Dental Fillings in Arlington Heights
Dental fillings in Arlington Heights for children and adults with a cavity, chip or worn spot. Dr. Bilus D Poles DDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA, explains your options and repairs the tooth, often in one visit.
5.0 on Google · 541 reviews
- 5.0Google rating
- 541Google reviews
- 2,500+Hours of continuing education
- 2Dental degrees (DDS)
- MAGD: Master of the Academy of General Dentistry
- ICOI and IDIA Board Certified Diplomate
- Most major dental plans accepted
Dental fillings repair teeth damaged by cavities, small cracks or wear. The dentist removes the decayed part and fills the space to restore the tooth’s shape and seal it. Omni Dental places fillings for children and adults in Arlington Heights, with each tooth treated by Dr. Bilus D Poles DDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA.
What causes a tooth cavity?
A cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by decay. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugar and make acid, and that acid slowly dissolves the enamel. Over time a weak spot becomes a tooth cavity that will not heal on its own.
Cavities usually form in three places:
- Chewing surfaces of back teeth, where grooves trap food.
- Between teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Along the gumline, especially where gums have pulled back.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Many cavities cause no pain at first. That is why they are often found at a checkup before you notice anything. When symptoms do show up, they can include:
- Sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods
- A sharp twinge when you bite down
- A dark spot or hole you can see
- Food that keeps catching in the same place
Dr. Poles checks for a cavity by looking, feeling the surface and reading X-rays. X-rays show decay between teeth that a mirror can’t.
Types of dental fillings compared
The right material depends on the size and place of the cavity, how hard you bite, and how much the look matters to you. The table compares common filling types in general.
| Material | Look | Often used for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite resin | Matches your tooth | Small to medium cavities | Bonds to the tooth, so less drilling |
| Amalgam (silver) | Silver, darkens over time | Back teeth with heavy chewing | Very durable, but easy to see |
| Glass ionomer | Tooth-colored, less glossy | Near the gumline, baby teeth | Releases some fluoride, wears faster |
| Ceramic or gold inlay | Natural or gold | Cavities too big for a filling | Made to fit, usually two visits |
Dr. Poles tells you which he recommends for your tooth, and why.
When decay or a crack has weakened most of a tooth, a filling may not be strong enough. Then a crown that covers the whole tooth is often the better choice.
What happens when you get a filling?
Most fillings are done in a single visit, following the four steps shown on this page. A few details help you know what to expect:
- A tooth-colored filling goes in layers, each hardened with a special light.
- To check your bite, you bite on thin paper so any high spots can be adjusted.
What to expect after a filling
Your lip and tongue may stay numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing on that side and hot drinks until the numbness wears off.
Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days is common. If your bite feels high, or the sensitivity gets worse, call so Dr. Poles can check it.
What if a cavity is too deep for a filling?
If decay reaches the nerve, the nerve can become inflamed or infected. Signs include lingering pain after hot or cold, throbbing, or swelling near the tooth.
A tooth like this may need a root canal before it can be restored. Here is how a root canal works and when it can save a tooth. Catching cavities early is the simplest way to avoid bigger treatment.
Fillings, bonding or a crown?
Not every damaged tooth needs the same repair. As a rough guide:
- A small chip or rough edge on a front tooth is often smoothed with tooth-colored bonding.
- A small or medium cavity usually gets a filling.
- A large cavity, crack or old, failing filling may need a crown.
Fillings for children’s teeth
Baby teeth get cavities too. They hold space for adult teeth and help children chew and speak. Decay in them can spread and cause pain.
Small cavities in children’s teeth are often fixed with a tooth-colored filling in a short visit. We explain each step in simple words, so kids know what to expect.
How to prevent cavities
Most cavities can be prevented with a few steady habits:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth every day.
- Cut back on sipping sugary drinks or snacking through the day.
- Keep up with regular cleanings and exams.
- Ask whether sealants suit your child’s back teeth. Dr. Poles tells you if he recommends them.
Why choose Omni Dental for your fillings?
Dr. Poles brings 22+ years in dentistry. He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry with 2,500+ hours of continuing education.
Omni Dental is rated 5.0 on Google from 541 reviews and accepts most major dental plans.
The office at 305 E. Rand Road is open Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Read what to expect at your first visit, then call (847) 483-8833.
Meet your dentist
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Every treatment plan at Omni Dental is led by Dr. Poles, from checkups and cleanings to full-arch implant care.
- MAGDMaster of the Academy of General Dentistry
- ICOIBoard Certified Diplomate, Implantology
- IDIABoard Certified Diplomate, Implants
- LaserCertificate in Dental Laser Surgery
- Illinois license #019.027365
Your options
Which repair fits your tooth?
Dr. Poles matches the repair to how much of the tooth is damaged.
Tooth-colored fillings
Composite resin that matches your tooth shade, used for small and medium cavities on front and back teeth.
Dental bonding
Tooth-colored resin used to repair small chips and rough edges on front teeth.
Root canal care
When decay reaches the nerve, a root canal can save the tooth before it is rebuilt and protected.
Crowns
A full cover for a tooth weakened by a large cavity, crack or old filling.
Step by step
How does a filling visit work?
- 1
Exam and X-rays
Dr. Poles finds the cavity, checks how deep it goes and explains your material options.
- 2
Numbing
The tooth and nearby gums are numbed so you feel pressure but not sharp pain.
- 3
Remove and fill
The decay is removed and the space is filled, shaped and hardened.
- 4
Bite check
We adjust your bite and polish the filling so it feels natural when you chew.
Smile gallery
Real smiles from our office
Drag the handle to compare. Every photo shows a real Omni Dental patient.
Trusted and recognized
Affiliated with leading dental organizations
Dr. Poles is a member of leading dental associations and has completed more than 2,500 hours of continuing education.
Proud member of our local chambers of commerce
Insurance
We accept most major dental plans
We accept most major dental plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental and MetLife. Bring your insurance card and we will check your benefits before treatment starts.
Not sure about your plan? Call (847) 483-8833 and our front desk will look it up with you.
- + most other major dental plans
Google reviews
Rated 5.0 on Google
Real words from real patients. Omni Dental holds a 5.0 rating from 541 reviews on Google.
- Katherine BastermajianMay 20, 2026★★★★★
He’s fabulous. Extremely nice and professional.
- AshtarMay 6, 2026★★★★★
I had a really great experience at Omni Dental! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and the office was super clean and organized. Dr.Bilus is very honest and explained everything clearly without pushing unnecessary work. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a good dentist!!!
- George BitarMay 4, 2026★★★★★
The experience was amazing. I came in for a crown and I did not feel a thing. The process from beginning to end was the easiest process and I highly recommend Omni and Dr Poles. Thank you for everything
- SuNnY Mad1omApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Very careful with teeth and they treat you very nicely
- Rami LilouApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Been going to this doctor since I was 5, even at his old office, amazing and smooth experience everytime
- Jorge MendezApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Mayra and Atziri are very helpful with insurance. Isabel and Maribel are great assistants.
- Andrea ArroyoApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Such a mellow and genuine office and staff. Dr poles is genuinely honest and tells things like they are. Mayra at the front was such a sweet person and perfect customer service. Definitely found my dentist
- JessicaApril 28, 2026★★★★★
I had a great experience here ,all the staff is super friendly and great doctor :)
- Carlos Enrique Rodríguez SantanaApril 25, 2026★★★★★
Me fue muy bien con mis brakets muy buena atención muy atentos recomendado
Patient video testimonials
Real patients. Real stories.
Hear how patients feel about their care at Omni Dental, in their own words.
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Joseph L.Joseph shares his experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
-
Asja S.Asja's patient experience at Omni Dental
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Ramsen S.Why I keep coming back to Omni Dental
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Lisa K.Lisa shares her experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
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Sarah A.Outstanding dental care at Omni Dental
Does insurance cover a filling?
Many dental plans include fillings as a basic restorative service.
Plans we accept
We accept most major dental plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental and MetLife.
What sets the cost
The number of surfaces, the material and the tooth involved all affect cost. Ask your plan how it covers each material.
Areas we serve
Close to home in the northwest suburbs
Our one office at 305 E. Rand Road in Arlington Heights sees patients from these nearby cities.
- Arlington Heights
- Schaumburg
- Buffalo Grove
- Palatine
- Mount Prospect
- Des Plaines
- Rolling Meadows
- Dental implants in Hoffman Estates
- Sleep apnea care in Elk Grove Village
All 58 communities we serve
Prospect Heights · Wheeling · Northbrook · Deerfield · Park Ridge · Bensenville · Glenview · Niles · Bloomingdale · Hanover Park · Morton Grove · Addison · Highland Park · Franklin Park · Mundelein · Bartlett · Elmhurst · Skokie · Wilmette · Libertyville · Villa Park · Lake Forest · Carpentersville · Carol Stream · Elmwood Park · Lombard · Melrose Park · Bellwood · Glen Ellyn · Evanston · Cary · Elgin · Maywood · Wheaton · Algonquin · Lincoln Square · Rogers Park · Westchester · Avondale · Oak Park · South Elgin · North Chicago · Grayslake · West Chicago · Uptown · Berwyn · Brookfield · Downers Grove · Gurnee
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do not see your question? Call us and we will talk it through.
Call (847) 483-8833Does getting a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic first, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than sharp pain. Tell Dr. Poles if you feel anything sharp during the visit, so more numbing can be given.
How long does a filling take?
A single filling often takes under an hour, including numbing. Larger fillings, or several at once, take longer. If you need a lot of work, Dr. Poles may suggest splitting it into more than one visit.
How much does a filling cost?
Cost depends on the material, how many surfaces of the tooth are involved, and which tooth it is. Many dental plans include fillings as a basic restorative service. Ask for a written estimate, and check how your plan treats each material.
What type of dental filling is the strongest?
Gold and ceramic restorations are often the most durable, and silver amalgam holds up well on back teeth. Tooth-colored composite is strong enough for most small and medium cavities. Dr. Poles explains which options fit your tooth, bite and goals.
Can a cavity go away on its own?
No. Very early weak spots in the enamel can sometimes harden again with fluoride and good care. Once decay has made a hole, it keeps growing until it is cleaned out and filled.
When can I eat after a filling?
Tooth-colored fillings are hardened with a light, so they are set when you leave. Wait until the numbness wears off before chewing, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Dr. Poles gives you instructions for your case.