Dental cavities are extremely common and affect more than half of all adults. Decay begins when bacteria in plaque produces an acid that dissolves the enamel on teeth. Once the acid erodes the outer layer of enamel and breaks through to the dentin, a cavity is formed. The cavity must be repaired, or it will continue to worsen over time and collapse in on itself. If the bacteria are allowed to access the inner structures of the tooth, or the pulp, an abscess can form. The cavity must be repaired using a dental filling. Our specialist for dental fillings in Los Angeles can provide you with several options that may vary depending on the size and location of your cavity.

Amalgam fillings are one of the most common fillings available today. They are made of several types of metal mixed with liquid mercury. Also known as silver fillings, amalgam fillings are strong and long lasting, but because they tend to turn dark or black over time, many people find them aesthetically unappealing. Our Los Angeles dental fillings dentist suggests using silver fillings only in molars or using white fillings when aesthetics are a concern.

Our specialist for dental fillings in Los Angeles also offers white fillings. White fillings can be made of composite resin, glass ionomer or porcelain. White fillings form a secure chemical bond with the tooth, which means that less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed for retention grooves. They do not last as long as silver fillings, but they offer a subtle, natural-looking restoration that is often more appealing to many people.

Restoring a tooth using a dental filling will require two steps: preparing the tooth and placing the filling. Our Los Angeles dental fillings dentist will first remove the decayed portion of tooth and clean the tooth thoroughly. The filling will then be placed. If you have received a silver filling, you will need to avoid using the filling for the remainder of the day. White fillings are ready to use immediately. Our dentist will provide you with further instructions to help you get the best results out of your restorations.

Contact our Los Angeles dentist to schedule your consultation.