Group of smiling children representing healthy pediatric smiles in Greater St. Louis.
A small cavity shouldn't mean a big ordeal. That's why Gateway Little Smiles provides precise, comfortable dental fillings Collinsville families trust to restore strength and comfort to every smile. Led by Dr. Corey Hastings—and at our Collinsville office, Dr. Conrad Parks—we're passionate about helping kids and parents feel confident about their dental health from the very first visit. When a tooth needs repair, we make the process as gentle and simple as possible. Our goal is to restore health and peace of mind, creating an experience that's positive, stress-free, and personalized for every patient.

Why Dental Fillings Matter for Lasting Oral Health

Cavities can start small but quickly compromise a tooth’s structure. A filling restores, prevents further decay and keeps smiles strong for years to come. We don’t just fix teeth—we protect them. Using advanced materials and techniques, our fillings ensure functional results that last. We believe early intervention is key. By addressing cavities promptly, we help patients avoid more complex procedures down the road, keeping their smiles bright and their confidence high.

Types of Dental Fillings Collinsville Families Can Expect

Every smile is unique, and so are its needs. That’s why we offer a variety of filling materials designed for comfort, durability, and aesthetics.

  • Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: These natural-looking restorations blend with your enamel, making them ideal for front and visible teeth. They’re durable and long-lasting, perfect for kids or adults who want a seamless finish.
  • Glass Ionomer Fillings: A gentle, fluoride-releasing choice for children or patients with sensitive teeth. These fillings help prevent future decay while repairing current damage.

Each material serves a specific purpose, and we help patients choose what best suits their oral health goals and lifestyle.

Our Approach: Comfort, Compassion, and Precision

From the first hello to the final polish, our team focuses on creating a warm and reassuring atmosphere. We understand that dental visits—especially for kids—can bring nerves. That’s why we approach every appointment with patience and a gentle touch.

Dr. Corey Hastings and Dr. Conrad Parks both share a commitment to personalized care. Whether your child needs their first filling or you’re addressing a long-standing cavity, we take the time to explain every step and ensure comfort throughout the process.

Learn more about our doctors and their approach to pediatric dentistry on our Meet Our Doctors page.

Services That Keep Smiles Strong

While fillings are essential for repairing teeth, we also provide a range of other treatments to protect and maintain oral health.

  • Preventive Cleanings: Regular cleanings remove buildup and prevent decay before it starts. It’s the simplest way to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong.
  • Fluoride Treatments: Strengthen developing enamel and reduce the risk of cavities with professional fluoride protection during routine visits.
  • Dental Sealants: A quick, painless coating that shields molars from food particles and bacteria, ideal for kids prone to cavities.

Each service works together to create a foundation for lifelong oral health. Explore the full range of what we offer on our Services page.

What to Expect During a Filling

We begin with a detailed digital imaging examination to assess the tooth. After discussing treatment options, we gently numb the area to ensure a pain-free experience. We carefully remove the decayed portion and place, shape, and polish the filling material to perfection.

The process typically takes less than an hour—and patients leave with restored comfort and confidence. Aftercare instructions are simple; most can resume normal eating the same day.

If you’re curious about what your child’s visit might look like, our FAQs page offers helpful insights for parents.

Why Families Choose Us for Dental Fillings in Collinsville

Trust is everything when it comes to dental care. Families across the community choose us because we combine modern technology with genuine compassion. We take pride in offering care that feels personal, not clinical—because every patient deserves to feel understood and cared for.

Our Collinsville office provides a family-friendly environment where kids can feel at ease. We ensure that every location upholds the same high standard of care. From preventive visits to restorative treatments, we focus on building relationships that last as long as our fillings do.

Explore what makes our practice unique on our Our Practice page.

Find Us Easily

Conveniently located in Collinsville, our office is designed with families in mind—comfortable, bright, and easy to access. You can find directions to our location here.

Whether you’re visiting for a quick checkup or a complete restorative treatment, we ensure your visit is smooth from start to finish.

Start Protecting Your Smile Today

Strong, healthy teeth don’t just happen—they’re built with consistent care and attention. If you’ve noticed sensitivity, pain, or dark spots on your child’s teeth, don’t wait. Cavities only grow, but early treatment with dental fillings in Collinsville can stop them in their tracks.

Reach out to schedule your visit today through our Contact page and let our caring team guide you toward a healthier, happier smile.

Turning 1? Time to come!

When Should Kids See a Pediatric Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one or when the first tooth appears.

Early visits help:

  • prevent cavities
  • establish healthy oral habits
  • make dental visits feel normal and comfortable


Kids who visit the dentist early grow up with healthier habits and feel more comfortable with their dentist! If your child has celebrated their first birthday, they’re ready for a visit to Gateway Little Smiles!

We Have Three Convenient Locations!

At Gateway Little Smiles, the office amenities include TVs with streaming services, headphones for a personal experience, a variety of toys for fun breaks, a gumball machine with exciting prizes, and thoughtful goodie bags to make every day a little brighter.

Smiling child in outdoor setting symbolizing healthy smiles in Greater St. Louis.

We Love Our Patients!

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Jimmy Wilson
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Dr. Ashley and Ms. Teressa had me and my two kids in & out, with a quick but comprehensive appointment. Thank you!
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Chelsea Brown
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There so amazing
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AFineMess
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More than happy with all staff! They go above and beyond every day, and it shows!
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Randy Reitz
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Took my grandkids to this office today and was totally impressed with the service. Teressa, Zoe and Dr. Ashley were all kind, attentive and informative of their needs. It was a great experience.
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Alexandra Hurtado
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My daughter’s first dental appointment and we both had a great experience! Zoe was SO kind and made the experience less scary for my daughter and Dr. Culver was very knowledgeable and gentle with her as well! The entire office staff was really nice and welcoming. Definitely recommend for your little ones :)
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Grelissa Baker
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I love Gateway Little Smiles. Dr. Ashley was very patient, fun and personable.
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Kyesha Wilson
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I gave this place of business a 5 star because they are pretty awesome! However what i experienced today was a bit confusing. I took my 7 yr old for tooth extraction (first time ever getting a tooth pulled) when they came out to get him I was instructed to stay in waiting area..I proceed to ask why and was told “we try to do things without the parent “ now if you’re teaching independence I get it but, explain that to the parent and give them that option still . Mind you there were 3 parents after me that went back with their children , My son went back without me and ended up soiling himself which has never happened (he’s 7). I was not pleased, he told me beforehand that he was scared. Will I still recommend this place? Absolutely! But I will be verbal next time about going back with my son. I do want to mention I spoke to the front desk about it and she offered for me to go back but my attitude wasn’t in the right place. I believe if I went back with him he would have never peed himself.
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Nicole Picotte
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They are so great with kids! Even when my daughter was scared they made her feel better!
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Reva Reeder
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We absolutely love going here!