La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Why choose us
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Stops Decay Early
Filling a cavity while it is small helps protect the rest of the tooth from further damage.
Clear, Honest Explanations
We show you what we see on your digital X-rays and explain your options without judgment.
Comfort Every Visit
The Ascent Experience brings warm towelettes, blankets, headphones and essential oils to your appointment.
Care for All Ages
Our family dentists treat cavities for children from age 2 through adults at our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua offices.
Options for Nervous Patients
We offer nitrous oxide for children and IV sedation for adults who want extra help relaxing.
A small cavity rarely announces itself with much fanfare. Maybe your tooth twinges when you sip iced coffee on a summer afternoon by the river, or your child mentions that one side hurts when chewing. At Rivertown Dental, we place dental fillings for patients of all ages at our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua. Catching decay while it is still small usually means a simpler visit and keeps more of your natural tooth intact. Our goal is to give families across Wisconsin's Coulee Region one practice close to home for this everyday kind of care.
A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay. We remove the weakened part of the tooth and fill the space so the tooth can return to normal chewing. Fillings are one of the most common treatments in restorative dentistry, and they are often the first line of repair when a cavity is found during a routine dental exam.
Fillings help a wide range of people. A young child with a first cavity, a busy professional who has noticed sensitivity, and a retiree with decay around older dental work may all be good candidates. We see children from age 2, so parents can bring the whole family to the same team. If it has been a while since your last visit, please don't worry. We offer clear explanations and no judgment about how long it has been.
Some cavities cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular cleanings and exams matter. Our dentists use digital X-rays to look between teeth and beneath the surface, where early decay often hides. When you do notice something, it may look or feel like one of these:
- Sensitivity to cold, heat or sweets in one area
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- A dark spot, rough edge or small hole you can feel with your tongue
- Food that keeps catching in the same place
Any of these is a good reason to schedule an exam. A filling is not always the answer, though. When decay is more extensive, we may recommend an inlay, onlay or crown, including same-day CEREC crowns. If decay has reached the inner part of a tooth, root canal therapy may be needed. We will walk you through what we see and why we are recommending a particular option.
Will getting a filling be uncomfortable?
Most patients find a filling much easier than they expect, and we take steps to keep you comfortable throughout. We numb the area before we begin, and we check in with you along the way so you never feel rushed or left out of the process.
Comfort is a big part of what we call The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That can mean a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones or essential oils while you are in the chair. For patients who feel anxious about dental work, we also offer sedation options. Nitrous oxide is available for children, and IV sedation is available for adults. If nerves have kept you from treatment, tell us, and we will talk through what might help.
How should I care for my tooth after a filling?
Care after a filling is simple: be gentle while the numbness wears off, then keep up your usual brushing, flossing and checkups. Until feeling returns, avoid chewing on that side so you don't accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. This matters especially for children, who may not realize their lip is still numb.
Some mild sensitivity in the days after treatment can happen. If your bite feels high or uneven, or if discomfort does not settle down, call the office where you were seen and we will take a look. Over the long run, the best way to protect a filled tooth is the same as protecting the rest of your smile: regular cleanings, exams and preventive care. For children, fluoride treatments and sealants are also part of the preventive care we provide.
How can I pay for a dental filling?
We work with many dental insurance plans, and the best first step is to call your nearest office so we can confirm your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients and are happy to review your treatment options before you begin.
For patients without insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, offer Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans. Each includes cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. These plans cannot be combined with insurance. We also offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance. Approval depends on each lender's qualification process, and our team can explain how to apply.
How do I schedule a filling near me?
The easiest way to get started is to call the Rivertown Dental office closest to you. We serve families from La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua, along with nearby communities such as Onalaska, West Salem, Shelby, Westby and Whitehall.
If a tooth is suddenly painful, don't wait. If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you for the earliest opening. We work to see emergencies the same day when our schedule allows, and we will do everything we can to accommodate same-day, next-day or walk-in care at any of our four offices.
Whether it is a first cavity or a long-overdue checkup, we would love to help you keep your smile healthy and comfortable. Give us a call, and let us show you what Dentistry, Done Differently. feels like.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and X-rays
Your dentist checks the tooth with an exam and digital X-rays and talks through the plan with you.
- 2
Filling the Tooth
We gently remove the decay and fill the tooth to restore its shape and function.
- 3
Aftercare and Checkups
We share simple care tips and keep an eye on your filling at your regular cleanings and exams.
Questions
Dental Fillings FAQs
How much does a dental filling cost, and will my insurance help pay for it?
The cost of a filling depends on the size and location of the cavity, so we review your treatment and costs with you before we begin. We work with many dental insurance plans, so please call your nearest Rivertown Dental office in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to confirm your coverage. If you don't have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans (the VIP Program) include a discount on treatment, and third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance is available for those who qualify.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Most patients feel pressure rather than pain, because we numb the area before we begin. Comfort is part of the Ascent Experience at every one of our Coulee Region offices, with touches like warm towelettes, blankets, support pillows, headphones and essential oils. For extra relaxation, we offer nitrous oxide for children and IV sedation for adults.
How long does a filling appointment take?
A filling is usually done in a single visit, and the length depends on how many teeth need treatment and how large the cavities are. We'll give you a time estimate when we plan your treatment, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
What is recovery like after a filling, and how long will it last?
Most people go back to their normal day right after a filling, though your lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours and the tooth can feel a little sensitive at first. How long a filling lasts varies with its size, your bite and your daily habits. Brushing, flossing and keeping up with regular cleanings and exams help us spot any wear early.
Who needs a filling, and what are the alternatives?
A filling is usually a good fit when a cavity or small area of damage can be repaired while keeping most of the natural tooth. When decay or damage is too large for a filling, we may recommend an inlay, an onlay or a crown, including same-day CEREC crowns. During your exam we'll explain your options in plain language, with no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit.