Tooth-Colored Fillings
At Moorpark Dental Studio, we offer white tooth-colored fillings for patients with cavities. Tooth-colored filling material uses a composite resin material that looks very similar to tooth enamel and can be customized to match your tooth color.
Our Moorpark, CA dentist Dr. Gury Batlle chooses composite dental fillings because they’re long-lasting and help us preserve tooth structure; our patients like them because they create a seamless, virtually invisible tooth repair.
What Causes Cavities?
Teeth consist of three layers; a hard outer layer called enamel, a softer layer beneath called dentin, and the innermost part called the pulp.
Tooth decay occurs when you don’t routinely brush and floss to remove the sticky, bacteria-filled film on your teeth called plaque. Every time you eat or drink something sweet, bacteria feed on the sugar (carbohydrates) and create acid.
This process is repeated every time you eat or drink something sugary or starchy during the day. The repeated acid attacks gradually eat away at tooth enamel and eventually create a hole in your tooth called a cavity.
What’s Involved with Getting a Tooth Filling?
Dr. Batlle will first request an x-ray so he can diagnose tooth decay. If you have a small cavity, he can use micro air abrasion to remove the decay, often without the need for any anesthetic or the dental drill. If you have a deeper cavity, we’ll numb your mouth to ensure that you don’t feel any pain.
After our dentist carefully removes the decay, he dries the area thoroughly. Next, he applies an etching liquid to the tooth, which helps create a strong bond for the filling.
Composite resin fillings start with a putty-like consistency. Dr. Batlle builds up the material on your tooth in layers, using his expertise to mold the material until it seamlessly matches the tooth's shape, size, and shade.
He then uses a special dental curing light to harden and set the material, and the result is a durable tooth repair even you won’t be able to detect.
Are You at Risk for Cavities?
You can't control risk factors like genetics, but you can take steps to minimize your risk of developing cavities.
Minimize Snacking on Sugary Foods
Frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks throughout the day means your teeth are constantly under attack by cavity-producing acid. Brushing, rinsing your mouth, or chewing sugarless gum after you eat helps break the cycle and gives your tooth enamel a break.
Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Ideally, you should brush at least twice a day and floss once using the proper techniques. You may be brushing and flossing, but if you’re not doing it correctly, you’re not getting the benefits.
Speak with your dental hygienist, who will be happy to give you tips on getting the most out of your routine.
Combat Dry Mouth
Dry mouth creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Saliva is your mouth’s first line of defense against cavities and gum disease because it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.
Health conditions, medications, alcohol, and tobacco use are just some of the culprits that cause dry mouth. Try chewing sugarless gum as it stimulates saliva and sip on water throughout the day to help fight the effects of dry mouth.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Since tooth-colored filling material looks so similar to dental enamel, we also use it to improve the aesthetics of your smile. The process is called bonding, and it corrects minor smile flaws like chipped or broken teeth.
If you have smile imperfections and want an affordable solution, ask us if bonding is appropriate for you.
Do You Need a Tooth Filling in Moorpark, CA?
If you have a toothache, or it’s time for your routine exam and teeth cleaning, please call Moorpark Dental Studio, and we’ll help you schedule a convenient appointment.
We are pleased to treat patients in Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Fillmore, Camarillo, and surrounding communities.
