Our team at Floss & Co. would love to meet you and your family and provide you with the dental care you deserve!
A cavity left untreated doesn’t stay small. The decay spreads, the damage deepens, and what could have been a quick filling turns into something more involved — a crown, a root canal, or worse. Catching and treating decay early with a filling is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to protect a tooth for the long term. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, composite resin fillings are increasingly preferred because they bond directly to the tooth and match its color seamlessly.
At Floss & Co., we place tooth-colored, mercury-free composite fillings that restore your tooth’s structure and disappear into your smile. Dr. Martha Silva, Dr. Izzy Naem, and Dr. Catherine Murphy take a gentle, unhurried approach to every restoration, and our digital scanning technology means no goopy impressions — ever. As part of our cosmetic dentistry services, we also use composite to fix small chips and minor cracks, making it a versatile solution beyond cavities alone.
Who May Need a Filling?
Fillings are most commonly used to treat cavities — small holes that form when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that eats through tooth enamel. But they’re also effective for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, closing minor gaps, and restoring teeth worn down by grinding. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to come in:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks
- Pain when biting down or chewing
- Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on the surface of a tooth
- A rough or jagged edge you can feel with your tongue
- Food that consistently gets trapped in the same spot
Many cavities don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they’ve progressed, which is why regular dental cleanings and exams are the most reliable way to catch decay early. The smaller the cavity, the simpler and faster the fill.
What to Expect During the Filling Process
Getting a filling at Floss & Co. is straightforward and comfortable. Here’s what to expect:
Examination. We start with a thorough look at the tooth — including digital X-rays if needed — to confirm the extent of decay and whether a filling is the right solution. For larger areas of damage, we may recommend a dental crown instead, which we can often place the same day using our in-office technology.
Anesthesia. We numb the area with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel the procedure. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is.
Decay removal. We carefully remove all decayed tissue and clean the tooth to prepare a solid foundation for the filling.
Filling placement. We apply composite resin in thin layers, each cured with a special light, then shaped and polished to match the natural contour and color of your tooth. No metal, no contrast — just a restoration that looks like nothing was ever there.
Final check. We verify your bite alignment and make any fine adjustments. The whole process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Once you leave, your filling is fully set and ready for normal use.
Don't Wait on a Cavity
Small cavities are quick fixes. Left alone, they become bigger problems. We'll get you in fast and keep the process comfortable.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTWhy Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
We use tooth-colored composite resin for all our fillings — and there are good reasons why it’s become the standard of care. Unlike traditional metal amalgam, composite bonds directly to your tooth structure, which means less healthy enamel has to be removed to place it. It contains no mercury, it flexes slightly with your tooth, and it matches your natural color so precisely that most people can’t tell it’s there.
Beyond cavities, composite is one of the most versatile materials in dentistry. The same filling material we use to treat decay can also repair a chipped edge, fill a small gap, or reshape a tooth that’s been worn down — without additional appointments or separate procedures. It’s worth noting that composite fillings are best suited for small to moderate repairs; for larger areas of damage or heavily stressed back teeth, we’ll discuss whether a crown or other restoration makes more sense for your situation.
Caring for your filling is no different from caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and come in for regular checkups so we can monitor the restoration over time. Avoid biting into very hard foods like ice or hard candy, as this can chip both the filling and the surrounding tooth. With those habits in place, a well-placed composite filling can last 7 to 10 years or longer before needing any attention. If your tooth has significant decay, our restorative dentistry options include crowns, root canals, and more — and we’ll always recommend what’s genuinely right for your situation.
Schedule Your Filling Appointment Today
At Floss & Co., Dr. Silva, Dr. Naem, and Dr. Catherine Murphy bring the same careful, personalized approach to a simple filling as they do to more complex restorative work. We’ve been caring for patients in Chicago’s southwest communities since 1982, and our practice is built on the belief that small problems — caught and treated early — stay small. We use digital scanning for precise impressions, composite resin that matches your tooth exactly, and a gentle technique that keeps the process quick and comfortable. We accept all dental insurances and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Lending Club.
If you’ve been putting off addressing a cavity or a tooth that’s been bothering you, now is the right time to take care of it. Contact our office to schedule your filling appointment — we’ll have you in and out with a restored tooth before you know it.
Meet Dr. Izzy Naem
Dr. Naem is a dedicated general and cosmetic dentist specializing in advanced dental technologies with personalized patient care. With his expertise in airway expansion and comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Naem ensures every aspect of your dental experience meets the highest standards of excellence. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, airway expansion, and innovative treatments, Dr. Naem uses cutting-edge technology to help patients enjoy optimal health while maintaining the highest standards. His practice philosophy emphasizes building meaningful relationships with patients, taking time to understand their unique needs, and creating treatment plans that are both functional and aesthetically exceeding expectations.
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Visit Us!
Located in the heart of Chicago, Floss & Co. combines state-of-the-art technology with warm, patient-centered care. Dr. Naem and his team provide comprehensive dental services, from preventive care to advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry, all designed to keep your smile healthy and confident.
We accept ALL dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible to every patient.
- 773-586-5522
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The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional dental care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition or treatment. Please don't hesitate to contact our office directly if you have any questions about our services, treatments, or policies.
- Medically Reviewed by Dr. Izzy Naem