Evaluate the tooth
Dr. Lee examines the tooth and uses diagnostic imaging when needed to define the location and extent of decay or structural damage.
Dental fillings in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee uses dental fillings to restore teeth when decay or localized damage can be treated without covering the entire tooth with a larger restoration.
She evaluates the extent of damage, the remaining tooth structure, and the forces placed on the tooth before determining whether a filling provides enough support.
Conservative restoration
Why use a dental filling?
A filling replaces tooth structure removed during treatment of a cavity or localized defect while preserving the healthy portion of the tooth that remains.
Dr. Lee uses the size and location of the damaged area, remaining enamel and dentin, and the way the tooth functions in your bite to determine whether a filling is the appropriate restorative option.
- Repair localized tooth decay
- Restore small areas of structural damage
- Preserve healthy remaining tooth structure
- Rebuild the tooth for normal biting and chewing
What does a dental filling involve?
Remove damaged tooth structure
Dr. Lee meticulously removes the compromised tooth structure while aggressively preserving the sound, healthy enamel and dentin required to support the final restoration.
Rebuild the missing area
The prepared area is restored with a filling material selected for the tooth's structural and biting demands, then shaped to function within your bite.
How is a cavity filled?
- Define the damage. Dr. Lee examines the tooth and uses diagnostic imaging when it adds information about the depth or location of decay.
- Assess remaining support. She determines how much healthy tooth structure will remain after the damaged area is removed and whether that structure can support a filling.
- Restore the tooth. The damaged structure is removed and the prepared area is filled and shaped to restore the tooth's contour and function.
- Check the bite. Dr. Lee evaluates how the restored tooth contacts the opposing teeth and makes adjustments needed for the final bite.
Do I need a filling?
A filling may be appropriate for a tooth with a cavity, a localized area of damage, or an older filling that needs replacement when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support another filling.
If the tooth has a larger area of damage, a filling may not provide enough support. In these cases, Dr. Lee may recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown to restore the tooth.
What are the signs you need a filling?
Schedule an evaluation for persistent sensitivity, pain when biting, a visible defect, a chipped filling, or another change in a tooth or existing restoration.
Dr. Lee also identifies decay and failing restorations during routine dental exams, allowing the restorative decision to be based on the actual amount of damaged and remaining tooth structure.
What affects the cost of a dental filling?
Your filling cost depends on the number of teeth treated, the size and location of each restoration, any diagnostic services required, and your dental benefits. Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans and can verify how your coverage applies.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on your plan and the restorative services provided.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. She evaluates the size of the damage and the remaining healthy tooth structure to decide whether a filling is the appropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How does Dr. Lee know whether I need a filling or a crown?
She evaluates the size and location of the damage, the healthy tooth structure that remains, and the biting forces on the tooth. Dr. Lee recommends a filling when the remaining tooth can support a direct restoration.
Can an old filling be replaced?
Yes, when replacement is indicated and enough healthy tooth structure remains. Dr. Lee evaluates the existing filling and the surrounding tooth before selecting the next restoration.
Does every cavity need a filling?
Treatment depends on the location, extent, and activity of the decay. Dr. Lee evaluates the tooth before determining whether a filling or another approach is appropriate.
What happens during a filling?
Dr. Lee removes the damaged tooth structure, restores the prepared area with filling material, shapes the restoration, and checks how the tooth contacts your bite.
Will a filling fix a cracked tooth?
Dr. Lee may recommend a filling for a small defect when enough healthy tooth remains to support it. A larger crack or weakened tooth may need a crown or another restoration with broader coverage.
How do I care for a filled tooth?
Brush and floss normally, keep your preventive visits, and schedule an evaluation if the filling feels loose, breaks, or changes the way the tooth feels when you bite.
Can I have several fillings treated in one visit?
The treatment sequence depends on the number and location of the teeth involved and the complexity of each restoration. Dr. Lee plans the sequence from the findings.
Does Smile Art accept insurance for dental fillings?
Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans. The team can verify your benefits and explain how your coverage applies to the planned filling treatment.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.