A cavity doesn't have to mean a bad experience. At Westside Dental Center, Dr. Uttma Dham uses tooth-coloured composite fillings and AI-assisted diagnostics to catch decay early, treat it gently, and restore your tooth so naturally you'll forget it was ever there.
SMILES TRANSFORMED
Serving Plantation, FL
CE Hours per year
WHAT ARE DENTAL FILLINGS?
What Are Dental Fillings And Why Do You Actually Need One?
Most people have had a filling at some point in their life. It's one of the most common dental procedures in the world and one of the most misunderstood. A filling isn't just about fixing a hole in your tooth. It's about stopping decay before it becomes something far more serious.
When bacteria break through the enamel of your tooth, they create a cavity, a small area of damage that grows over time if left alone. A dental filling removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a durable, tooth-coloured material that restores both the shape and the function of the tooth
At Westside Dental Center, we use composite resin fillings not the old silver amalgam that most people think of when they hear the word "filling." Composite resin is bonded directly to your tooth, matches your natural shade, and requires less removal of healthy tooth structure. The result looks and feels completely natural.
The truth is, the earlier a cavity is caught and filled, the simpler and more affordable the treatment. That's why routine checkups matter and why Dr. Dham uses Pearl AI diagnostics and digital X-rays to catch decay at its earliest stage, before it ever becomes a bigger problem.
SIGNS YOU MAY NEED A FILLING
Signs You May Have a Cavity – Don't Wait Until It Hurts
Here's something most people don't realise: cavities don't always hurt, especially in the early stages. By the time you feel pain, the decay has often progressed significantly. That's why we look for signs you might not even notice yourself.
Not all of these symptoms mean you definitely need a filling, but every single one of them means you should come in and let Dr. Dham take a look. With AI-powered diagnostics and digital X-rays, we can see exactly what's happening inside and around your teeth, even when it's not yet visible to the naked eye.
TYPES OF FILLINGS WE OFFER
Types of Fillings at Westside Dental Center We Use What's Best for Your Tooth
Not all fillings are the same, and not all cavities are in the same place. Dr. Dham will always recommend the filling material that makes the most centeral sense for your specific situation not the most expensive option.
Our most commonly used filling material. Composite is a blend of plastic and fine glass particles that bonds directly to the tooth surface. It's matched to your natural tooth shade, requires less removal of healthy enamel than amalgam, and blends invisibly into your smile. Ideal for visible teeth and smaller to mid-sized cavities.
Used in specific situations particularly for fillings near the gum line or for young patients whose teeth are still developing. Glass ionomer releases fluoride over time, which helps protect the surrounding tooth structure from further decay.
For larger areas of decay where a standard filling isn't sufficient but a full crown isn't yet necessary, Dr. Dham may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay. These are custom-fabricated restorations that fit precisely into or over the damaged area of the tooth more durable than composite for high-pressure areas like molars, and completely natural-looking.
We do not place new amalgam fillings at Westside Dental Center. Many patients also come to us wanting to replace old silver fillings with tooth-coloured composite both for aesthetic reasons and for peace of mind. Dr. Dham will assess your existing fillings and advise on whether replacement makes sense for you.
THE PROCEDURE — STEP BY STEP
What Happens When You Get a Dental Filling at Westside Dental Center
Getting a filling at our Plantation office is straightforward, comfortable, and usually completed in a single appointment. Here's exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Dr. Dham examines your teeth using digital X-rays and Pearl AI diagnostics technology that detects decay with a level of precision beyond the human eye alone. If a cavity is found, she'll explain exactly where it is, how advanced it is, and what your options are before anything begins.
We numb the area completely before starting. You won't feel the procedure just some mild pressure at times. If you have dental anxiety, let us know in advance and we can discuss sedation options to make your visit as calm as possible.
Using precise instruments, Dr. Dham gently removes the decayed portion of the tooth. We remove only what needs to go preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. This is where the care and precision of an experienced dentist really shows.
The cleaned cavity is prepared and a bonding agent is applied to help the composite resin adhere securely to the tooth surface. This step is what makes composite fillings so durable they bond chemically to the tooth, not just sit inside it.
The composite resin is placed in layers, with each layer hardened using a curing light. Dr. Dham then shapes and polishes the filling so it fits your bite perfectly and looks completely natural.
