Dental fillings for healthy teeth in Walnut Creek, CA
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures performed in the United States – in fact, it is estimated that 175 million dental fillings are completed each year. At Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek, we use a conservative approach when it comes to dental fillings, saving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, and offer a variety of filling materials for our patients in the Walnut Creek, CA area.
Why a dentist may recommend a dental filling
Dental fillings are used to restore health and function to teeth that have cavities (also called dental caries). Cavities form when plaque builds up on your teeth, which provides a protective area for bacteria to grow and multiply. Over time, the acidic byproducts of the bacteria and plaque start to wear down the enamel of your tooth, and they then begin to infiltrate the next layer, called dentin. If left untreated, the decay can continue even further into the pulp of your tooth, where the nerve and blood vessels are located, which can cause intense pain and discomfort.
Patients may be at a risk for forming cavities due to a variety of factors, such as:
- Insufficient oral hygiene – if you don’t brush and floss regularly, food debris remains on and in between your teeth and contributes to plaque formation
- Consuming sugary foods and drinks – these contribute to the development of plaque and proliferation of bacteria
- Genetics – some people have a higher genetic predisposition to tooth decay due to the shape, size, and location of their teeth
- Age – children and older adults are at a higher risk of developing cavities
- Dry mouth – saliva helps wash away plaque and food, and counteracts the acids in plaque; not drinking enough water and certain medications can decrease your saliva production
Composite fillings explained by Dr. Troy Schmedding
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are a wonderful approach to restoring a tooth, not only cosmetically but functionally.
What is the difference between Amalgam fillings and Composite fillings?
The great thing about composite resin restorations or tooth-colored fillings is being able to remove minimal amounts of tooth structure.
We glue in the restoration rather than relying on old school type dental amalgam restorations that were placed based on mechanical retention and resistance.
How does the filling procedure work?
The composites of today or the tooth-colored fillings are placed completely differently. We will remove only the decayed portion of the tooth.
This minimalizes unnecessary tooth removals providing you with a long-lasting restoration, which is not only pretty but durable.
The dental filling process
At Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek, we make the dental filling process comfortable and easy for you. First, we numb the tooth that has the cavity so that you are pain-free throughout the procedure. Then, Dr. Schmedding uses specialized dental instruments to conservatively remove the decayed portion of your tooth. Finally, Dr. Schmedding fills it with the appropriate material for your needs and preferences, such as tooth-colored composite resin or other materials and shapes it to match your natural tooth structure.
Schedule your appointment at Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek today by calling (925) 956-4266
