Dental Fillings in Pflugerville, TX
A filling repairs a tooth after decay or a small chip. At Radiant Dentistry ATX in Pflugerville, Dr. Richa Wahi removes the decay, then bonds a tooth-colored composite filling that matches your enamel, usually in one visit of under an hour. Treating a cavity early is the difference between a small filling and a root canal later.
A composite filling commonly runs $150–$400 per tooth in the Austin area, depending on size. Most PPO plans cover 70–80% as a basic service. Insurance & financing.
Why cavities need treating early
A cavity is decay that has broken through the enamel. It does not heal, and it does not wait: the hole grows wider and deeper until it reaches the nerve. Caught early, the fix is a small filling in one visit. Caught late, the same tooth needs a root canal and a crown, at several times the cost. That is the whole case for six-monthly checkups: most of the cavities we find have no symptoms yet.
What happens at a filling appointment
- Numbing. Local anesthetic around the tooth. We wait until it is fully numb before starting.
- Removing the decay. The soft, decayed part of the tooth is removed and the cavity is cleaned and shaped. This is the only drilling involved, and it is brief.
- Placing the filling. Composite resin is placed in thin layers, each hardened with a blue light, and shaped to match the tooth’s natural contours.
- Checking the bite. You bite on marking paper; any high spot is smoothed so the filling feels like it was always there.
Most single fillings take 20 to 45 minutes. You can eat once the numbness wears off, usually within two hours.
Tooth-colored fillings vs. metal
Composite fillings are matched to the shade of your enamel and bonded directly to the tooth, so Dr. Wahi removes less healthy tooth than a silver (amalgam) filling needs. They are the standard choice for front teeth and, with today’s materials, for back teeth too. If you have older silver fillings, they do not need replacing just because they are silver; we replace them when they crack, leak or the tooth around them decays, and we tell you which is the case.
Caring for a filling
Brush twice a day, floss once, and keep your checkups so we can watch the edges of the filling. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, which can chip any filling. A composite filling on a back tooth typically lasts 7 to 10 years or more; a night guard extends that if you grind your teeth.
Cost and insurance
A composite filling commonly costs $150 to $400 per tooth in the Austin area, depending on how many surfaces are involved, and most PPO plans cover fillings at 70 to 80% after the deductible as a basic service. We verify your benefits before the visit and confirm your share before we start. No insurance? The new patient special covers the exam and X-rays that find the cavity, and any filling is quoted in writing at that visit.
Serving Pflugerville, Wells Branch, Round Rock, North Austin, Hutto and Manor from our office just east of I-35 on Wells Branch Pkwy, with free parking at the door. Directions and hours.
Dental Fillings: your questions answered
No. The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic before any drilling, and most fillings take 20 to 45 minutes. Mild sensitivity to cold for a few days afterwards is normal and fades.
We place tooth-colored composite fillings. They bond to the tooth, need less drilling, and are invisible in a smile. Modern composites last 7 to 10 years or more on back teeth with good care. Old silver fillings that are cracked or leaking can be replaced; sound ones are best left alone.
Early cavities usually have no symptoms, which is why checkups and X-rays matter. Sensitivity to sweets or cold, a dark spot, food catching between teeth, or a rough edge your tongue keeps finding are later signs. Pain that lingers usually means the decay is close to the nerve.
In the Austin area a composite filling commonly costs $150 to $400 depending on how many surfaces of the tooth are involved. Most PPO plans pay 70 to 80% after the deductible. We confirm the number before we start.
Usually, as a basic service at around 70 to 80% once any waiting period has passed. Some plans pay for a tooth-colored filling on front teeth but only the cost of a metal filling on back teeth, in which case you pay the difference. We check your plan before the visit.
When decay has removed too much of the tooth to hold a filling, or the tooth is cracked, a crown protects it. If the decay has reached the nerve, a root canal comes first. Dr. Wahi shows you the X-ray and explains which applies.
Often considered together
Cleanings & Checkups
The visit that keeps everything else simple: a thorough cleaning, a careful exam and an honest plan.
Learn more
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Protect a damaged tooth or replace a missing one with a crown or bridge that looks and feels like your own.
Learn more
Root Canal Treatment
Stop the pain and keep your natural tooth — modern root canals are far gentler than their reputation.
Learn moreWhat our patients say
“Best dental clinic experience I've had in Austin. Appointments are smooth and quick, staff are professional and friendly, and Dr. Wahi is amazing!!! Highly recommend.
“Saw me same day on a Saturday and was very informative and accommodating and made sure I was comfortable. I never leave reviews but this was a great experience will be back for all my dental needs
“Great first visit! Super kind dental staff and no upselling. After having a horrible experience at a prior dentist this one made feel comfortable and taken care of!
Ready to talk about dental fillings?
Book online in about two minutes, or call and speak with our team. We are happy to answer any questions before your appointment.