Conservative, Comfortable Cavity Repair That Preserves Your Natural Tooth

Dental Fillings in Winston-Salem, NC

When a cavity or small fracture threatens the health of your tooth, a dental filling offers a fast, effective, and minimally invasive solution. At Trenton B. Bottoms, DDS, we prioritize conservative dentistry — using modern techniques and durable materials to restore your tooth while preserving as much of its natural structure as possible.

Patients from Winston-Salem and nearby areas trust Dr. Bottoms for his transparent approach, precise technique, and focus on patient comfort. If you're looking for a dentist near me who offers personalized treatment without pressure or upselling, you’re in the right place.

When Do You Need a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are most commonly used to repair:

  • Small to moderate cavities caused by decay
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Worn-down areas due to grinding or acid erosion
  • Leaking or failing existing fillings

Often, these issues are identified during routine cleanings and exams, where early detection allows for smaller, more conservative restorations.

Tooth-Colored Fillings That Blend Seamlessly

We use composite resin — a tooth-colored, BPA-free material — to create natural-looking, long-lasting fillings. These materials are carefully matched to your existing tooth shade and sculpted to blend in perfectly with your natural enamel.

Benefits of tooth-colored fillings include:

  • Aesthetically invisible repairs
  • Strong, durable bonding to the tooth structure
  • Preservation of more healthy enamel compared to metal fillings
  • No mercury or metal sensitivity concerns

Whether the damage is on a front tooth or a molar, your filling will be virtually undetectable.

Our Conservative Approach to Cavity Care

Dr. Bottoms believes in catching decay early and treating it in the least invasive way possible. That means:

  • Only treating decay that genuinely requires intervention
  • Using magnification and intraoral imaging for precision
  • Avoiding unnecessary drilling or aggressive shaping
  • Educating patients about how to avoid future cavities through nutritional counseling and home care tips

If we can prevent a filling altogether, we will — with options like fluoride treatment or monitoring small lesions when appropriate.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The process of getting a filling is simple, efficient, and comfortable:

  1. We begin by gently numbing the area (if needed).
  2. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed.
  3. The tooth is cleaned, prepped, and isolated.
  4. Composite resin is applied in layers and hardened with a special curing light.
  5. The filling is shaped, polished, and checked for a perfect bite.

Most fillings are completed in under an hour, and you’ll be able to return to your normal routine the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fillings hurt?

No. We use gentle techniques and numbing as needed to make the procedure completely comfortable.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

With good care, composite fillings can last 7–10 years or longer, depending on their size and location.

Will my filling be visible?

No — we use shade-matched materials that blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color.

Can old metal fillings be replaced with composite?

Yes. Many patients choose to replace older amalgam fillings for aesthetic or health reasons. We can discuss your options during your next visit.

Is it okay to wait on a filling if I’m not in pain?

We don’t recommend it. Cavities often progress silently. Delaying treatment could lead to more extensive repairs like dental crowns or root canals.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Schedule a Cavity Repair That Feels Like No Big Deal

We’re here to make tooth repair easy, comfortable, and completely judgment-free. Whether it’s your first cavity or your tenth, our goal is to preserve your smile and restore your confidence with expert-driven care.

Call us today at 336-765-8358 or request an appointment online to book your visit for a dental filling in Winston-Salem.