Restore the Healthy Function and Beautiful Brilliance of Your Smile with Composite Fillings

Pearls of Dentistry offers the latest dental filling technology to repair cavities and minor tooth damage. Drs. Lynne Thomas and Juergen Langenbach use composite fillings as a simple and easy solution for restoring your teeth’s form and function. Unlike amalgam fillings popular years ago, composite is colored to match the shade of your natural teeth to generate undetectable results. If you need a tooth filling in Poway, California, schedule an appointment today with our dental team. We can’t wait to give you a healthy, cavity-free smile.

What should I expect when getting a filling?

Placing a composite filling is a minimally invasive procedure often completed in a single dental visit. The dentist begins the treatment by inspecting the tooth in question to determine whether only a filling is required. Severe damage or decay may need to be fixed with other treatment options, like a ceramic onlay or partial crown. Teeth with decay, left untreated can result in needing root canals.

If only a filling is needed, the dentist will remove the decayed portions and clean the area to remove all traces of decay. Then, we’ll fill the resulting hollowed cavity with layered composite resin. A ceramic filling can be used instead of composite resin. Next, we’ll shape your filling before using a special curing light to harden the material. We’ll then adjust your filling until your bite looks and feels natural. Finally, the dentist will polish your filling to mimic the contours of your natural teeth.

What are the benefits of composite or ceramic fillings?

Cavities are common dental problems but are easily treatable with composite and/or ceramic fillings. Our dentistry uses the safest materials, even for addressing minor issues like cavities. We prefer composite and/or ceramic fillings because they offer the following benefits.

  • Natural appearance: Composites are created from tooth-colored materials for a seamless appearance.
  • Conservative treatment: Placing a composite filling is a minimally invasive procedure in which we remove only a small portion of the tooth structure.
  • Safety: Composite fillings are made from safe and biocompatible materials, providing a safe option for tooth restoration.
  • Optimal bond: A composite filling chemically bonds with the tooth to create an airtight seal against future bacterial attacks.
  • Thermal resistance: Composites have strong insulating properties, remaining intact despite temperature changes. This protects your tooth from cracks that can occur over time when the filling changes in size.

How long do composite and ceramic fillings last?

Composite resin is an easily moldable material in its raw form, the life expectancy depends on the size. The larger the size the shorter the life. In such cases, opting for a ceramic filling may be advisable. Ceramic fillings are stronger and support the tooth differently than composite fillings. Conservative composite fillings can last over ten years, but the longevity depends on several factors.

Some include:

  • Oral hygiene: A diet rich in sugar and acids will likely wear out your fillings faster.
  • Smoking: Unlike ceramic, composite fillings are easily stained, ruining aesthetics. Avoid tobacco use and other enamel-staining substances to keep your filling looking its best.
  • Location: Fillings in the posterior teeth wear out faster than those in the front because of the everyday grinding and chewing forces.
  • Bruxism: Excessive forces from chronic teeth grinding will damage your fillings if you don’t wear a nightguard.

Need a tooth filling in Poway, California? Pearls of Dentistry is here to help restore the function and appearance of your smile. Drs. Thomas and Langenbach use the latest materials to ensure your fillings are durable and lifelikeโ€”call (858) 451-3110 to start your treatment.