We check your bite carefully before you leave. If anything feels off, we adjust it on the spot. You'll leave with a tooth that feels exactly right and looks like nothing was ever done to it.
COMPOSITE VS AMALGAM — FULL COMPARISON
Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings
Why We Choose Tooth-Coloured Every Time
If you've had fillings done in the past especially as a child — they were likely silver amalgam. Here's how they compare to the composite fillings we use at Westside Dental Center today.
AFTERCARE & WHAT TO EXPECT
Most patients leave our office feeling completely fine after a filling. Here's what to expect in the hours and days that follow.
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WHY CHOOSE WESTSIDE DENTAL CENTER
Why Plantation Patients Choose Westside Dental Center for Fillings
There's no shortage of dental offices in South Florida. Here's what makes the experience at Westside Dental Center genuinely different even for something as routine as a filling
We use Pearl AI diagnostics to analyse your X-rays with a precision that goes beyond what the human eye can detect alone. That means catching decay earlier — when treatment is simpler, faster, and less expensive.
Dr. Dham's philosophy is conservative dentistry treating what needs to be treated and preserving everything that doesn't. That means your healthy tooth structure is protected as much as possible with every procedure.
Dr. Dham takes time to match composite shading carefully to your natural tooth colour. The result isn't just functional, it's genuinely invisible. Patients are often surprised by how natural their restored tooth looks.
Most fillings are completed in a single appointment at Westside Dental Centre. No waiting, no second visit, no temporary restorations. We respect your time as much as we respect your teeth
Dental anxiety is real and we take it seriously. From the moment you walk in, the environment is calm, the team is patient, and if you need sedation to feel comfortable, we have options. No judgement, no rush.
FAQ’S
Dental Filling FAQs Honest Answers to the Questions We Hear Most
No not with modern anaesthesia. We numb the area completely before we begin, so you won't feel the procedure itself. Some patients feel mild pressure, but pain is not part of the process. If you're anxious, tell us before your appointment and we'll talk through sedation options.
Most single fillings are completed in 30 to 60 minutes. If you have multiple cavities being filled in the same appointment, it may take a little longer. Either way, it's usually done in one visit.
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years, sometimes longer. Their lifespan depends on the size of the filling, its location, and how well you care for your teeth at home.
Yes composite resin is one of the most extensively studied dental materials in use today. It contains no mercury and is biocompatible with your tooth structure. It's the material of choice for modern, conservative dentistry.
Wait until the anaesthesia has fully worn off, usually 1 to 3 hours. After that, you can eat normally, though we recommend avoiding very hard or very sticky foods for the first 24 hours.
Yes in most cases. Cavities that don't hurt yet are still active decay that will grow over time. Treating them early means a smaller, simpler filling now instead of a larger restoration or potentially a root canal later.
Leaving a tooth infection untreated allows it to spread to surrounding teeth, the jawbone, and in serious cases, to other parts of the body. It also causes increasing pain. Don't wait. If something feels wrong, call us.
The cost depends on the size and location of the cavity, and the material used. We provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins and work with a wide range of insurance plans. Call us and we'll verify your coverage before your visit so there are no surprises.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
What Our Patients Say About Westside Dental Center
Real patients. Real experiences. Here's what families across Plantation and South Florida say about their care at Westside Dental Center.
"It was my first time here today, and I am so grateful I chose Westside Dental as my new dental office. Dr. Dham was excellent, professional and personable, and gave me several opportunities to ask questions and express my concerns. I really appreciated all of the transparency with billing detailed cost breakdowns in writing. It is very obvious that everyone here enjoys what they do."
"Dr. Dham and staff have been gentle, careful, and empathetic with minimum discomfort for the work needed. Always had fears with dentists bad experiences in the past. After searching carefully, Westside Dental was referred to me by my child's orthodontist. Best referral received. Won't look any further. From the front desk, to assistants, to doctors, all are the best."
Don't Wait for the Pain to Start — Book Your Filling Consultation in Plantation
Cavities don't get better on their own but they do get caught early when you have the right dentist looking. At Westside Dental Center, we make the process simple, comfortable, and completely transparent from start to finish.
Dr. Dham and the team are accepting new patients, and we can often get you in the same day.
