A small cavity rarely causes pain right away, which is exactly why so many go untreated. Sensitivity to cold, a visible dark spot, or a rough patch on the tooth are usually the only early signs. But if you leave them, decay spreads deeper into the tooth, eventually requiring a crown, a root canal, or extraction instead of a simple filling.
Composite fillings in Kirkland treat the cavity early, while a quick, affordable fix is still an option. They are mercury-free, so you get a durable repair without the health concerns or dark appearance that come with traditional metal fillings.
Most composite fillings are completed in a single appointment, usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the cavity. There’s no lab work, no temporary filling, and no second visit required. You’ll be numb during the procedure and can typically return to normal eating within an hour or two once the numbness wears off.
Dr. Oveys Hedayati has been practicing dentistry since 2010, placing and replacing fillings for patients ranging from a first childhood cavity to full smile makeovers. He earned his DDS from Tehran Azad University Dental School (IAU) and completed postgraduate training in Restorative Dentistry at UCLA School of Dentistry between 2015 and 2017. He holds an active Washington dental license (DE60734395), NPI 1154849735.
His approach to fillings is simple: treat the cavity thoroughly, preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible, and match the color so it blends right in.
His areas of focus include:
We check the tooth, confirm the extent of the decay, and numb the area so you're comfortable throughout.
We clear out the decayed portion of the tooth while keeping as much healthy structure as possible.
We apply the tooth-colored resin in layers, hardening each one with a curing light as we build it to match your tooth.
We shape and polish the filling, so it matches your bite and blends naturally with the rest of your tooth.
Most insurance plans cover a meaningful portion of composite resin fillings, since they’re considered a standard restorative treatment rather than cosmetic. Coverage often falls between 50% and 80%, though this depends on your specific plan and whether you’ve already used part of your annual benefit.
At Kirkland Dental Excellence, we check your coverage with you before treatment. Call us at (425) 827-2003 to confirm your benefits.
| Amalgam Filling | Composite Filling | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Mixture of metals, including mercury | Tooth-colored resin and glass |
| Appearance | Dark silver, visible when you smile or open your mouth | Matches your natural tooth color |
| Tooth preparation | Often requires removing more tooth structure | Preserves more of the natural tooth |
| Bonding | Sits in the cavity without bonding | Bonds directly to the tooth |
| Typical lifespan | 10 to 15 years or more | 5 to 10 years |
| Best for | Back teeth taking heavy chewing force | Visible teeth, smaller cavities, metal sensitivity |
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