Restore & Rejuvenate Your Smile With Dr. Fredericks
Did you know that 90 percent of adult patients in the United States have had at least one cavity in their lifetime? Despite being a common dental issue, sometimes tooth-colored fillings are needed to restore teeth affected by cavities or bacterial infection. At Southern Cal Smiles, our restorative dentist near Calabasas, CA, can place natural-looking dental fillings in one visit to protect your tooth’s natural structure.
Dr. Susan Fredericks has helped countless patients in Woodland Hills, Encino, and Hidden Hills restore their smiles following dental damage and decay. Discover how she can rejuvenate your smile with durable composite fillings by reading our guide below.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Also known as composite fillings, tooth-colored filings can restore your smile’s appearance and function. Cavities can take a toll on your tooth’s bite and can slowly result in an exposed root if not treated right away. The composite resin of dental fillings not only prevents further decay but also evens out your tooth’s surface to make biting and chewing easier. Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, composite fillings blend with your surrounding teeth for a restored, natural appearance.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings offer several benefits that old metal-based fillings can’t match such as:
- Natural Appearance: Dr. Fredericks will customize your fillings to the shade of your teeth for a seamless appearance. Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings will help you maintain a healthy smile without sacrificing your confidence.
- Durability & Longevity: Composite fillings can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. They’re also durable enough to withstand your daily activities.
- Preserves Tooth Structure: Tooth-colored fillings require less of your tooth’s enamel to be removed compared to metal fillings. This will preserve your tooth’s natural structure.
- Mercury-Free: Mercury from metal fillings can break down and stain your teeth and gums over time. Tooth-colored fillings are mercury-free, making them a superior restoration option.
What Can Tooth-Colored Fillings Fix?
Tooth-colored dental fillings can fix a variety of restorative and cosmetic dental issues. Our dentist in Woodland Hills, CA, may recommend filing to patients struggling with:
- Lost or broken fillings
- Cavities or bacterial infection
- Dark spots on teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Frequent toothaches
- Severely decayed teeth
- Cracked or damaged teeth
Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredericks if you suspect you need a tooth filling. If left untreated, cavities and tooth decay can lead to further health compilations that may require more expensive, invasive procedures. Our restorative dentist will evaluate your situation and work to determine the best solution for your oral health needs.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process
Depending on your oral health, you can receive tooth-colored fillings from our Woodland Hills dentist in just one appointment. Dr. Fredericks will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic and your sedation preference, which will be decided during your initial consultation.
Once the numbness has set in, Dr. Fredericks will carefully remove the decayed area of the enamel to ensure your tooth is free of bacteria. She’ll then lightly etch the tooth before applying the composite resin, which is then hardened with a special light for durability.
Our dentist will continue to apply and harden layers of resin until the tooth is strong and even. Any excess resin will be polished and smoothed over for a more natural appearance.
Tooth-Colored Filling Treatment Aftercare
Immediately after your dental filling is placed and dried, Dr. Fredericks will polish and smooth the tooth. Once the anesthesia wears off, you may notice some sensitivity to heat, cold, sweetness, pressure, and more. However, these symptoms are temporary and shouldn’t last longer than one to two weeks.
You should continue a good home oral care routine, in addition to regular dental exams and cleanings at our dental office near Encino, CA, to maintain your filling. Dr. Fredericks will monitor the condition of your restoration at each visit to ensure your smile is healthy for years to come.
Does Insurance Cover Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Most dental insurance companies cover a part of the cost of tooth-colored fillings. Our office will help you determine your coverage and personal cost during your initial consultation. We also offer several payment methods and financing options to fit your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your tooth-colored fillings can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. To get the most out of your dental restoration, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene such as:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Gently floss daily in between your teeth
- Rinsing with mouthwash between meals
We also encourage patients to schedule biannual visits to our Southern California dentist for routine dental cleanings and exams. These appointments will help keep your oral health in prime condition.
Receiving a dental filling is a painless experience. Dr. Fredericks will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel a thing. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide sedation to make their visits more relaxing.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort once the numbness subsides, but any pain will fade within a few days. You can use over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any soreness in the meantime.
Depending on your oral health, our dentist can remove and replace old metal fillings. Dr. Fredericks will evaluate your current filling to determine if replacement is a safe option. Schedule an appointment at our Woodland Hills, CA dental office by calling 818-346-3337 to learn if you’re eligible for a beautiful tooth-colored filling.