At Signature Smiles of LA, we emphasize the importance of preventive checkups to maintain oral health and prevent cavities. However, even with the best oral hygiene, cavities can still develop.
When they do, addressing them promptly is essential to protect your smile and overall health. We offer tooth-colored composite tooth fillings because they do a beautiful job restoring decayed teeth while leaving them stronger and enhancing their appearance.
What Are Composite Tooth Fillings?
Modern dental fillings blend plastic and fine glass particles in a durable resin base. This combination gives the material an appearance that mimics the translucency of tooth enamel. When color-matched to the tooth we’re treating, the result is a virtually invisible repair, unlike silver amalgam that leaves a dark spot in your smile.
The Composite Filling Process: What to Expect
If Dr. Mahooti detects cavities during a routine checkup, you can expect the following steps:
- First, we numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free procedure.
- Next, Dr. Mahooti gently removes the decayed portion of the tooth to prepare it for the filling.
- We then apply the composite to the tooth one layer at a time, hardening each with a special light to ensure a secure bond.
- Once we fill the cavity, we shape and polish it to match the contours of your tooth, leaving you with a smooth, natural-looking restoration.
Composite Bonding: A Versatile Cosmetic Solution
In addition to fillings, we use composite resin for cosmetic bonding. This minimally invasive procedure corrects minor cosmetic issues such as chipped or cracked teeth, gaps, and discoloration.
The process for cosmetic bonding is similar to placing a filling, and the result is a seamless repair that blends perfectly with your smile. This treatment is straightforward, and we can often treat several teeth in one appointment, typically without needing a local anesthetic.
Bonding for Abrfaction Lesions
An abfraction lesion is a small, wedge-shaped notch or groove that appears on a tooth's surface, usually near the gumline. These lesions can be formed by a teeth-grinding habit or brushing too hard, which causes a loss of tooth structure, including enamel and dentin. Untreated, these exposed areas can lead to tooth sensitivity; however, we can apply the same composite bonding process to cover the lesions, preventing further damage and minimizing sensitivity.
How Can I Prevent Dental Cavities?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing cavities. This includes brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste—especially after meals—and flossing once. Scheduling dental checkups with your dentist in Encino, CA, every six months keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Seeing us every six months also allows us to catch cavities when they’re small and treat them promptly.
Several signs can indicate you might have a cavity. Awareness of these symptoms can help you catch decay early and seek treatment before it worsens. 