- Dental Fillings
DO DENTISTRY | Pasadena | Monterey Park
DO Dentistry
In need of dental fillings?
Dental fillings are a common treatment for cavities and tooth decay. Fillings are used to prevent minor decay from rapidly spreading bacteria into the tooth’s pulp, thus avoiding a root canal.
To treat a cavity we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.
Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).
DO DENTISTRY is your #1 stop for dental fillings.
Types of dental fillings:
Tooth-colored Composites
Made of composite resin, this filling is a great choice if you want a filling that is the same shade as your teeth. Tooth-colored composites chemically bond to the tooth for added strength.
Dental Amalgam
This is a highly durable filling, often lasting a lifetime for some patients. Commonly referred to as “silver” fillings, dental amalgams are a long-used, trusted filling.
Dental Fillings Procedure
Fillings take no longer than an hour to complete. Composite resin fillings generally take a bit longer than other options, but they come with their own set of benefits. Local anesthesia is applied if necessary to numb the area so that you are comfortable throughout.
What Steps Are Involved in Filling a Tooth?
First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist’s comfort level, training, and investment in the particular piece of equipment as well as location and extent of the decay.
Next, your dentist will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.
Several additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings and are as follows. After your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area, the tooth-colored material is applied in layers. Next, a special light that “cures” or hardens each layer is applied. When the multilayering process is completed, the dentist will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.
DO DENTISTRY's Commitment to Your Health
Everyone deserves excellent dentistry with a warm, respectful human touch. At DO DENTISTRY, we believe that prevention and education is key to achieving great oral health. This is why we work with each and every patient to develop and establish a customized dental hygiene plan that incorporates dental exams, digital x-rays, and thorough dental cleanings. If any additional treatments or procedures are needed, we will always thoroughly explain your options and provide professional advice. We want to empower you to make the most informed decision for your well-being.
If you have any questions regarding the general dental services we provide, please call our Pasadena office at (626) 639–3309 or our Monterey Park office at (626) 576-5933.