A dental filling is a treatment used to restore a tooth damaged by decay to its normal function and shape. Fillings are among the most common dental procedures performed worldwide, and they can be made from different materials, depending on the patient’s needs. 

At California Center for Laser Dentistry, we use dental fillings to fix teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay and prevent future decay from occurring in those teeth. 

Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in the mouth mix with the sugars and starch in your food, producing acid, which eats away at the tooth's enamel and creates a hole. If left untreated, this hole can get bigger over time, leading to the need to have a dental crown placed over the tooth. If a cavity is treated early with a filling, the tooth can be preserved without further treatment.

Types of Dental Fillings

Metal Fillings

Metal fillings are made from metal alloys like gold, silver, or tin-zinc. These metal fillings have been used for decades to fill cavities because of their durability, strength, and ease of placement. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing than a composite resin filling and tend to show more wear over time. 

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored fillings applied to the teeth to repair minor damage, such as cavities, or replace old, unattractive metal fillings. Most patients prefer composite fillings because they blend in with natural teeth so well that it is difficult to tell where they have been applied. 

Amalgam Fillings

Many adult patients prefer amalgam fillings due to their affordability. They are solid and can withstand biting pressure well, making them perfect for back teeth that must bear a lot of force. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing than other fillings because of their silver color.

Fillings Prevent the Spread of Tooth Decay

A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by decay and bacteria that destroy the natural tooth structure. If left untreated, it can lead to an infection in the pulp tissue of your tooth. Cavities often do not cause any symptoms until they grow large and deep. 

It is essential to keep up with proper oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to prevent cavities in the first place. Still, if you already have one or more, fillings are your best treatment option for restoring your oral health.

We can prevent further damage by filling these holes with a resin composite or porcelain material. If an infection has already reached the pulp tissue of your tooth, we can restore the tooth by removing the infected tissue and filling the space with a tooth-colored filling to prevent further destruction and restore the appearance of your smile at the same time. We often recommend crowns over the tooth after this procedure to provide extra support and protection. 

Dental fillings are a cost-effective way to restore your smile’s functionality and provide protection against further decay and damage. Visit California Center for Laser Dentistry at 1844 San Miguel Dr #106, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, or call (925) 939-3997 to schedule your appointment.