Dental Fillings in Reno, NV — Futch Dental
A cavity doesn't have to mean the end of a healthy, beautiful tooth. At Futch Dental, we use modern, tooth-colored fillings to repair decay and minor damage while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. The result is a restoration that looks natural, feels comfortable, and protects your tooth for years to come. With more than 35 years of experience and advanced training in restorative dentistry, Dr. Futch delivers fillings you can trust.
Book Your Appointment
A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, a minor fracture, or everyday wear. During the procedure, Dr. Futch carefully removes the damaged portion of the tooth and fills the area with a durable, biocompatible material that rebuilds the tooth's structure, restores its function, and protects it from further breakdown. The photo shows a sample case illustrating the esthetic improvement achievable with modern composite restorations.
Today's fillings are a far cry from the dark metal amalgam restorations of the past. At Futch Dental, we primarily use tooth-colored composite resin, which is matched to the natural shade of your tooth so it blends in completely. The result is a filling that's virtually invisible—no one will know it's there but you and your dentist.
Cavities don't always announce themselves with pain. In fact, many develop quietly before producing noticeable symptoms. That's why regular checkups are so important. However, if you're experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule an appointment:
If any of this sounds familiar, don't wait. Early treatment with a filling is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stop decay in its tracks and prevent the need for more extensive procedures down the road.
A filling does far more than patch a hole. It's a proactive step that protects your tooth and your overall oral health:
At Futch Dental, we focus on restorative materials that are safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Dr. Futch will recommend the best material for your situation based on the tooth's location, the size of the restoration, and your individual needs.
Composite resin is our most commonly placed filling material, and for good reason. It bonds directly to the tooth, which means less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation. It's color-matched to your natural tooth shade, mercury-free, and versatile enough for both front and back teeth. Composite fillings also work well for small cosmetic repairs like smoothing a chipped edge.
Glass ionomer is a specialized filling material that releases fluoride over time, offering an added layer of protection against future decay. It's applied gently and is often an excellent choice for small restorations near the gumline or for younger patients. While not as durable as composite for high-pressure chewing surfaces, it serves an important role in specific clinical situations.
Getting a filling is one of the most routine procedures in dentistry, and Dr. Futch's approach is designed to make it as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Dr. Futch examines the affected tooth thoroughly, using digital X-rays when needed to assess the extent of the decay and confirm that a filling is the right treatment.
We'll discuss your options, explain the recommended filling material, and make sure you understand exactly what to expect before we begin.
The area is gently numbed with local anesthesia so you're completely comfortable. Dr. Futch then carefully removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
For composite fillings, the material is applied in thin layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light. This layered technique creates a strong, stable bond and allows Dr. Futch to sculpt the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth.
Once the filling is placed, we check your bite carefully and make any fine adjustments needed so the restoration feels completely natural when you close, chew, and speak.
Most filling appointments are completed in a single visit, typically in under an hour.
A well-placed composite filling can last many years with proper care. Here's how to protect your investment and keep your restored teeth healthy:
Fillings don't last forever, but with consistent care they can serve you well for a decade or more. Dr. Futch monitors the condition of your restorations at every visit and will let you know if a filling ever needs attention.
Dr. Futch has been practicing dentistry for more than 35 years, and restorative care is the foundation of his clinical experience. He has completed advanced training at the Dawson Academy and the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry, giving him a deep understanding of how teeth function together and how to create restorations that work in harmony with your natural bite.
Our patients' trust speaks volumes. Dr. Futch has been recognized as Best Dentist in Northern Nevada—a reflection of the quality, consistency, and personal care our team delivers every day.
We know that some patients feel anxious or embarrassed about cavities. At Futch Dental, you will never be judged for the condition of your teeth. Our team treats every patient with warmth, respect, and genuine compassion—no matter how long it's been since your last visit.
From digital X-rays and advanced curing systems to high-quality composite materials, we use modern tools and techniques to deliver fillings that fit better, look better, and last longer.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing to help make treatment accessible and affordable.
No. The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia before any work begins, so you should feel no pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity in the treated tooth for a day or two afterward, but this is temporary and typically resolves on its own.
Most fillings are completed in a single visit, usually in 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity. You'll be able to return to your normal activities immediately after your appointment.
Not at all. We use tooth-colored composite resin that is carefully shade-matched to your natural tooth. Once placed, the filling blends in completely and is virtually invisible to the eye.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a composite filling can last seven to ten years or longer. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth will help extend the life of your restoration. Dr. Futch monitors all fillings at every visit and will let you know if one ever needs to be replaced.
While uncommon, a filling can loosen or come out over time due to normal wear, teeth grinding, or biting into something very hard. If this happens, contact our office as soon as possible so we can protect the tooth and place a new restoration before further damage occurs.
Yes, most dental insurance plans cover fillings—especially when they're placed to treat decay. Coverage amounts and percentages vary by plan. Our team is happy to help you verify your benefits and understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Untreated cavities don't heal on their own—they continue to grow. Over time, a small cavity can reach the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to infection, significant pain, and the potential need for a root canal or extraction. Treating decay early with a filling is the simplest and most cost-effective way to protect your tooth.
The sooner a cavity is treated, the simpler and more affordable the solution. Whether you're experiencing tooth pain, have noticed a spot that doesn't look right, or are simply overdue for a checkup, the caring team at Futch Dental is ready to help. There's no judgment here—just honest, expert care in a comfortable environment. Call our Reno office today at (775) 746-1177 or click below to request your appointment with Dr. Futch.
