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Need dental fillings near Claremont? Renov Dental Group, on N Indian Hill Blvd just north of the Claremont Village, provides natural-looking, tooth-colored repairs that stop decay while preserving healthy tooth structure. Care is led by UCLA-trained Dr. Sally Yi, DDS, we accept most major PPO plans, and we're known for gentle care for anxious patients. Our approach is conservative — we remove only what is decayed and shade-match the composite to your tooth.
A dental filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay or minor fracture: the affected portion is removed and the space restored with durable, tooth-colored composite resin that bonds directly to the tooth and helps reinforce what remains. Bonding uses the same resin, sculpted rather than fitted into a cavity, to repair chips, cracks or uneven edges on visible teeth.
The American Dental Association considers both composite and traditional silver (amalgam) fillings safe and effective; amalgam has historically shown somewhat longer survival in high-force back teeth, but composite is generally preferred today for its natural appearance.
Good candidates have decay caught while it is still small-to-moderate and mostly within enamel and outer dentin, or minor chips and gaps suited to bonding. A filling alone may not be enough if decay has spread close to the nerve — root canal treatment is typically needed first, sometimes with a crown afterward. If too much tooth structure has broken down to support a filling, a dental crown or bridge is usually sturdier. In the earliest, pre-cavity stage, fluoride and better home care can sometimes remineralize the area without drilling — something we evaluate at an exam, not in advance.
The area is gently numbed
for your comfort.
Decay or damage is conservatively removed.
The tooth is conditioned
and composite is placed in layers.
Each layer is light-cured
then shaped to your bite.
Final polish and bite check
so the tooth feels natural.
Numbness wears off within a few hours — avoid chewing on that side until it does. Mild temperature sensitivity for a few days is common and settles on its own. If your bite feels high once numbness fades, call us for a quick adjustment.
Fillings and bonding are common, low-complication procedures, but a few things are worth knowing:
Brush and floss normally — composite cares for itself with good hygiene. Avoid chewing ice or hard candies that can chip a restoration, keep regular checkups, and wear a nightguard if you grind.
A straightforward filling is usually completed in one visit. Cost and time depend on the size and number of surfaces, the tooth's location, whether an old filling must be removed first, and whether a crown or root canal turns out to be needed. Fillings are a commonly covered PPO benefit, though the exact amount depends on your plan and deductible; Cherry financing can spread out the cost.
A filling stops decay from spreading toward the nerve, restores comfortable chewing, and — done early — helps you avoid larger treatment like crowns or root canals later.
The tooth is fully numbed before any work begins, so you should feel pressure at most. If injections worry you, let us know — Dr. Yi is known for a slow, gentle technique.
A single filling typically takes about 30–45 minutes; several in the same area can often be done in one slightly longer visit.
Depending on the tooth and the old filling's condition, replacement with tooth-colored composite may be an option — best discussed at a consultation.
Fillings are a core restorative benefit on most PPO plans, which commonly cover a meaningful portion after any deductible. We accept most major PPO plans, including Aetna, Cigna and MetLife, and verify your benefits first. Cherry financing is available for patients without coverage.
Composite fillings are often cited as lasting roughly 5 to 10 years or longer, depending on size, location and care — back-tooth fillings tend to wear faster than front ones. Regular checkups help us catch edge wear early.
If decay reaches the nerve, a root canal may be needed; if too much structure is compromised, a crown is usually sturdier. We'll explain the reasoning before recommending anything beyond a standard filling.
Call (909) 625-4900 or book an appointment online to have a cavity or chip evaluated.
