Fillings

Fillings | Woodland Hills, CaHow Fillings Save Teeth From Cavities

Cavities are holes that develop in teeth as a result of tooth decay – a dental infection that eats away healthy tooth structure. It begins at the tooth’s surface (enamel) and progresses through the structure until it reaches the nerves inside the tooth’s pulp. Before a cavity becomes too serious, your dentist may be able to restore your tooth by filling the hole with a tooth-colored material (composite resin or dental ceramic).

What Dental Fillings Do

One of the main purposes of a dental filling is to “fill” the hole created by decay and strengthen your weakened tooth. By thoroughly cleaning the tooth first, your dentist will also stop the infection and prevent the cavity from growing. If the cavity is large enough, then we may recommend placing a dental crown over the tooth after the filling has been secured.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

For over a century, fillings have often been made from a mixture, or amalgam, of metals. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable, and can effectively withstand the pressures of biting and chewing. However, they can stand out against the backdrop of your teeth, making them obvious. Metal fillings also have the potential to damage healthy tooth structure if they change shape in extreme hot/cold temperatures.

Instead of metal amalgam, we prefer to use tooth-colored composite resin or dental ceramic, which are durable enough to withstand your bite’s pressure. The resin is comprised of finely ground acrylic and quartz particles that can be tinted to your tooth’s color, and that will retain its shape once it is placed and hardened. Dental ceramic offers a highly-realistic appearance that mimics your tooth’s color, as well as tooth enamel’s ability to reflect light.

Visit Us in Woodland Hills, CA

Dr. Arjang Naminik, Dr. Ken Hirsch, and Dr. Moeiz Koshki combine a wide range of expertise to provide all of our patients with comprehensive dental health care in a warm, welcoming, and comfortable environment. To take advantage of our services, schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.