State Of The Art Smiles provides tooth-colored dental fillings in Pickerington, OH. Dr. Aklilu Ameha removes decay and restores the tooth with natural-looking composite resin, showing you the cavity on screen before treatment.
Written by State Of The Art Smiles. Medically reviewed by Dr. Phillip Katz, DDS & Dr. Aklilu Ameha, DDS, dentists at State Of The Art Smiles. Last updated October 2026.
The smallest repair that solves the problem
Maybe you’ve been watching a dark spot or putting up with a twinge when you eat. A filling is the smallest repair for a cavity, and Dr. Ameha recommends one only after he shows you the tooth on screen.
We explain what we see, discuss every reasonable option, and help you decide.
- 1 filling material: tooth-colored composite, with no metal
- 2 comfort options for anxious patients: nitrous oxide and oral sedation
- Over 25 years caring for patients in Pickerington and Central Ohio
Signs you may need a filling
A cavity often shows up as one of these signs:
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold food and drinks
- A dark spot or a visible hole in a tooth
- Food that keeps catching in the same place
- A rough or chipped edge on a tooth
Small cavities often cause no symptoms, so a regular exam is how most people find one.
How a tooth-colored filling works
Dr. Ameha places a tooth-colored filling in three steps.
1. Numbing the tooth
Dr. Ameha numbs the tooth with local anesthetic.
2. Removing the decay
Dr. Ameha removes the decayed part of the tooth and cleans the area.
3. Placing the composite
Dr. Ameha places the tooth-colored composite and shapes the filling to fit your bite.
Replacing old silver fillings
State Of The Art Smiles removes silver (amalgam) fillings and replaces them with tooth-colored composite. Composite is naturally tooth-colored, so the new filling blends with your tooth and removes the gray or black spots a metal filling leaves.
When a tooth needs more than a filling
A tooth needs more than a filling when decay or damage has removed too much healthy structure. We recommend a crown when a tooth is too damaged or decayed for a composite filling.
Our dental crowns and bridges page explains how a crown protects a damaged tooth.
What patients say about their dental work
★★★★★
“I have been a patient of Dr. Katz for quite a while now, and my experiences have always been positive. I have had crowns, fillings, cleanings, X-rays, in other words, a variety of procedures, always performed comfortably and efficiently with no complications. Dr. Katz and his staff are a caring and professional group, and I feel like I am in very good hands there.”
– Diane
★★★★★
“Dr. Katz and his staff are wonderful. He is so nice and also very gentle. This helps a lot if you’re like me and have zero pain tolerance. I would recommend him to anyone!”
– Christina S.
★★★★★
“Dr. Katz is a great dentist. I used to be anxious about going to the dentist because of previous offices, but he listened to me and made me feel extremely comfortable before any procedures. He talked to me to ease my anxiety. His staff is always pleasant, professional, and accommodating. I called on the day of my appointment, which was scheduled for the afternoon, because I had to reschedule. Instead, they were able to fit me in first thing that morning. I highly recommend Dr. Katz and his entire team for any dental needs.”
– Samantha
Filling Questions
How much do dental fillings in Pickerington cost?
The cost of a dental filling depends on the size and location of the cavity. State Of The Art Smiles accepts all PPO dental insurance plans, and our team helps you determine your benefits and coverage before treatment.
Patients who pay in full up front receive a 5% courtesy, and senior citizens who pay in full receive 10%. Our insurance and financing page lists every payment option.
How long does a filling take?
A tooth-colored filling is typically finished in one visit. Dr. Ameha tells you at your exam how much time to plan for your tooth.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Dr. Ameha numbs the tooth with local anesthetic before he starts. Anxious patients can also choose nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation. Our sedation dentistry page explains each option.
Will my filling match my tooth?
Yes. State Of The Art Smiles uses tooth-colored composite, which blends with your natural tooth.
Can you replace my silver fillings with white ones?
Yes. Dr. Ameha removes silver (amalgam) fillings and replaces them with tooth-colored composite.
I'm not sure I have a cavity. What should I do?
Schedule an exam. Dr. Ameha checks the tooth, shows you what he finds on screen, and explains your options. You decide what to treat and when.
Have the tooth checked before it gets worse
State Of The Art Smiles offers tooth-colored dental fillings in Pickerington, Monday through Friday. You’ll see the cavity on screen, understand your options, and know what to expect before treatment. We accept all PPO dental insurance plans.
