Dental Fillings in Sacramento

What can I do about a cavity?

Dental caries, more commonly known as cavities, are the single most common dental issue in America. Most citizens have had at least 1 by the time they reach adulthood. Fortunately, they are simple enough to treat, and possibly even easier to prevent. A dental filling can treat cavities easily within an hour-long appointment. And by visiting your Sacramento dentist for regular cleanings and exams every 6 months, we can help you prevent cavities altogether.

cracked tooth

Did you know…

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The #1 most common childhood disease is tooth decay.

Ready to schedule your child’s appointment?

Call  (916) 515-1000

The dental filling process

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cleaning & numbing

To begin the process, Dr. Jeron Winslow will clean the treatment site thoroughly and numb your mouth to ensure your comfort. You can also be sedated during your appointment.

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tooth preparation & enamel removal

When your mouth is numb, Dr. Winslow will use a dental drill to remove any decayed or damaged enamel and prepare the tooth for the filling.

Comprehensive dentistry

Filling Placement

Once the tooth is properly prepared, Dr. Winslow will apply the filling material to your tooth, using special tools to shape and harden the tooth as he builds up your filling layer-by-layer.

Comprehensive dentistry

final bite check

When the overall shape of the filling is right, Dr. Winslow will check your bite and make sure the filling fits perfectly, and make any necessary final adjustments. 

Types of dental fillings

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Composite “Tooth-Colored” Fillings

Tooth-colored dental fillings are an ideal way to fill cavities and caries because they can be matched to the color of your teeth. Similar to their metal amalgam predecessor, they are also very strong and durable. Because the front teeth are so visible, composite fillings were originally used most often for anterior teeth fillings, but they have since become the standard filling option for most cavities. 

With a tooth-colored filling, your smile will look and feel completely natural. Your new filling should last 10-15 years or longer with proper care, such as regular brushing and flossing, and regular teeth cleanings and oral exams every 6 months.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an alternative to fillings for minor-to-moderate tooth decay in baby teeth. It consists of a blend of silver, fluoride, ammonia, and water. When applied to a decayed tooth, this mixture kills the bacteria that cause decay, and halts the progression of the cavity.

This treatment is only used in baby teeth because it discolors the tooth permanently, turning it black. It’s a good option for baby teeth that will fall out naturally in time, or for kids who are uncooperative or too young to get a filling.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are a good alternative to fillings. They are pre-fabricated in a variety of sizes, and are placed directly onto your child’s tooth to cover and protect it from further damage and decay. Depending on the placement method used during the process, your Sacramento dentist will either trim your child’s tooth before the crown is placed, or the crown may be placed directly over the tooth after it has been cleaned, without the need to trim the tooth with a dental drill.

Space Maintainers

A space maintainer may be required if your child loses a baby tooth early. This dental prosthetic is made to sit between your child’s healthy teeth, resting in the gap where their missing tooth used to be.

By doing so, the space maintainer prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting toward the now-empty socket, which is common after tooth loss. This ensures that your child’s permanent tooth will erupt properly when it’s ready. Without a space maintainer after premature tooth loss, your child may experience oral development issues that may require orthodontic intervention.

Did you know…

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Cavities can be caused by the transmission of bacteria from a mother to her infant.

Interested in pediatric dental services?

Call  (916) 515-1000

Have questions about cavities and fillings? Find answers here.

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What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are used to treat decayed teeth (cavities). In this procedure, the damaged enamel is removed, and then your tooth is restored using a metal or composite material. This material completely replaces the infected tooth enamel, preventing further decay and restoring your bite and your smile. 

If you have a cavity, the condition will only get worse unless you get the proper treatment from Dr. Jeron Winslow at New Essence Dentistry. The sooner you get help, the better, so contact us now and see if you need a filling in Sacramento.

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How long do filling last?

This primarily depends on the type of filling you get, and how well you care for your smile. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings usually last between 5-7 years, but can last 10 years or longer with proper care. Metal amalgam fillings tend to last a bit longer, and usually last at least 10 years, with longer lifespans possible with proper dental care. 

The most important thing to do to prolong the lifespan of your filling is to brush and floss properly, and see Dr. Winslow for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months. Continued tooth decay is the most common cause of premature dental filling failure, so good oral hygiene will help you preserve your filling for years to come. 

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What kind of filling should I get?

This depends on your personal preferences, the location of your cavity, and some other factors. The two most popular types of fillings are composite fillings and metal amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings are tooth-colored and are made from dental resin and glass powder. They look and feel just like a natural part of the tooth, and require minimal tooth preparation during the filling process. They are usually the best option if you are concerned about the aesthetics of your smile or have a cavity in a front tooth.

Metal amalgam fillings are made from a blend of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. This type of filling has a silvery appearance, so it can discolor the tooth. It’s not a great choice for front teeth, but the durability of metal amalgam fillings makes them a reasonable choice for the rear teeth, which experience a lot of pressure and force while chewing.

Did you know…

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Without a filling, the cavity can spread into an infection that may require a root canal as a treatment?

Ready for your dental appointment?

Call  (916) 515-1000