At Alta Dental Care in Upland, dental visits always mean comfortable, effective care. Though a routine dental procedure, dental fillings serve a foundational role in preventing more severe oral health issues. Set up your appointment today for top-tier dental fillings that can provide lasting benefits.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a basic, pain-free, and effective dental restoration. When decay begins eating away at a tooth, the first stage will be a cavity. These pockets of decay start out small, but an untreated cavity can progressively worsen. Dental fillings involve clearing out the decay and then “filling” the cavity with a restorative material.
Filling Materials
The choice of materials will depend on your goals, budget, and aesthetic preferences, with each option offering distinct advantages.
- Composite Resin: The most popular. Good durability and excellent aesthetics for a natural look.
- Amalgam (Silver) or Gold: Extremely long-lasting, best for rear teeth to minimize aesthetic impact.
- Ceramic/Porcelain: Best for resisting stains and providing a good cosmetic effect.
- Glass Ionomer: Less durable but releases fluoride to bolster dental health.
Benefits of Getting Dental Fillings ASAP
- Cost-effective treatment
- Stops tooth decay in its tracks
- Prevent more extensive restorations later
- Improves tooth stability
- Natural look (for some materials)
- Reduces tooth sensitivity or discomfort
- Restores ease of chewing
What to Expect During Treatment
- Step 1: Comprehensive Exam
We take the time to ensure each patient gets the precise treatment needed. Our dentist will perform an oral exam to detect any cavities. You may also get an X-ray when a visual exam is not enough. - Step 2: Tooth Preparation
We numb the area with local anesthetic and then our dentist clears out decay. Even though this procedure is routine, it requires attentive care to ensure no bacteria remain in the cavity. - Step 3: Placing Filling
We place a filling of your chosen material into the cavity. This seals off the cavity from external bacteria and materials. - Step 4: Shaping & Polishing
The last step involves making sure the filling molds well to the tooth and feels natural when you bite down. We carefully polish it down until it is perfectly shaped to match your tooth’s natural structure.
Is a Dental Filling Right for Me?
Best for Patient Who:
- Has minor decay
- Has an old filling that needs replacing
You May Need an Alternative If:
- You have a cracked tooth
- You have more extensive decay
Book Your Appointment
Dental fillings help you halt tooth decay before it can leave lasting damage to your smile. Call our office to set up an appointment for long-lasting dental fillings in Upland at Alta Dental Care.