Dental Filling
Treat cavities with metal free fillings
We match your tooth color with our composite fillings so no one would guess you had a dental work!
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Composite Dental Fillings in Los Gatos, CA
A composite dental filling is a tooth-colored material used to fill cavities and repair cracks and minor fractures. Composite fillings look very similar to your natural tooth enamel, which has made them the most widely used fillings in recent times.
Metal fillings such as silver amalgam and gold were prominent before composite filling became popular. Though metal fillings were effective in sealing the cavity and stopping further decay of the tooth, they are rarely used nowadays. The reason behind this is that metal fillings left dark patches on the teeth. This would ruin the aesthetics of one’s smile. Also, metal fillings could have toxic reactions with the enamel, leading to further infections.
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues we treat at Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group. If you have a cavity, we can repair the damage caused by tooth decay and fill the space with durable, tooth-colored composite filling to preserve the beauty of your smile. We also replace worn dental fillings or metal fillings if you prefer a more natural-looking solution.
Our highly skilled dentists are proud to offer a wide range of dental services all under one roof to serve the needs of families throughout the South Bay Area.
When Should I Get a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are a restorative dental treatment that repairs tooth decay and treats minor fractures. Dental fillings even out the surface of a tooth while also improving the jaw’s function for chewing and biting.
A dental filling is necessary if tooth decay is causing you to experience sensitivity or pain or if your dentist discovers an obvious cavity. This form of treatment protects the affected tooth from further decay. If left untreated, the cavity will progress, leading to serious decay, bone loss, or even tooth extraction. It’s better to get a simple dental filling rather than wait and risk more costly and invasive dental procedures.
The filling process involves cleaning out the decayed portion of the tooth and then packing the area with dental filling material. At Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group, we use composite fillings. Dental fillings can also repair tooth cracks, breaks, or undue wear caused by habits like nail-biting or tooth grinding.
Why Are Composite Fillings Sought After?
Many options are available for tooth fillings, each with its own advantages. However, our dental practice prefers durable and natural-looking composite fillings. Also called composite resin, this material — consisting of a ceramic and plastic compound — offers various benefits to our patients:
- Their appearance matches that of the enamel, allowing them to go unnoticed.
- They have excellent sealing properties — hence, they prevent the decayed tooth from getting reinfected.
- They are quite long-lasting.
- They are strong and durable, which results in lesser wear of the filling.
- They are resistant to staining.
- They prevent the failure of a tooth by sealing a crack and preventing further crack propagation.
- They can restore the shape of chipped teeth.
- They can eliminate large gaps between adjacent teeth.
The Dental Fillings Procedure
When you visit our dental practice for the initial consultation, the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and determine whether you require fillings. Based on the candidacy, you will be prepared for the procedure. The dentist cleans the teeth and removes the adhered tartar deposits using a hand-held scaling device. The cavity will be scrubbed to get rid of the decay, and the debris will be washed away using a jet of water.
The dentist prepares a filling material using a composite resin. It will be matched with the color, texture, and translucency of the teeth. An etching solution is applied to the decayed area to roughen it so the filling firmly bonds to the enamel. The filling is placed on the etched surface and shaped accordingly. A curing light is used to harden it, after which the filling may be trimmed to bring it to the right contour. Then, it will be polished so it matches the appearance of the tooth.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
There is no definite life span for fillings. Their life depends on numerous factors, including their placement, size, and the individual’s oral habits. While composite fillings are durable, those placed at the back of your mouth endure high pressure from biting and chewing, causing them to wear out faster. Smaller fillings tend to last longer as they usually encounter fewer issues.
Most dentists agree that, with good oral hygiene and proper care, fillings last longer. In many instances, composite fillings can last up to 10 years or more.
How Do I Care for My Dental Fillings?
How do you care for composite fillings, and how can you improve their longevity? Here are some tips:
- Practice daily oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing twice a day limits bacterial growth in the mouth and can improve the overall life span of your dental fillings. Also, brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush can reduce wear on the filling. Using a fluoride toothpaste makes the teeth stronger and prevents cavities.
- Avoid hard foods: Biting and chewing hard things may damage your dental fillings, which is why it is always better to avoid hard foods like candy.
- Get a mouthguard if you suffer from bruxism: Bruxism is an oral health condition in which patients grind or clench their teeth. These actions put pressure on the teeth and can cause your filling to wear out faster. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help preserve your filling and natural teeth.
- Watch what you eat and drink: Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can increase your risk of enamel erosion and potentially cause issues with your composite fillings.
Get Tooth Fillings in Los Gatos
While cavities are a highly common dental issue, unsightly metal fillings broadcast that you’ve had dental work performed. At Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group, we treat cavities with metal-free composite dental fillings so no one will know you’ve had a tooth filling procedure. If you suspect you have a cavity, don’t wait. Our dentists would be happy to talk you through a dental filling treatment and discuss the cost.
Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (408) 371-1070 to have a consultation with any of our Los Gatos Dental Group dentists, and we will be happy to help!
