866-989-1335
866-989-1335
Book Appointment
Book Appointment
866-989-1335

Tooth Colored Fillings Orange County, Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Mission Viejo | Tooth Decay

Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth Colored Fillings in Orange County in Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Ladera Ranch

Tooth Colored Fillings in Orange County are the Best Choice for Cavities

When you have tooth decay, it is essential to remove the decay and fill the cavity before any further damage occurs. Patients have a few choices when it comes to material and color of the filling.

Choosing Dental Fillings

Your choice of materials for that filling includes the old standard, inexpensive silver amalgam. However, most people now choose tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin. Composite resins come in a variety of tooth-colored shades so that the dentist can match the shade to your teeth.

Benefits of Colored Fillings Made of Composite Resins

With advances in dental technology, composite resins are stronger than ever. So, for most fillings, they are a great choice.

  • They strengthen your teeth as the material bonds directly to the tooth structure, holding it together.
  • The bond at the filling interface creates a seal that resists micro-leakage, inhibiting recurrent decay that forms when food and bacteria get in at the margins of a filling.
  • Tooth colored fillings are more attractive than silver amalgam fillings.
  • Composite resin supports the tooth structure, insulates it from extreme temperatures, and remains sturdy when used for small to medium dental fillings.
  • One of many benefits of tooth colored fillings is that they are compatible with sealants that are used to protect chewing surfaces from further decay.

Sealants are especially recommended for children, but they can be helpful to people at any age. At 7 Day Dental, we can perform both procedures in a single sitting. So don’t delay these dental procedures – call us to make an appointment for tooth colored fillings and dental sealants.

Silver Amalgam Filling vs. Composite Colored Filling
There may be a few instances of a large cavity on a biting surface of a molar where a dentist would recommend a silver amalgam filling for extra strength. On the other hand, amalgam tends to expand and contract with heat, causing teeth to crack. Composite is bonded to the tooth, however, and can withstand the pressure from chewing rather well.
 
Is Porcelain Crown a Good Choice?
In the case of a large area of decay on a biting surface, a porcelain crown may be a better choice than any filling. As always, your 7 Day Dental dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
 
Treat a Cavity at the Earliest
It is important to stress that not treating a cavity will lead to further decay, reaching all the way to the root of your tooth. If that happens, you will need to undergo a root canal procedure and may even lose the tooth. Consequently, treating cavities promptly with a tooth colored filling made of strong composite resin is the best option for your oral health and attractive smile.

FAQs for Tooth Colored Fillings in Orange County

Cavities, properly known as dental caries, are areas of infection, or decay in your tooth. There may be no symptoms. A common symptom is tooth pain, particularly after eating sweet, hot, or cold foods and beverages. There may also be visible pits or holes in the teeth. Most cavities are discovered during routine dental exams and confirmed by x-rays.

The bacteria in your mouth convert carbohydrates in food into acids. The bacteria, acids, and saliva combine to form a sticky substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. The acids in plaque damage tooth enamel and create cavities. Since sugars and starches increase the risk of tooth decay, it is best to minimize their consumption.

Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the tooth. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky food because they remain on the teeth. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming sugary foods and beverages helps prevent cavities. You should brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Also, regular dental exams and professional cleaning at least every six months are recommended.

Dental sealants may prevent some cavities. These are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. The sealant prevents the accumulation of plaque in the grooves of the molar surface. Sealants are often applied on the teeth of children after the molars erupt. Adults may also benefit from dental sealants. Another procedure to consider for preventing cavities is having fluoride varnish applied.

Your dentist will often see evidence of a cavity during an exam. If you have symptoms, tell your dentist. An x-ray will confirm the location and extent of the cavity. Usually, you can get your tooth colored filling immediately, as the composite resin does not require advance preparation.

It is essential to treat this decay as soon as possible, and the first step is removing the existing crown. Your dentist will not know the full extent of the damage until the crown is removed.

Here are the possible scenarios:

1) If the cavity goes too close to the pulp, you may have to have a root canal treatment if you haven’t had one yet.

2) You may need a procedure known as crown lengthening. Crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue to expose more of the tooth and, possibly, taking away some of the bone that supports your tooth. This is done to create room for the dentist to remove the entire cavity and still prepare the tooth for a restoration.

3) You may have to have the tooth pulled if the decay has spread too far into the tooth. The best replacement for an individual tooth is an implant capped with a porcelain crown.

4) If you keep the tooth, you will most likely need a new crown made.

Dental Emergency?

Emergency Dental Care

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

866-989-1335

Our Emergency Dentist are ready
to serve you.