A cavity doesn’t have to mean losing your tooth or dealing with ongoing pain. Tooth-colored dental fillings restore your tooth’s strength and appearance. At Dental Arts of Florida in Jacksonville, Dr. Fred Tepedino and our compassionate dental team treat cavities quickly and gently. Whether you’ve discovered a cavity during a routine checkup or you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity and pain, professional dental fillings stop decay, eliminate discomfort, and help you keep your natural smile intact.
Don’t let a cavity get worse. Call Dental Arts of Florida at (904) 822-9786 for new patient appointments, or request your consultation online today. We offer same-day appointments for urgent dental needs.
A dental filling is a restoration that removes decayed tooth material and fills the space with a durable material to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. When bacteria in your mouth produce acid that attacks tooth enamel, a cavity forms, essentially a hole in your tooth. A filling stops the decay process by removing the infected area and sealing the tooth to prevent future decay.
Modern dental fillings are made from tooth-colored composite resin, which matches your natural tooth color and blends seamlessly with your smile. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings are mercury-free, more aesthetically pleasing, and bond directly to your tooth structure for a strong, long-lasting restoration. The filling process is straightforward: Dr. Tepedino removes the decayed portion of your tooth, thoroughly cleans the area, and fills it with composite resin that hardens under a special light, restoring your tooth to its original strength.
Ignoring a cavity allows decay to spread deeper into your tooth, leading to serious consequences, including severe pain and sensitivity, infection and abscess formation, tooth loss if decay reaches the root, root canal treatment (a more invasive and expensive procedure), and potential bone loss in your jaw. A small cavity caught early is easily and affordably treated with a filling. Without treatment, that small cavity can become a major problem requiring root canals, extractions, or complex restorations.
Professional dental fillings in Jacksonville, FL, stop decay immediately, eliminate pain and sensitivity, restore your ability to eat and chew comfortably, prevent the need for more extensive treatment, preserve your natural tooth, protect your oral health, and save you money compared to treating advanced decay.
You may benefit from a dental filling if you experience:
Children, teenagers, and adults can all develop cavities and benefit from fillings. Some people are more prone to cavities due to genetics, diet, dry mouth, or oral hygiene habits. If you haven’t had a dental checkup in six months or longer, schedule an appointment with Dental Arts of Florida to catch cavities early before they become serious problems.
Choosing professional dental fillings at Dental Arts of Florida delivers immediate and long-term benefits for your oral health.
Removes infected tooth material and seals the cavity, halting decay progression.
Restores the tooth’s protective structure, ending discomfort from exposed dentin.
Repair damaged teeth so you can eat all your favorite foods comfortably again.
Tooth-colored composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, invisible to others.
Fillings retain more of your natural tooth structure than alternative restorations, such as crowns.
Modern composite fillings last 5–10 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.
Composite resin bonds to your tooth, actually reinforcing its structure.
Dental Arts of Florida offers several filling options to restore your cavity and match your preferences. Here’s how they compare:
Filling Type | Key Details |
Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored) | Mercury-free, matches natural tooth color, lasts 5–10 years, bonds to tooth structure, ideal for visible teeth, and easily repaired. |
Dental Amalgam (Silver-Colored) | Contains mercury and metals, extremely durable (10–20+ years), visible silver appearance, more affordable, requires more tooth removal. |
Dr. Tepedino recommends composite resin fillings for most patients because they’re mercury-free, aesthetically superior, and preserve more tooth structure. If you have old amalgam fillings you’d like replaced with tooth-colored composites for appearance or personal preference, we can discuss your options during your consultation. Contact Dental Arts of Florida to learn which filling type is best for your specific situation.
At Dental Arts of Florida, getting a filling is a straightforward, comfortable process designed to eliminate your cavity and restore your tooth quickly.
Dr. Tepedino examines your tooth, takes X-rays to assess the cavity’s size and depth, discusses the filling process, and answers your questions. This evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Using specialized instruments, Dr. Tepedino carefully removes all decayed tooth material. The area is then cleaned thoroughly to eliminate bacteria and prepare the tooth for the filling.
Dr. Tepedino places composite resin into the prepared cavity, shaping it to match your natural tooth contour. The material is sculpted to restore proper bite alignment and tooth shape.
