Strong teeth are essential to your health, but over time a tooth’s structure can weaken from decay, wear, or injury. Dental fillings rebuild and protect teeth affected by cavities, cracks, breaks, or everyday habits like nail-biting or grinding.
Whether you’re dealing with a painful cavity, a chipped tooth, or enamel worn down over time, we’re here to help you regain comfort and function.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, it could be a sign of tooth decay or damage. At our San Francisco dental office, we use advanced diagnostic tools to determine whether a dental filling is needed to restore your tooth’s health and strength.
To diagnose a cavity, your dentist may perform:
A visual exam to spot visible decay or cracks
Gentle probing to assess sensitivity and texture
Digital X-rays to detect cavities below the surface
Based on the findings, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. Small areas of decay may only require monitoring, while larger or more painful cavities often benefit from a tooth-colored filling.
During a filling procedure, we remove the decayed area and replace it with a durable, natural-looking material that seals and protects the tooth—preventing further decay and restoring full function to your smile.
Exam & Numbing – Your dentist examines the tooth, confirms the cavity, and gently numbs the area to keep you completely comfortable.
Decay Removal – The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully cleaned out to stop the cavity from progressing.
Filling Placement – A tooth-colored filling material is placed, shaped, and bonded to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
Final Shaping & Bite Check – Your dentist polishes the filling and ensures your bite feels natural and comfortable before you leave.
Read real reviews from people who trust Marina Aesthetic Dentistry for exceptional care and beautiful results.
When I first started going to Dr Patel, my teeth were in pretty bad shape. Over the years, her guidance has fully restored my teeth and gums back into great shape and that has improved my overall health in a big way!
Without a doubt Sonal Patel DDS is the very best dentist my mouth has encountered in my 70 plus years. She is gentle, thorough, careful and highly professional. I recommend her to anyone and everyone!
Highly recommend! Great location, friendly office staff and on-time appt’s. Dr. Patel is knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, empathetic and thorough.
