Dental Fillings in Thousand Oaks
Do you experience a sharp jolt when sipping something cold or biting into something sugary? These could be early signs of tooth decay. At our Thousand Oaks dental office, we restore damaged teeth using precise, comfortable dental filling techniques designed to protect your smile and ease your symptoms.
What Are Dental Fillings?
We offer a variety of filling options, each suited to different needs and locations in the mouth:
- Tooth-Colored Composite: Blends in naturally with your surrounding teeth, making it perfect for visible areas.
- Amalgam (Silver Fillings): A time-tested, sturdy option often used on molars that handle heavy chewing.
- Porcelain Fillings: Durable and aesthetic, great for restoring visible teeth with a lifelike appearance.
- Gold Fillings: Exceptionally strong and long-lasting, ideal for patients who want maximum durability.
Signs You Might Need a Filling
Tooth decay isn’t always obvious, especially in its early stages. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate a cavity or damage that needs repair:
- Persistent or occasional toothache
- Sensitivity to temperature or sweets
- A visible spot or tiny hole on your tooth
- A rough or jagged edge you can feel with your tongue
- Pain while chewing or pressure on a specific tooth
Not all cavities are painful right away, which is why regular checkups are so important. Catching decay early means simpler, more affordable treatment.
Why Fillings Matter for Your Oral Health
A small filling can prevent much bigger problems. When done early, fillings help maintain your natural tooth structure and avoid more complex procedures like root canals or crowns.
Here’s how dental fillings can benefit you:
Stop Decay from Spreading
Relieve Pain and Sensitivity
Restore Natural Appearance
Durable Protection
What to Expect During a Filling Appointment
- Diagnosis and Imaging
We begin by examining the tooth and taking digital X-rays if needed to determine the extent of the damage. - Numbing the Area
A local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a painless experience. - Removing the Decay
We carefully eliminate the damaged portion of the tooth and clean the space to prepare for the filling. - Filling Placement
The chosen filling material is applied in layers, sculpted to match your natural tooth shape, and hardened. - Adjustments and Bite Check
Once set, we make final tweaks to ensure your bite feels balanced and natural.
The result? A fully restored tooth that looks, feels, and functions like new, often completed in just one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
After numbing the area, the decayed part of the tooth is removed, and the space is cleaned. The filling is then added, shaped, and polished for a seamless finish.
