Cavity Fillings
Cavities & Fillings
Tooth decay got you down? Eliminate your cavities in Brea, CA!
Don't ignore that decay! Get a filling right away!
Cavity Fillings, Brea, California
So you're feeling some tooth pain, and it's right in the nerve of that tooth you may not have been brushing so carefully. As much as you don't want to admit it, you've got yourself a cavity. It's okay. We've all been there. Well... most of us have. In fact, a good 91 percent of Americans aged 20-64 have had a cavity filled, and 20 percent of Americans are dealing with untreated cavities at this very moment!
But don't worry. We can handle this. Teeth are our specialty. If we can detect those cavities early, then you don't need to worry about root canals or tooth extractions or anything drastic. All you need is a filling, and for that, you've come to the right place.
What's The Filling Procedure Like?
Here's what happens when we fill your cavities
Composite
Composite fillings are best suited for smaller cavities. They're made from a combination of plastic-like materials and customized to look the same color as your teeth.
Metal Fillings
Metal fillings are usually made from gold or silver, and last from 10-15 years. Of course, the cavity filling cost for gold fillings will be about ten times greater than silver ones.
Ceramic fillings
Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are the same color as your natural teeth. These can last up to 20 years.
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass ionomer fillings involve a blending of acrylic and glass. They are used to create a filling that releases fluoride to help bolster tooth defenses. The only drawback is that these types of fillings last as little as five years.
We're Here Every
Step Of The Way
No matter what you're dealing with, we'll take it on with you
At Gold Coast Dental Brea, we understand that cavities happen. There's no need to panic, though! We're prepared to handle cavities in any and every stage of development, and we'll make sure your tooth decay treatment is comfortable every step of the way. Our state-of-the-art facilities accommodate your every need, and our highly trained professional staff will ensure that you walk out of our offices with a smile on your face -- and no cavities! If you need a filling, give us a call at (562) 356-0948 today!
Tooth Decay Stages
Dental cavities go from bad to worse -- don't let them get away with it!
If you're dealing with a dental cavity, it's important to catch the problem early on. That's why it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the stages of a cavity and tooth decay symptoms. In the first stage of deterioration, white spots appear on the tooth as the enamel starts to erode. This is still in the pre-cavity stage, and the damage can be reversed with proper care. If you see white spots on your teeth, consult with us, and we can set you on the right course! In the next stage, tooth decay
occurs within the enamel, which continues to erode. Because the decay has not yet spread into the dentin (the calcified tissue surrounding the pulp), this damage is still reversible through remineralization. Again, you'll want to consult with us about the right course of action. If left untreated, the decay will spread into the dentin and must be treated with a filling. It's possible that the decay could not cause any symptoms, so no pain is felt. Nonetheless, by this point, a filling is required before the situation worsens and calls for
more drastic measures. Finally, if the decay in the dentin is ignored and allowed to spread further, it will reach the nerve of the tooth. This often causes a toothache, and at this point, a root canal or extraction is needed. The situation here should be pretty hard to ignore. However, if it is somehow still ignored, it could lead to an abscess formation, which involves pockets of pus, swelling of the gums, and acute pain. That's why early detection of these cavities is key; you'll want to take care of tooth decay before it causes any permanent damage!
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What is a cavity?
Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by plaque buildup. Over time, bacteria in your mouth convert sugars into acids, which contribute to tooth decay. If left unchecked, this can lead to cavities.
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How can I tell if I have a cavity?
If you're experiencing a toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages, you may have a cavity. It's possible to have a cavity and not feel any symptoms, however, so it's essential to schedule a cleaning and exam every six months to make sure you're in top form!
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What does a cavity look like?
A cavity begins as a discoloration of the tooth. The person with the cavity may notice a gray-white patch or a black stain on the grooves of the tooth. If you're experiencing this, don't hesitate to contact us right away!
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Can a tooth cavity heal on its own?
Despite what some believe, the vast majority of dental professionals insist that a cavity cannot heal on its own, regardless of appropriate nutritional support. If you're suffering from a cavity, contact us right away. If left untreated, the cavity could require a root canal or tooth extraction.
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How long should I wait to eat after getting a cavity filling?
Dentists generally recommend waiting an hour after getting a filling to eat anything, and a full 24 hours before eating solid foods.
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What if I have a hole in the tooth without any cavity pain?
You may have a cavity that hasn't penetrated your nerve yet. Just because it's painless doesn't mean you should ignore it! If you believe you have a cavity, give us a call.
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How painful is getting a cavity filled?
The potential amount of pain you feel is determined by how deep the cavity has penetrated the tooth's pulp. However, dentists typically administer a shot of novocaine or another numbing agent to avoid discomfort during the filling procedure. You likely won't have any discomfort at all!
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Do even small cavities require dental fillings?
It's possible to catch a developing cavity early enough that a filling isn't required. In some cases, fluoride treatments are used to rebuild tooth enamel and keep the decay from reaching the dentin.
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How long do fillings last?
Fillings generally last about 8-15 years, but some last 20 years or more. The durability of your filling depends on the material used, the filling's location, and how well you maintain your overall oral hygiene.
Contact
Our Office Hours
Monday - Sunday
7AM - 7PM
Schedule an Appointment Online
or call: (562) 645-4834
Our Address
330 N. Brea Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821