Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

We offer a range of dental filling materials to suit your unique needs and preferences. Traditional dental amalgam remains a reliable choice for its strength and longevity, particularly beneficial for fillings in the back teeth where durability is paramount. However, we recognize that many patients prefer a more natural look, which is why we also provide composite resin fillings. These are custom-tinted to match your natural tooth color, ensuring a seamless and attractive appearance.

For those seeking a blend of durability and aesthetics, ceramic fillings made from high-quality porcelain are available. These are ideal for larger restorations and offer excellent resistance to staining and wear. If longevity is your priority, our gold alloy fillings provide unparalleled durability and biocompatibility, though they might not blend as discreetly with your natural teeth.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we prioritize personalized care. Our experienced dental team will collaborate with you to choose the filling material that best meets your functional needs and aesthetic desires, considering factors like the location of the filling, the extent of decay, and your budget. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional dental restorations that enhance your oral health and smile with confidence.

To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth in question. This helps minimize any discomfort during the procedure, allowing you to relax while we work.

Once the area is numb, our experienced team carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth. We use advanced dental techniques and equipment, including dental drills, lasers, or air abrasion, tailored to the specific needs of your case. Our priority is to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

When it comes to filling materials, 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental offers a range of options to suit your needs, including composite resin, amalgam, gold, and porcelain. Composite resin is a popular choice due to its ability to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color, providing an aesthetically pleasing result. Our dentists apply the filling material in layers, using a special light to cure each layer, ensuring durability and strength.

We then shape the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth, ensuring proper bite alignment and comfort. A final polish enhances the appearance, making the filled tooth look and feel natural.
To ensure the best outcome, we ask our patients to bite down to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. The entire process typically takes about an hour, but this can vary based on individual circumstances.

Post-procedure, you might experience some sensitivity, which usually subsides within a few days. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you maintain your filling and overall oral health for years to come.

Our dental filling procedures start with our skilled dentists applying a local anesthetic to numb the area around your affected tooth. This ensures that you remain pain-free throughout the procedure. You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort as our dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, an essential step to ensure all decay is eliminated before placing the filling.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we offer a range of filling materials, including composite resin and amalgam, tailored to your specific needs. Regardless of the material used, our focus is on minimizing discomfort and restoring your tooth’s natural structure and function. After removing the decay, we meticulously clean the area and apply the filling, shaping it to fit seamlessly with your bite.

Following the procedure, it’s normal to experience minor sensitivity to temperature changes, but this typically subsides within a few days. If you notice any persistent discomfort or if the filling feels uneven, our team is here to help. We encourage you to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your filling is perfectly adjusted.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, our priority is your comfort and oral health. Our experienced dental professionals are dedicated to providing you with a pain-free and positive experience, so you can maintain a healthy, confident smile.

If you’ve lost a dental filling, taking immediate action can help protect your tooth and ease discomfort until you can see a dentist. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preserve the Filling: If you can, locate and save the dislodged filling. Bring it with you to your appointment, as our dentists may be able to reuse it.
• Rinse and Clean: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to cleanse the area, removing any food particles or debris. This helps maintain a clean environment for the exposed tooth.
• Protect the Tooth: To avoid further damage, try not to chew on the side of the mouth with the missing filling. Avoid sticky, hard, or sugary foods that could worsen the situation.
• Temporary Solutions: Over-the-counter dental cement, available at most pharmacies, can provide temporary protection for the exposed tooth. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully if you choose this option.
• Pain Management: If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Additionally, applying clove oil with a cotton swab can offer temporary relief due to its numbing properties.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the situation until you receive expert care from our team. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for all your dental needs. Feel free to contact us for any dental concerns or emergencies. For more information, contact us, or request an appointment online today! We are located at 3330 3rd Avenue Suite 302 San Diego, CA 92103. We serve patients from San Diego CA, Chula Vista CA, National City CA, Lemon Grove CA, El Cajon CA, La Mesa CA, and surrounding areas.