A special blue light hardens the composite material in seconds. Dr. Tepedino then polishes the filling to match the shine and smoothness of your natural tooth, ensuring it blends perfectly with your smile.
Your bite is checked to ensure the filling doesn’t interfere with your chewing. Minor adjustments are made if needed to provide comfort and proper alignment.
Timeline | What to Expect |
Immediately after | Numbness may persist for 1–2 hours. Avoid eating or drinking while numb to prevent biting of the cheeks or lips. Your tooth is fully restored and functional. |
First 24 hours | Slight sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal and temporary. Avoid very hard or sticky foods. Continue normal brushing and flossing gently. |
First week | Any sensitivity typically resolves within 3–7 days as your tooth adapts. Eat normally and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Your filling feels like part of your natural tooth. |
Long-term | With proper care, your filling lasts 5–10+ years. Maintain regular dental checkups, brush twice daily, floss daily, and avoid chewing on hard objects. |
The cost of a dental filling depends on several factors, and Dental Arts of Florida is transparent about pricing.
Service | Cost Range |
Single surface composite filling | $150–$300 |
Two-surface composite filling | $250–$400 |
Three or more surface composite filling | $350–$500 |
Initial consultation and X-rays | $100–$150 |
Emergency same-day appointment | Standard fee + urgency charge |
Factors Affecting Filling Cost:
Treating a cavity early with a filling is significantly more affordable than waiting for the cavity to worsen. Advanced decay requiring root canals, crowns, or extractions costs considerably more. Early cavity treatment saves you money in the long term.
Our office is in-network with most major insurance providers and most PPO insurance plans. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (904) 822-9786 for clarity.
Don’t let a cavity cause more pain or damage. Dental fillings at Dental Arts of Florida stop decay, restore your tooth, and give you back your healthy smile—often in just one appointment.
Contact Dental Arts of Florida today. Call (904) 822-9786 or request an appointment online,
New patient information and forms are available. We’re open most weekends for your convenience and offer same-day appointments for urgent dental needs. Dr. Tepedino and our team look forward to helping you restore your smile.
No. Local anesthetic completely numbs your tooth and the surrounding area before treatment begins. You’ll feel pressure and vibration but no pain. Most patients report the numbing shot is the most uncomfortable part, and it’s very brief. After treatment, mild sensitivity to temperature is normal and temporary.
Composite resin fillings typically last 5–10 years or longer with proper care. Longevity depends on the filling’s size, your oral hygiene habits, your bite forces, and whether you avoid chewing on hard objects. Dr. Tepedino will monitor your fillings during regular checkups and replace them if needed.
Wait until the numbness wears off (usually 1–2 hours) before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or lip. Avoid very hard, sticky, or hot foods for the first 24 hours. After that, you can eat normally. Composite fillings are fully hardened immediately after placement.
Yes. Composite resin fillings are safe, durable, and mercury-free. They’ve been used for decades and are approved by the American Dental Association. Unlike older amalgam fillings, composites bond directly to your tooth, actually strengthening its structure.
Properly placed composite fillings rarely fall out. However, if a filling does become loose or falls out, contact Dental Arts of Florida immediately. Exposed cavities are vulnerable to further decay. We can usually replace the filling quickly during an emergency appointment.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum after meals, and visit Dental Arts of Florida for checkups every six months. Early cavity detection during regular visits prevents extensive treatment and keeps your fillings to a minimum.
Yes. Children can develop cavities on both baby teeth and permanent teeth. Fillings on baby teeth prevent infection and preserve space for permanent teeth. Fillings on permanent teeth restore function and prevent future problems. Early cavity treatment teaches children the importance of oral health.
Fillings are ideal for small to moderate cavities because they preserve more tooth structure. Crowns are recommended for larger cavities, heavily damaged teeth, or teeth that have had root canals. Dr. Tepedino will recommend the best option based on your cavity size and tooth condition during your consultation.
Dr. Fred Tepedino comes from a long line of dentists spanning four generations. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and graduated with Honors in Periodontology. Always furthering his education and abilities, Dr. Tepedino continued his surgical training to achieve a Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association and training in Advanced Alveolar Reconstruction. Taking the time to listen to his patients and hear their perspective on their oral health and dental needs, Dr. Tepedino establishes trust and rapport with them. Ever a perfectionist, Dr. Tepedino provides a high level of care and skill that truly set his practice apart.
