A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay (a cavity), cracks, or fractures. When decay creates a hole in your tooth, a filling literally “fills” that space after the decayed material has been removed. This process stops the decay from spreading, restores the tooth’s structure, and brings back its natural shape and function, allowing you to chew comfortably and confidently. For residents of Woodland Hills and the surrounding San Fernando Valley, we offer modern filling options that blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
My primary goal is to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile that lasts a lifetime. One of the most common ways we achieve this is by treating cavities. If you’ve developed a cavity, a dental filling is a simple, effective, and durable way to repair the tooth, restore its function, and prevent further decay. My team and I are dedicated to providing comfortable, high-quality dental fillings right here in Woodland Hills, ensuring your smile stays strong and beautiful.
At Smiles By Eddie, I primarily use modern, aesthetically pleasing, and durable materials for dental fillings:
Tooth-Colored Fillings (Composite Resin Fillings):
These are the most popular type of fillings we provide, and for good reason! Made from a blend of plastic and fine glass particles, composite resin fillings are designed to perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth. This means they are virtually invisible when you smile, making them an excellent choice for both front and back teeth. They bond directly to the tooth structure, providing good support and requiring less tooth preparation than older materials. Many patients in Woodland Hills choose these for their natural appearance and versatility.
Benefits include: Excellent aesthetics, bond directly to tooth structure, versatile for various cavity sizes.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings (Removal & Replacement):
While I do not place new amalgam fillings, I understand many patients in Woodland Hills may have older silver fillings from years past. If your old amalgam fillings are failing, showing signs of leakage, or if you simply prefer a more aesthetic, mercury-free option, I can safely remove them and replace them with modern, tooth-colored composite fillings.
Note: While effective, amalgam fillings are highly visible and do not bond to the tooth, often requiring more healthy tooth structure to be removed for placement.
Getting a dental filling at my Woodland Hills dental office is a routine and generally comfortable procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
- Diagnosis: During your regular check-up, or if you come in with specific symptoms, I’ll examine your tooth and take X-rays to accurately diagnose the cavity or damage.
- Anesthesia (Numbing): To ensure your complete comfort, I will carefully administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Decay Removal: Once the area is numb, I will use precise dental instruments to gently and thoroughly remove all traces of decay from the tooth.
- Cleaning & Preparation: After the decay is removed, I’ll clean the prepared cavity to ensure no bacteria remain. For composite fillings, I’ll then apply a special bonding agent.
- Filling Placement: I will then carefully apply the tooth-colored composite resin material in layers, meticulously sculpting it to restore the natural shape and contours of your tooth.
- Curing & Polishing: A special curing light is used to harden each layer of the composite material. Once the filling is fully hardened, I will meticulously trim, shape, and polish it, ensuring it fits perfectly with your bite and blends seamlessly with your natural tooth. You’ll leave our Woodland Hills office with a fully restored tooth!
DR. EDMOND
AHDOOT
When it comes to treating cavities and restoring your teeth, you want a dentist who combines expertise with a gentle touch. Here’s why patients in Woodland Hills, CA trust Smiles By Eddie for their dental fillings:
- Precision & Expertise: I utilize modern techniques and equipment to ensure that your filling is placed with meticulous precision, providing a long-lasting and effective restoration.
- Aesthetic Results: My commitment to using tooth-colored composite fillings means your repaired tooth will blend perfectly with your natural smile, making the filling virtually undetectable.
- Comfort-Focused Approach: Your comfort is my priority. From gentle numbing techniques to a calm office environment, my team and I strive to make your filling experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We offer sedation options for anxious patients.
- Preventive Philosophy: Beyond just placing fillings, I’m dedicated to educating you on how to prevent future cavities through proper oral hygiene and diet, empowering you to maintain excellent dental health.
- Comprehensive Care: I don’t just treat the cavity; I consider your overall oral health. After your filling, I’ll discuss any further steps or recommendations to keep your smile healthy.
- Conveniently Located: Our practice is easily accessible for all residents of Woodland Hills and our surrounding communities, making it simple to get the care you need when you need it.
FAQ
The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material used, its size, your biting forces, and your oral hygiene. Tooth-colored composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years or more with proper care.
I will use a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the tooth and surrounding area, so you should not feel any pain during the filling procedure itself. You might feel some pressure, but no sharpness or discomfort.
After a filling, avoid eating until the numbness wears off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. For composite fillings, you can typically eat normally once the numbness subsides. I’ll provide specific aftercare instructions.
It’s common to experience some temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure after a filling, especially if the decay was deep. This usually subsides within a few days or weeks. If sensitivity persists or worsens, please contact our office.
Yes, while rare, fillings can sometimes come loose or fall out due to chewing forces, new decay forming around the filling, or damage to the tooth. If this happens, keep the filling if possible and call our office immediately for an emergency appointment.
Sometimes cavities are visible as dark spots or holes. Other times, you might feel sensitivity or pain. However, many cavities, especially small ones or those between teeth, have no symptoms. This is why regular dental check-ups with X-rays are so important!
A filling repairs a smaller area of damage or decay within the tooth. A crown, on the other hand, is a full cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, used when there is more extensive damage, a large filling, or a weak tooth that needs full protection.
Yes, absolutely! Many patients choose to have their old amalgam (silver) fillings safely removed and replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings for aesthetic reasons or if the old filling is failing.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing once daily), limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are the best ways to prevent new cavities.
Yes, modern composite resin materials are very strong and durable, making them an excellent choice for restoring both front and back teeth, even those under significant chewing pressure.
