A filling no one
can see.
Suspect a cavity? A tooth-colored filling — composite resin matched to your natural tooth — is a quick, gentle way to repair decay and stop it in its tracks. Done by a UCLA-trained dentist, it blends in so well no one will know it’s there.
- UCLA-trained dental surgeon
- Implants placed & restored in-house
- Most insurance accepted
- Monthly payment plans
- Se habla español
- Award-winning · West LA Dental Society
Treatment that repairs and protects a tooth.
A dental filling restores a tooth damaged by decay. By cleaning out the cavity and filling the space, it stops the decay from spreading and reinforces the tooth’s natural structure. A composite (tooth-colored) filling does this with a material matched to your tooth — so it protects the tooth, restores comfort and chewing, and stays invisible.
What a filling does for you.
Stops further damage
Treating a cavity or crack early stops decay in its tracks and keeps the tooth strong — so you avoid more invasive treatment later.
Restores function & comfort
A damaged tooth can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable. A filling brings back the tooth’s natural function so you can eat and speak with ease.
Blends in seamlessly
Tooth-colored composite is matched to your natural tooth, so the repair stays discreet — a fix that’s restorative and cosmetic at once.
Signs you may need a filling.
Tooth sensitivity
Sudden sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can be an early warning sign of decay.
Toothache or sharp pain
Sharp pain when biting down often signals a cavity that needs attention.
Chipped or weak enamel
Enamel weakened by decay may cause a tooth to chip or break during normal use.
Old or worn fillings
Older fillings can develop gaps that let bacteria sneak in, leading to new decay over time.
Visible holes or dark spots
Cavities may show up as small holes or dark spots that trap food in the tooth.
Getting a filling, step by step.
Thorough exam
Dr. Bradley carefully examines the tooth to find any decay or damage and decide the best approach for your filling.
Gentle preparation
We numb the area, then gently remove the decayed portion and clean the space to clear out bacteria — a strong foundation for the filling.
Filling placement
The space is filled with tooth-colored composite resin, rebuilding the tooth’s structure and sealing out further decay.
Shape & polish
We refine the filling for a comfortable bite, then polish it smooth so it feels and looks like the rest of your tooth.
Planned and performed in one place.
Dr. Bradley is a UCLA-trained, surgically-proficient dentist who plans, places, and restores your treatment himself — so the dentist who knows your mouth is the one doing the work, start to finish.
Surgically trained dentist
Four UCLA degrees and a decade of education and training, plus advanced surgical and implant fellowships and a faculty appointment at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Everything under one roof
Surgery, implants, and restorations handled in-house — no being referred across town.
Affordable, explained up front
Most major insurance accepted and monthly payment plans available, reviewed with you up front.
Trusted by Huntington Park families
“Dr. Bradley really cares for your teeth — his philosophy is to keep as much of the natural tooth as possible. He explained everything clearly, calmed my nerves, and did the procedure perfectly.”
“The best dentist in town. They really helped me with my fillings — completely pain-free — and made me feel at home through the whole process. Highly recommend.”
“My oral health has improved a lot with Dr. Bradley. He listens to my concerns and explains exactly what he’s doing and why — he even shows me the X-rays. He handles my cleanings and put on my adult braces himself, and the whole team is stellar.”
Filling questions, answered.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Getting a filling is a comfortable, low-stress visit. We numb the area with a local anesthetic first, so you won’t feel discomfort while the decay is removed and the filling is placed. Most patients feel only mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward.
Will the filling be noticeable?
No. We use tooth-colored composite that’s matched to your natural tooth, so it blends in seamlessly — most people can’t tell where the filling is.
Is it covered by insurance? What about cost?
Most major dental plans help cover fillings as part of routine care, and we offer monthly payment plans. We’ll verify your benefits and review your options at your appointment — no surprises.
How long do fillings last?
With good oral hygiene, a filling can last many years. Daily brushing and flossing, plus regular checkups, help keep your fillings strong and your smile healthy.
How do I care for a filling?
Caring for a filling is simple — brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and avoid chewing hard objects like ice. Routine checkups let us catch any wear early, so your fillings keep protecting your teeth for years.
Reviewed by Dr. Bradley Salvatore, DDS · Updated July 1, 2026
Explore related care.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns — often called “caps” — are protective restorations that cover the entire visible surface of a tooth. They add strength to teeth that are too worn or damaged for a smaller fix like a filling. By fully encasing the tooth, a crown restores its shape, function, and appearance while preventing further damage.
Explore →Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for teeth with damage too big for a filling but not bad enough for a crown. An inlay sits within the cusps (the top edges) of the tooth; an onlay covers one or more cusps and wraps over the sides. Both are crafted from durable, tooth-colored materials like porcelain for a precise, comfortable fit — and both keep more of your natural tooth than a crown would.
Explore →Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a custom-crafted restoration designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. The artificial teeth are supported by the natural teeth — or implants — next to the gap. It improves chewing and speech, helps maintain your facial structure, and keeps the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
Explore →
Think you have a cavity? Let us take a look.
Most major insurance accepted · monthly payment plans available.
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