Dental Fillings Specialist in Los Angeles, CA

Dental fillings are used to repair decayed, rotted, or missing teeth, such as from cavities or other oral health diseases. These fillings are usually made of tooth-colored resin, which is a material that is mixed with mineral powder to form a hard substance that can be used to repair teeth; it can also be made of metal. Their primary purpose is to restore the tooth’s original shape and function, enabling proper tooth and jaw functions. Most dental fillings are placed during a dental examination known as a dental filling appointment. Furthermore, dental fillings can be used to repair chips, cracks, and holes in teeth. Dental fillings are used to protect the tooth, restore its appearance and function, and prevent the tooth from decaying further.

Dentists can detect cavities using a variety of methods, from a visual examination to x-ray imaging. However, recent technological advancements have changed the way modern dentistry works. These allow dentists to begin treating cavities before they start to take any serious toll on a person’s teeth. When a cavity is found in its early stages, patients receive a major benefit of only needing a small filling and of having a much quicker appointment.

The length of time a filling will last depends on several factors unique to each patient, including:

• The type of filling
• The materials that were used
• The area of the mouth
• The individual’s oral hygiene
• The lifestyle of the individual
• The expertise of the performing dentist
 
In most cases, fillings last several years, typically around 5 to 10, although, as stated above, this depends on several factors.

The different types of fillings include:

• Gold Fillings — Gold is the most durable material for a filling and can withstand years of maceration and mastication, typically between 15 and 30 years, the longest of all dental fillings. Gold fillings are not pure gold but are an alloy, a mixture of copper and other metals, such as silver.

• Amalgam (Silver) Fillings — Almost everyone is familiar with the appearance of silver fillings as they can be easy to discern due to their stark contrast with white teeth. They are incredibly durable, only behind gold for the highest durability, and last on average between 10 to 15 years. Amalgam fillings are also the least expensive option, which is why they were the most widely used for over 100 years.

• Composite Fillings — Composite fillings are made of a mixture of resin (a hard polymer) and glass or quartz particles. They last about 5 to 7 years.
 
Other types of fillings include:
• Porcelain Fillings
• Tooth-Colored Bonded Fillings
 
If you need a dental filling, trust the dental professionals at Le Chic Dentist to deliver a higher quality of care. Call us today to book an appointment with our dental fillings specialist. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Santa Monica CA, Beverly Hills CA, Inglewood CA, Marina Del Rey CA, El Segundo CA, and BEYOND!