About the service

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling repairs a tooth that's been damaged by a cavity. At our Sonoma, CA office, every dental filling is a tooth-colored composite, shade-matched so no one will notice it but you. Most fillings take just one visit, and you head back to your day with a tooth that's strong and comfortable again.

When a tooth needs a filling

  • A cavity found at your checkup or on your X-rays
  • A tooth that's sensitive to sweets, hot, or cold
  • A small chip or rough spot where food keeps catching
  • An old silver filling that's cracked, leaking, or has decay around it

What to expect when getting a filling

  1. A careful look. Dr. Oliver checks the tooth with digital X-rays read with Overjet AI and shows you exactly what she sees.
  2. Numbing first. We numb the area with a local anesthetic, so most people feel only a little pressure.
  3. Removing the decay. We gently clear away the damaged part of the tooth, going at your pace.
  4. Shaping the filling. We place the composite in layers, shape it to your tooth, and match the shade so it blends in.
  5. A bite check. Before you leave, we make sure everything feels right when you close.

Mercury-free, tooth-colored composite fillings

We never place silver amalgam. Our fillings are tooth-colored composite, matched to your natural shade so they blend right in. If you have old silver fillings, we'll replace them when they need it, and tell you honestly when they don't. Overjet AI helps us catch cavities early, while the fix can stay small.

Why Sonoma patients don't wait on a cavity

Cavities rarely stay small. Left alone, they grow deeper, and a simple filling can turn into a much bigger repair. Caught very early, some may even qualify for drill-less fillings with no needles at all. When more of the tooth is damaged, a dental onlay or dental crown may protect it better.

Dr. Oliver will show you which fits. Only the treatment you actually need, never more.

Highlight 1
Stops decay before it spreads
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Restores a strong, comfortable bite
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Tooth-colored and shade-matched to blend in
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Mercury-free, never silver amalgam
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Usually done in one visit
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Early cavities caught with Overjet AI

The heart behind every filling

Dr. Riley Oliver's background in art and science shows up in every filling she places, and it's a big part of why she opened Sonoma Springs Dental: warm, personal care held to an exceptionally high standard. A University of the Pacific graduate who also studied hospitality, she takes her time shaping each composite layer and matching the shade until the tooth looks untouched. She'd rather keep a filling small than remove more tooth than needed. The result is a repair that feels natural and simply blends in.
"Don't let it fool you. We have a lot of fun here, but we focus on extremely high-quality care. You're going to get that perfect little mix."
Dr. Riley Oliver, Sonoma dentist and founder of Sonoma Springs Dental
Dr. Riley Oliver
Founder & Dentist
Dr. Riley Oliver, DDS, dentist in Sonoma, CA and founder of Sonoma Springs Dental
Your new boutique dental home in Sonoma.
Your new boutique dental home in Sonoma.
Your new boutique dental home in Sonoma.

About us

Dental fillings at Sonoma Springs Dental

To us, boutique dental care means you matter: personal, cozy, unhurried, and held to an exceptionally high standard. At Sonoma Springs Dental, Dr. Riley Oliver's boutique dental home in Sonoma, a filling visit is calm, clear, and done with care.

  • Unhurried by design. One patient at a time, so we can make sure you're fully numb and comfortable before we begin, and check your bite until it feels just right.
  • A space that feels like home. Our standalone office is built around a green, light-filled atrium, with easy parking right outside and brand-new chairs that keep you comfortable while we work.
  • A team that knows you. Our small, all-female team is warm, bilingual in English and Spanish, and happy to pause anytime you need a breather.
  • A genuinely high bar. Our materials are carefully chosen, never compromised: mercury-free composite, plus digital X-rays read with Overjet AI to catch decay early. Only the treatment you actually need, never more.

Meet the team

“What I love most about working with this team is the ladies themselves. They all have sparkling personalities, and they're all really fun.”

Chelsie, office manager

“My favorite part is the positive atmosphere and being able to help the Spanish-speaking community get access to care.”

Monsé, patient care coordinator

“I love that I can be myself in the office and with my patients, and I show it by wearing crazy colored scrubs each day.”

Cindy, registered dental assistant

“The office isn't a sterile medical atmosphere. It's homey, it's comfortable, it's an enjoyable place to be.”

Mandy, registered dental assistant

Hear it from our patients

“I don't normally associate a dentist's office with being cozy and comforting, but this is. The work has been absolutely exemplary.”

Karen, patient

“This place is definitely not judgmental at all. You can open up about your past dental experiences, and there will be no judgment.”

Jocelyn, patient

“Ever since I was young, I dreaded going to the dentist, but I never expected to actually like coming here. They really treat you like family.”

Jahaziel, patient

Trusted by patients

"It feels more like visiting a friend at their house than going to the dentist."

Dental filling FAQs

What is a dental filling, and when do I need one?

A filling repairs a tooth that's been damaged by a cavity. We remove the decay and rebuild the tooth with a tooth-colored material, so it's strong and comfortable again. For very early cavities, drill-less fillings may be an option.

Does getting a filling hurt?

No. We numb the area with a local anesthetic before we begin, so most people feel only a little pressure. If you're nervous, just tell us. We'll go at your pace.

How long does a filling take?

Most fillings are done in one visit. We numb the tooth, remove the decay, place the filling, and check your bite before you leave. You're back to your day without a second appointment.

What kind of fillings do you use?

We use tooth-colored composite fillings only. They're mercury-free, so we never place silver amalgam. Composite is matched to your tooth's shade, so your filling blends right in.

Can you replace my old silver fillings?

Yes, when they need it. If an old silver filling is cracked, leaking, or has decay around it, we can replace it with a tooth-colored filling. If it's still sound, we'll tell you honestly, since only the treatment you actually need makes sense.

Filling, onlay, or crown: how do you decide?

It comes down to how much healthy tooth is left. A filling is right for small to moderate cavities, while a larger area of damage may need an onlay or a crown for extra protection. Each is valuable at a different stage, and Dr. Oliver will show you what she sees before recommending one.

Does insurance cover dental fillings?

Most dental plans cover part of a filling. We accept all major insurances and will walk you through your estimate before we start. For any remaining balance, you can pay monthly with Cherry or CareCredit.

How do I book a filling appointment in Sonoma?

Call us at (707) 935-8200 or visit our contact page for more options. Our standalone office is at 17776 Sonoma Hwy, with parking right outside. We'll take a careful look, explain your options clearly, and get you comfortable before we begin.

We're looking forward to your visit.