Smiles Art Dentistry

Shawki Abed, BDS MSc

Smiles Art Dentistry

Smiles Art Dentistry > Services > Composite Fillings

Our virtually invisible fillings address cavities while maintaining healthy tooth structure.

Composite Fillings

When treating tooth decay at Smiles Art Dentistry, we follow a straightforward philosophy: Use the most conservative approach that preserves natural tooth structure and considers budget and overall health. For this reason, Dr. Shawki Abed offers only metal-free tooth-colored composite fillings.

Unlike silver amalgam, which requires removing healthy tooth structure, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth. This approach helps maintain the tooth's integrity and results in a more comfortable experience overall.

Do You Have a Cavity?

Signs indicating a cavity include:

A persistent toothache or dull throbbing
Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods
Mild to sharp pain when biting down
Visible pits or holes in your teeth
Dark spots on tooth surfaces
Food frequently gets stuck in certain teeth

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Minimally invasive solutions like composite resin fillings at Smiles Art Dentistry help us maintain a tooth's integrity for as long as possible while protecting you from more complex and costly dental solutions.

Conservative Approach

Composite fillings require less drilling, allowing Dr. Abed to preserve more of your natural tooth. This conservative approach maintains the tooth's strength and integrity, often preventing the need for more extensive treatment later.

Strengthens Teeth

Unlike metal fillings that simply fill space, composite resin bonds with natural tooth structure to reinforce and strengthen it. This strong bond helps prevent bacteria from getting beneath the filling and causing further decay.

Seamless Repair

We custom-match composite fillings to the exact tooth color to create a virtually invisible repair. This aesthetic benefit means no more dark metal showing when you open your mouth—just a natural-looking, healthy smile.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Shawki Abed DDS, MSc

Dr. Shawki Abed brings a global perspective to Smiles Art Dentistry, having begun his dental career in 2003 after graduating from Baghdad University's College of Dentistry. His professional journey began ...

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Steps for a Composite Tooth Filling

Getting a tooth-colored filling at Smiles Art Dentistry is a straightforward process:

Numb the Tooth — We gently numb the affected area to ensure you feel no pain during treatment.
Remove Decay — Dr. Abed precisely removes only the decayed portion of the tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
Condition the Tooth — We treat the prepared surface with an etching solution that roughens it to improve the bond between the tooth and filling material.
Shape the Material — Dr. Abed carefully layers the composite resin into the prepared area and shapes it to follow the tooth's natural contours and ensure proper bite alignment.
Cure and Finish — A special light hardens the material in seconds, then Dr. Abed polishes the filling to match your tooth's natural luster.

The entire process typically takes less than an hour, and you'll leave with a restored tooth and virtually seamless repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do cavities develop?

Cavities don't arrive fully formed—they develop quietly, often without symptoms until they've already caused significant damage. We provide expert tooth fillings, but understanding a cavity’s progression can help you avoid decay in the first place.

How Tooth Cavities Develop

Typically, cavities progress in the following sequence:

Bacteria in plaque produce acids that begin dissolving tooth enamel
A small, often undetectable soft spot forms on the tooth surface
The decay penetrates deeper into the tooth's softer dentin layer
Without treatment, bacteria reach the inner pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels
Infection develops, potentially leading to abscess, severe pain, and tooth loss

This progression explains why regular dental checkups are crucial—they allow Dr. Abed to detect decay in its earliest stages when treatment is simpler, less expensive, and more conservative. Waiting until pain strikes often means the decay has already caused significant damage.

What You Can Do to Avoid Cavities

For most people, cavities are completely avoidable with a few simple steps.

Brush at least twice daily and floss once.
Visit the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings
Eat healthy, nutritious foods low in carbs, acid, and sugar.

If you suspect you have tooth decay or are due for your next dental checkup, call Smiles Art Dentistry in Houston, TX, to schedule an appointment.

Beyond Fillings: Cosmetic Bonding

The same composite material used for fillings can also address cosmetic concerns through a process called dental bonding. This conservative treatment can repair minor chips, close small gaps between teeth, or cover discoloration, often completed in a single visit.

Don't Wait for Decay to Advance—Call Us Today

If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain and suspect you might have a cavity, don't wait until it becomes an emergency requiring more complex treatment. Call Smiles Art Dentistry today at (713) 266-2265 to schedule an exam with Dr. Abed, your trusted dentist in Houston, TX.

Testimonial

I look forward to coming every 6 months.

Always a pleasure to be at your office! Great cleaning, great staff and I look forward to coming every 6 months.
-Tricia

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