular filling but not large enough to need a crown, a porcelain inlay or onlay is made to fit the tooth precisely. Porcelain is strong, resists staining, and can last many years with good care.
At Dental Fun Zone, we believe informed patients make confident decisions. That is why Dr. Fernandez and our entire team take time to answer your questions, show you what we see, and explain every option before your filling procedure begins.
What Are the Signs You Need a Filling?
You may need a dental filling if you notice any of these common signs:
- Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A visible hole, pit, or dark spot on a tooth
- Food that keeps getting stuck in the same place
- A chipped tooth or a filling that feels rough, loose, or cracked
Many cavities cause no pain at first, which is why regular dental exams are the best way to catch decay while it is still small and easy to fix.
Call our friendly staff today at (915) 271-4747 or fill out our quick online form to schedule an appointment.
What Happens During a Filling Appointment?
Most tooth colored fillings are completed in a single visit of about an hour or less. First, the area is numbed so you stay comfortable. Next, the decayed part of the tooth is gently removed and the tooth is cleaned. The filling material is then placed in layers, hardened with a special curing light, shaped to fit your bite, and polished. You can usually return to normal activities right away, though your lip and cheek may feel numb for a few hours.
Can You Replace Silver Fillings with Tooth Colored Fillings?
Yes. Our office no longer places silver fillings, and we can replace older silver fillings with natural looking tooth colored restorations. Silver amalgam fillings are about half mercury by weight, they can darken the surrounding tooth over time, and old fillings can crack or wear down. A silver filling that is still sound does not always need to be replaced, so Dr. Fernandez checks each one and recommends replacement only when it makes sense for your oral health or your smile.
Smaller silver fillings can often be replaced with a composite filling in one visit. Larger ones may be replaced with a porcelain inlay or onlay, which takes two appointments. At the first visit, we remove the old filling, clean away any decay, take an impression of the tooth, and place a temporary restoration to protect it. At the second visit, we remove the temporary, bond your custom inlay or onlay in place, and polish it for a natural finish.
Does Medicaid Cover Fillings in El Paso?
Yes, for most children and teens. Texas Medicaid and CHIP dental plans usually cover medically necessary fillings for children and teens, and Dental Fun Zone accepts both. Adult Medicaid dental benefits in Texas are more limited, so our team reviews your coverage and explains your options before treatment begins. Learn more on our Medicaid, CHIP, and insurance page.
New Patients Welcome
DON’T WAIT ON A CAVITY
Use these helpful links to schedule dental fillings in El Paso today
New Patient Forms
Save time at your first visit by completing your new patient forms online before you arrive.
Medicaid, CHIP, and Insurance Accepted
We accept Medicaid, CHIP, and most dental insurance plans, and our team reviews your coverage and payment options before treatment begins.
Schedule Your Next Exam
Regular checkups catch cavities while they are small and easy to fill. Request your next exam with our El Paso dental team.
HAPPY EL PASO PATIENTS. BIG SMILES.
“Dr. Thanh Fernandez put me at ease immediately and performed some of the work the same day. I trust her absolutely and would drive far to have her as my dentist. I am so thankful that we have such an amazing dentist.”
– Henry W.
HOURS OF OPERATION
- Mon9:00am - 5:00pm
- Tue9:00am - 5:00pm
- Wed9:00am - 5:00pm
- Thur9:00am - 5:00pm
- Fri8:00am - 4:00pm
- Sat-SunClosed
DENTAL FILLINGS FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings in El Paso
Clear answers from your El Paso family dentist
Does getting a filling hurt?
Getting a filling usually does not hurt because the tooth and gums are numbed before treatment begins. You may feel light pressure or vibration. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and fades on its own.
How long do tooth colored fillings last?
Tooth colored composite fillings often last many years, and porcelain inlays and onlays can last even longer. Brushing twice a day, flossing, avoiding chewing ice or hard objects, and keeping regular checkups help your fillings last.
Can I eat after getting a filling?
Yes. Tooth colored fillings harden right away under a curing light, so you can eat once the numbness wears off. Waiting until feeling returns keeps you from biting your cheek, lip, or tongue by accident.
Do baby teeth need fillings?
Yes, cavities in baby teeth should usually be treated. Baby teeth help children chew and speak and hold space for permanent teeth. An untreated cavity can cause pain, infection, and problems for the adult tooth underneath.
When does a tooth need a crown instead of a filling?
A filling is best for small and moderate cavities. When decay or a crack has weakened a large part of the tooth, a dental crown covers and protects the whole tooth so it does not break. Your dentist will recommend the option that best protects your tooth.
Does Medicaid cover dental fillings in El Paso?
Texas Medicaid and CHIP dental plans usually cover medically necessary fillings for children and teens, and Dental Fun Zone accepts both, along with most preferred provider organization plans. Adult Medicaid dental benefits in Texas are more limited, so call (915) 271-4747 and our team will review your coverage before your visit.