Dental Fillings

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are a restorative treatment that repairs minor to moderate tooth damage. Fillings replace tooth tissue lost due to decay. They can also be used to strengthen a tooth that is chipped or fractured. 

Fillings are among the most common type of restorative dental care. According to research compiled by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 92% of adult Americans have at least one cavity, and 26% have not received treatment for those areas of decay. 

Why is it important to treat dental decay?

Cavities are tiny holes or openings in the hard tissue of your teeth. They develop when plaque is not regularly removed from your teeth, and the acids in that plaque erode your tooth enamel. Over time, that decay continues, penetrating deeper into your tooth tissue. 

Left untreated, decay will advance until it reaches the pulp-filled inner chamber of your teeth. Infected pulp leads to pain, a risk of an abscess, and potentially even tooth or bone loss. Dental fillings stop decay and protect your teeth from further damage. 

Before and After Images

What kinds of dental fillings are available?

Santa Monica Bay Dental offers both amalgam and composite resin fillings. There are pros and cons to each option, and your dentist works with you to find the right match for your needs. 

Amalgam

These silver-colored fillings are the most affordable choice and are also very durable. Amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years, but they are also highly visible and require the destruction of more natural tooth tissue than other options. 

Composite resin

These tooth-colored fillings look great and are virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth tissue. They give your teeth added structural support without removing much of your natural tooth tissue. They are more costly than amalgam fillings and tend to wear out faster. 

During your dental exam, your dentist will discuss your filling options in detail to allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment plan. 

If you’re concerned about cavities and ready to move forward with restorative care, call the office to book an exam, or try the easy online booking tool.