Stop destructive decay; preserve your tooth with conservative and cosmetic composite fillings

Tooth loss does not have to be in your future. Our dentist at Royal Dental Practice, Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian, works closely with patients in West Hills Los Angeles, California, to prevent the leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and gum disease. These and other damaging oral conditions can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular visits to our office. Now, should problems arise, Dr. Shoffet can pinpoint them during your visit when they are still in their earliest stages. 

Dental fillings present one of the more conservative types of restorations, and composite resin represents one of the most conservative filling materials. Dental restorations are primarily designed to rebuild portions of a damaged tooth. Tooth replacement options also fall under the category of “restorative treatment.” 

Sink your teeth into “basics” about fillings 

A cavity is a hole produced by the destructive process of tooth decay. If tooth decay goes untreated, the affected tooth may require more extensive restorative procedures such as root canal therapy. Very deep or severe damage to the innermost tooth structure can result in the tooth no longer being a good candidate for root canal therapy. When the tooth cannot be preserved, it must be removed or extracted. We discuss tooth replacement options promptly.

The standard treatment for smaller cavities is the dental filling. Fillings have traditionally been made from dental amalgams, a blend of mercury and metals such as silver, tin, and copper. Composite resin is generally an appealing dental material because: 

• The filling can be matched to the color of the surrounding tooth and neighboring teeth – no silver metal peeking through!
• This material is well-suited to individuals with a history of metal sensitivities or those who are concerned about the presence of metals in their mouths. 
• The resin itself is a “conservative” dental material. Minimal tooth structure is drilled away to prepare the natural tooth structure for the filling.
• Composites are built to last and do not corrode like other materials.

Larger fillings may better suit restorations, such as inlays, onlays, and full dental crowns. The larger the cavity, the less tooth structure the material has to adhere to and rely on for its structural support. If Dr. Shoffet determines that a filling made from composite resin is suitable for you, she will start the process by cleaning the tooth and removing any damaged tissues. The natural tooth itself is shaped. The filling is then applied directly to the tooth as a pliable material. It can be perfectly contoured to fill in the cavity or hole. Once the filling has been expertly prepared and placed, Dr. Shoffet secures it to the tooth. Voila! You are ready to smile. Your filled tooth should require no further treatment with good care at home and at our office. The entire process is done on a numbed tooth (you will not feel anything) and by using special bonding products to ensure the strength and durability of the treated tooth. 

Has it been a while since your last dentist visit? Call us at (818) 334-6655. Or, let Royal Dental Practice come to you! Mobile dentistry is a unique and convenient dental service that seniors and their families love. 

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