Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is always waiting for an edge on your smile. When left unchecked, it can eat away at a tooth until there is nothing left. However, early treatment with dental fillings in El Cajon can stop decay in its tracks.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a treatment to address the early stages of tooth decay. Over time, bacteria can cause buildup on your teeth that eats away at them. First goes the enamel, and then the decay can continue degrading the tooth. Getting a dental filling involves clearing away that decay and sealing it off with a durable material.

What Is the Process for Getting Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a routine treatment that takes only a single visit to take care of. However, you may need a couple of visits if you have multiple teeth that need treatment.

Step 1: The Consultation

Dr. Mansour will physically examine your teeth to check for signs of decay. In some cases, we may also take X-rays to better visualize key parts of the tooth. Decay stands out pretty clearly, so with only a quick examination, we can know what treatment you need.

Step 2: Clearing Out Decay

We start the treatment by getting out any part of the tooth affected by decay. The decayed area is a hotbed for bacteria, and that all needs to go. This involves precisely drilling out the decayed area to reach the healthy tooth underneath.

Step 3: Placing and Polishing the Filling

The decay is out, and it is time to replace it with the filling material. While multiple material options are available, most patients now prefer composite resin fillings. This filling material looks like a natural part of your tooth and will not stand out. Dr. Mansour molds and polishes the resin until it matches your tooth’s natural shape and contours. Once he’s finished, the treated tooth should be indistinguishable from your other teeth (save for looking great).

Keeping tooth decay from progressing sets you up for a lifetime of dental well-being. Small problems are always easier to treat than bigger ones down the road.

Do I Need a Dental Filling?

If you have early-stage decay, then a filling can get your smile back to 100%. Once a cavity has formed, it needs to be treated. Otherwise, it will only continue to worsen. However, if you have more severe tooth decay, you may need a different treatment option.

Alternative options can include:

Root Canal: Treats a damaged tooth that has become infected or vulnerable to infection. Clears out the inner part of the tooth and seals it off.
Inlay or Onlay: These options are like more extensive fillings. Rather than filling in a cavity, they may rebuild larger portions of the tooth.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

Though dental fillings are the best option for treating a cavity, they are not permanent. This is why we encourage patients to prioritize dental health. A smile that has never needed treatment will be in better shape than one that has had some restoration. That said, composite dental fillings can last for about 10 years. Metal fillings can last longer, but fewer patients choose this option nowadays.

The better you care for your smile, the longer your fillings will last. Brushing, flossing, low-sugar diet, routine dental visits—all the usual factors will keep your fillings in good shape for years to come.

Book Your Consultation

Dr. Mansour is a leading dentist in treating tooth decay with dental fillings in El Cajon. His approach involves creating personalized treatment plans for each patient that adapts to their dental health needs. Book your next appointment by calling the office or through our online form.

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