Fillings
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Toothscaler Dental
Kevin Vu, DDS
Cosmetic, Implant, and General Dentistry & Orthodontics located in San Jose, CA
If you develop a cavity or chip a tooth, a filling provides an easy and effective way to restore it to its near original condition. At Toothscaler Dental in San Jose, California, expert dentist Kevin Vu, DDS, regularly uses fillings to preserve his patients’ permanent teeth and smiles. To see if you’re a candidate, call the office or click the online booking tool to request your consultation today.
Fillings Q & A
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling, also known as a dental restoration, is a treatment used to restore the function and integrity of a damaged or decaying tooth’s structure. Dr. Vu might also recommend a dental filling to restore a damaged pontic attached to a dental implant.
Why would I need a filling?
Dr. Vu and the team at Toothscaler Dental typically recommend fillings to address minor decay. However, Dr. Vu might also recommend a filling to treat a:
- Cracked tooth
- Broken tooth
- Worn down tooth
You might also benefit from a filling if you bite your fingernails, grind your teeth, or use your teeth as tools. For example, you can damage your teeth by using them to open plastic packaging.
What types of fillings do you offer?
At Toothscaler Dental, Dr. Vu prefers using white, tooth-colored composite fillings. Not only are composite fillings completely free of metals and toxins like mercury, they’re also aesthetically pleasing.
In addition, white composite fillings mimic the shade and light-reflecting properties of your tooth’s enamel, which helps them blend in with your natural, permanent teeth. You can have one or multiple white fillings and no one, except you and Dr. Vu, will know the wiser.
White Fillings
TOOTHBRUSH ABRASION - Need white filling to prevent from getting deeper.
Toothbrush abrasion, before, After the white filling treatment.
What is the process for getting a filling?
Getting a dental filling typically takes one appointment.
First, Dr. Vu administers a local anesthetic to numb the nerves in your teeth and gums. After the anesthesia sets in, he carefully removes any damage or decay using a drill.
After removing all of the decay, Dr. Vu prepares your tooth to receive a filling. If the decay is near a root, Dr. Vu may also place a composite liner to protect your nerve. Once the liner dries, Dr. Vu administers the composite resin material on top of your tooth. Finally, he polishes and smooths it. Typically, the entire process takes between 60-90 minutes.
How do I care for my filling?
Caring for your fillings is easy and hassle-free. Simply brush and floss every day like you regularly do and visit Toothscaler Dental once every six months for a professional exam and cleaning. In addition, try and avoid biting down on hard objects like popcorn kernels or ice cubes. With proper care, white composite fillings can last between 10-15 years.
Don’t let tooth decay get worse. Request your filling consultation at Toothscaler Dental by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
