When do you need a filling?
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Dental caries, or tooth decay, is the most common human disease that's caused by localized bacteria on tooth surfaces called dental plaque. The acid produced by bacteria within the plaque dissolves the minerals of tooth structure and results in decay. When the decay is limited to enamel, the outermost layer of teeth, the decay may be reversed by removing the plaque and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, when the decay passes through the inner border of enamel and reaches the next layer of tooth, the dentin, removing plaque is not enough to stop the decay. A filling is needed at this stage to completely remove the infected dentin and prevent future infection.
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It is not uncommon for patients with multiple deep cavities to not feel any pain or discomfort. That's why X-rays are a very helpful tool to determine whether a decay has passed the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ). We routinely put enamel decay on watch and ask patients to clean the area better. Once the decay has crossed the DEJ, however, it is beneficial to do the filling as soon as possible. If the decay continues and the bacteria reaches the pulp, that's when root canal treatment rather than a simple filling becomes necessary.
Our office is an amalgam-free office
Amalgam, also known as silver filling, is a mercury-containing filling material that has been used for over 1,300 years. Despite concerns about the toxicity of mercury, it is still widely used today due to its low cost and ease of application. In order to protect patients' health, our office is proud to be an amalgam-free office. We only use tooth-colored composite from top-tier dental suppliers in the USA.
Our quality
Please give us a call at (858) 275-6507 about our most updated prices for composite fillings. We work with only the most trustworthy suppliers and can proudly assure you that our quality is second to none.