Restore Damaged Teeth With Natural-Looking Dental Fillings in Kennewick, WA
Treat cavities and get back to eating comfortably with natural-looking restorative care.
A dental filling treats a cavity or small area of tooth damage. We remove the damaged portion and restore the tooth with natural-looking, tooth-colored composite resin.
Some cavities cause sensitivity, pain when chewing, or a rough spot you can feel with your tongue. Others are found during a routine examination before you notice a problem. Fixing a smaller cavity early may help keep it from turning into a problem that needs a crown or root canal later.
Our Kennewick office provides tooth-colored dental fillings for adults and children throughout the Tri-Cities. After checking the tooth, we’ll explain whether a filling or another treatment makes the most sense.
Why Choose Us for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Our goal is to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Digital X-rays help us see how far the decay extends, while Kavo electric handpieces create less noise and vibration than traditional air-driven handpieces.
Before treatment, you’ll see what we found, why we recommend a filling or another option, and the expected cost. We have three dentists and are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, which gives patients more options for scheduling around work, school, and family.
Nice staff greets you as soon as you walk through the front door! I saw Dr. Rowley for a root canal and filling today. He and his dental assistant were very attentive and worked well together to fix my teeth. I had a nice view, great chair, very comfortable. I was recommended by a neighbor and glad I came.
I'm an anxious person who doesn't handle numbing shots very well. I just had a filling replaced here, and it was, by far, the best dental experience I've had. Best dentist in Kennewick. Thank you!
Always a good experience at this dental facility. Great dental hygienist and great place for restorative work.
Signs You May Need a Tooth Filling
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A persistent toothache
- Food repeatedly getting caught in the same area
- A visible dark spot or small hole
- A rough, chipped, or broken edge
- A loose, cracked, or missing older filling
- Floss that tears or catches around one tooth
These symptoms don’t always mean you have a cavity. A cracked tooth or an older filling can cause similar problems. An examination and X-ray, when needed, can help identify the cause.
You can also read about other signs that it may be time for a dental checkup.
When Is a Filling the Right Treatment?
A filling works well when the damaged area is relatively small. If too much tooth structure has been lost, a crown may be a better option. If decay or infection has reached the pulp inside the tooth, root canal treatment may be needed first.
| Treatment | Usually Recommended For | How It Differs From a Filling |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth Filling | A cavity or small area of tooth damage | Repairs a limited area while keeping most of the natural tooth intact |
| Dental Bonding | Minor chips, small gaps, worn edges, or cosmetic concerns | Adds tooth-colored material to reshape or improve the visible part of a tooth |
| Dental Crown | A tooth that has lost too much structure to support a filling | Covers and protects most or all of the visible tooth |
| Root Canal Treatment | Decay or infection that has reached the pulp inside the tooth | Treats the inside of the tooth before it is restored with a filling or crown |
How We Place Cavity Fillings
If a tooth has started bothering you, it’s worth having us look at it before the problem gets larger.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
The cost of a tooth filling depends on which tooth needs treatment, the size and location of the cavity, the number of surfaces involved, and your insurance benefits. After your examination, you’ll receive the recommended treatment plan and an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before care begins.
We accept most major PPO and HMO plans and are in-network with many major carriers, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Premera, Regence, and UnitedHealthcare. We don’t accept Apple Health. Because benefits vary, our team can check your plan and help you understand your coverage. You can find more information on our dental insurance and financing page.
For eligible patients, CareCredit, TuaPay, and Cherry can divide treatment costs into monthly payments. Patients without dental benefits can ask about our Membership Plan. Members remain responsible for payment after any applicable discounts are applied. Senior discounts are also available, so ask our team for details.
Meet Our Dentists
Kyle Rowley, DDS
Dr. Kyle Rowley grew up near Walla Walla and attended Brigham Young University before earning his dental degree from the University of Washington. He moved to the Tri-Cities in 2018 and is a member of the ADA, Washington State Dental Association, and Benton-Franklin County Dental Society. Outside the office, he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife and four children.
Nathan Madder, DMD
Dr. Nathan Madder grew up in Calgary and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2005. Before joining Kennewick Dental in 2015, he owned and operated Madder Family Dental. He’s a member of the ADA, Washington State Dental Association, and Benton-Franklin County Dental Society.
Mehak Zentz, DDS
Dr. Mehak Zentz grew up in the Seattle area and attended the University of Washington for both her undergraduate degree and dental school. She met her husband, Ryan, in dental school, and they now have two daughters. In addition to English, Dr. Zentz speaks some Spanish and Hindi/Punjabi. She is a member of the Seattle Study Club. Outside the office, she enjoys baking sourdough and caring for her houseplants.Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Fillings
Does getting a cavity filling hurt?
We use local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. You may still notice pressure or vibration during treatment, and the tooth may be temporarily sensitive afterward.
How long does a tooth filling take?
Many appointments for a single filling take about 30 to 60 minutes, although the exact time depends on the tooth, cavity size, and number of fillings.
Can a cavity go away without a filling?
It depends on how early we catch it. Very early decay can sometimes be managed before an actual hole develops. Once there’s a cavity in the tooth, the damaged area usually needs to be removed and restored with a filling.
How long will my mouth remain numb?
The numbness may remain for several hours after your appointment. Avoid chewing on the treated side or drinking anything very hot until normal feeling returns, since you could accidentally bite or burn your lip, cheek, or tongue.
Do you replace old silver fillings?
Yes, when there’s a reason to replace them. We don’t recommend replacing an older silver filling just because it’s old. We’ll first check it for cracks, decay, leaks, or other signs of failure.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
No filling lasts forever. Its lifespan depends on its size, location, your bite, oral hygiene, diet, and habits such as grinding your teeth. We check your fillings during routine visits and let you know if one shows signs of wear or damage.
Will my insurance cover a cavity filling?
Many dental plans provide some coverage for fillings, but deductibles, copayments, annual limits, and material restrictions vary. Our team can check your benefits and explain your expected cost before treatment begins.
What if I’m nervous about having a tooth filled?
Tell us what concerns you before we begin. We’ll explain the procedure, make sure the tooth is fully numb, and check on your comfort throughout the appointment. If you need several fillings or more extensive restorative treatment, we can also discuss whether IV sedation is appropriate.
Have a Tooth That’s Bothering You?
If a tooth is sensitive, hurts when you chew, or just doesn’t feel right, give us a call. It may only need a filling, but we’ll need to examine it to know for sure.
Our Kennewick dental office is located at 9501 West Clearwater Avenue, Suite A120, in Kennewick, WA. We’re open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Call (509) 374-4077 to schedule an appointment.