Tooth-Colored Fillings in West Covina

Nobody likes to hear that they have a cavity and need a filling. If you have had cavities before, you might have an unsightly dark gray filling or two, which have stopped the spread of decay but don’t add much to your smile.

Today, patients have options. In years past, metal amalgam fillings were the only option, and as non-esthetic as they are, they did the trick at stopping tooth decay from spreading. At Ricardo Suarez, DDS, we are committed to using the most advanced dental technology, and that includes the composite material to handle tooth decay. Composite fillings are made to match the color of your tooth, so no one can even tell you have one.

If you have existing amalgam fillings, Dr. Suarez can talk to you about replacing those with tooth-colored fillings.

To learn more about tooth-colored fillings for new or old tooth decay, call our West Covina, CA dental office. Make an appointment today!

Cavities are caused by plaque, that sticky substance that builds up on your teeth. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid. Left on the teeth, acid turns into plaque, which can erode the tooth enamel. This can lead to tiny holes in your teeth, which are cavities that may need to be filled.

Sometimes you might not know you have tooth decay because it usually starts small. This is where diagnostic tools such as digital x-rays come in handy. They enable Dr. Suarez to spot even the tiniest speck of decay—even before it is visible to the naked eye. If we catch it early enough, you might not need a filling at all.

But if it has progressed, you might see a dark spot on your tooth or even a visible hole. A tooth-colored filling will stop the decay from spreading and protect the health of your tooth.

Although metal amalgam fillings did their job in preventing tooth decay from spreading, they don’t offer the same advantages of tooth-colored composite fillings. These include:

• Tooth-colored composite fillings match the color the tooth they are filling, for a seamless look. This makes them well-suited for cavities that happen toward the front of the mouth as well as the back molars.
• The composite material bonds directly to the tooth, meaning less of the tooth structure needs to be drilled away. The entire process for getting a tooth-colored filling tends to go more quickly because of this.
• Tooth-colored composite fillings are less likely to lead to tooth fracture because the material expands and contracts at the same rate as the tooth.

If you suspect you have a cavity—something most people will experience at least once in their lifetime—don’t put off seeking treatment. If it’s been a while since your last regular dental checkup, give us a call to make a dental appointment at Ricardo Suarez, DDS.