COMPOSITE FILLINGS CERRITOS, CA

Composite fillings in Cerritos are the best way to treat cavities caused by dental decay, while at the same time renewing the health and beauty of your dentition. These types of fillings can also repair broken or cracked teeth. At Dentist of Cerritos, we have expertise in the latest, most advanced restorative dental procedures, including modern composite fillings.

We know how vital a beautiful smile is to our patients’ confidence. Composite fillings allow us to repair teeth and revive their functionality without leaving you with a mouth filled with metal. We provide high-quality, natural-looking fillings that improve your smile and protect your teeth from further damage.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are made from a mixture of plastic resin and quartz – both of which are hypoallergenic. These fillings are a popular choice amongst our patients who don’t want the toxicity of metal fillings and prefer a more natural look.

The composite resin is custom matched to the natural (or whitened) color of your teeth. After your Cerritos dentist removes any decay present in your tooth, they’ll then place the composite filling, which starts as a soft putty. This allows the dentist to pack the material into the tooth so there are no voids, as well as to shape it to resemble the original anatomy of the tooth.

The resin/quartz combination is bonded to your teeth. The benefits of this system:

We don’t have to remove healthy tooth structure (as is common with metal fillings because of retention issues)
Greater support and longevity
Improved oral health

What Do Composite Fillings Treat?

When it comes to restorative dentistry in Cerritos, one of the top products your dentist uses is composite filling material. It can be used to treat a variety of dental conditions.

Cavities

If you have dental decay, composite fillings are a great way to refill and seal the tooth, thereby protecting it from functional or environmental damage.

Cracked Teeth

You might automatically think a dental crown is needed if you have a cracked tooth. However, if the crack is shallow, your Cerritos dentist can use composite filling material to repair the crack.

Worn Teeth

With regular use (and some abuse if you grind your teeth at night due to stress), the teeth start to wear down. Enamel wear can result in shorter-looking teeth.

More worrying, though, is that enamel wear can expose the next layer of the tooth, called dentin. The dentin is very porous. It isn’t uncommon for someone with exposed dentin to report higher instances of tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold air, as well as cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.

You’re also at a higher risk of dental decay if you don’t have the protective enamel layer. Composite fillings are a great way to build the teeth back up, protect them from damage, and restore function.

Gaps

Do you have small gaps between one or more of your teeth? Your first thought might be that you need to spend years in braces. While that might be ideal in some situations, there are others in which your Cerritos dentist can use composite filling material to fill in the gaps.

Re-shape the Teeth

In addition to closing gaps, your dentist can use composite filling material to provide minor reshaping of teeth that don’t function optimally or look that good. It’s one of the lower-cost ways to improve the function and aesthetics of your smile.

What Are the Benefits of Composite Fillings in Cerritos?

Composite fillings provide our patients with a healthier, longer-lasting, and more natural-looking alternative to traditional metal fillings.

Because this filling material is easy to manipulate (due to its putty-like consistency), your Cerritos dentist has more control over shaping the material. They can mold it into whatever you need, whether it’s a filling, building up a tooth that’s been damaged by enamel wear, or repairing a crack.

We also love the fact that we don’t have to remove healthy tooth structure to ensure that your filling stays put for the long haul. Due to the innovative bonding system, the filling stays put for years, and your tooth retains its strength, health, and stability.

This bonding system also helps protect your teeth from recurrent decay. While many factors come into play with recurrent decay, the solid bonding system provides your tooth with an extra layer of protection against bacteria.

Are Composite Fillings Noticeable?

Your Cerritos dentist will take the time before your appointment to find the composite filling shade that matches your natural tooth shade. Therefore, your filling won’t be noticeable.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

The average lifespan of composite fillings ranges between five and seven years, but they can last as long as 10 years if well-maintained. Metal amalgam fillings do last longer, but the benefits of composite fillings outweigh the drawback of a potentially shorter lifespan for many patients.

What Can You Expect During Your Composite Filling Appointment?

You’ll start with a consultation with Dr. Omid Barkhordar, your Cerritos dentist. He and his team will examine your teeth and bite. They might take digital x-rays as well. Based on the information obtained from the diagnostic portion of your appointment, Dr. Omid will create a treatment plan that suits your unique needs.

Your filling appointment will likely start with anesthesia. An important part of restorative dentistry in Cerritos is making sure the patient is always comfortable and anesthesia will help do that.

Next, Dr. Omid will remove any decay or damaged tooth structure. Using a conditioning gel, he’ll disinfect the tooth to remove bacteria and ensure there’s a clean surface to bond to.

Then, Dr. Omid will place the primer and bonding products and light cure them. Following that, he’ll place the composite filling material and use specialized instruments to pack it into the tooth. He’ll also shape the material to ensure aesthetics and healthy bite function. Once finished, Dr. Omid will light cure the material, turning it into a hard, solid substance.

Your Cerritos dentist will check your bite to make sure there are no high spots and polish the filling.

How Much Do Composite Fillings in Cerritos Cost?

The cost of composite fillings is fairly low and your insurance may cover some of this cost if it is considered a functional vs. cosmetic procedure.

How Do You Care for Composite Fillings?

The better you care for your teeth and fillings, the more longevity you can get out of your fillings. Here are just a few dental care tips.

Brush at least twice a day
Floss at least once a day
Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice or hard candies
Avoid excess sugar
Avoid using your teeth as tools
Invest in a nightguard if you’re a night grinder
Visit your Cerritos dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and dental check-ups

Schedule Your Composite Filling Appointment Today

If you have a chipped tooth, gaps between your teeth are driving you nuts, or you suspect you have a cavity, contact your dentist right away. We can determine whether composite fillings in Cerritos are the best option for you or if you would benefit from another high-quality dental treatment option.

Providing You with Exceptional, Aesthetically Pleasing Restorative Dental Work

If you want truly beautiful dental work, visit Dentist of Cerritos. Contact our team to schedule your appointment today.