Dental Fillings in West Hollywood, CA
Did you know that early teeth cavities can be easily repaired with simple and quick dental fillings? This effective treatment stops decay from spreading, preserving your teeth and keeping your smile beautiful.
At West Hollywood Dental Studio, our dental team is proactive in screening for tooth decay during dental exams. By catching cavities early, we can help you avoid discomfort and future dental problems. If we do find a cavity, we can easily repair it with a minimally invasive dental filling to keep your smile healthy
We look out for your smile
Expert Dental Filling Treatment
Contact our West Hollywood, CA clinic today to reserve an oral exam or learn more about dental fillings.
Do I Need a Dental Filling?
While it’s not always possible to diagnose tooth decay on your own, we can easily check for cavities by visually examining your teeth and taking digital X-rays. These images allow us to see inside and between your teeth, where cavities tend to develop first.
It’s important to mention that not all cavities cause pain or are easy to spot with just a quick look. But if you’re noticing any of the following symptoms, there’s a chance you could have a cavity:
- Tooth Sensitivity: If one tooth is noticeably more sensitive than others, or it’s hypersensitive to hot temperatures and sweet foods, you may have a cavity.
- Toothache or Sharp Tooth Pain: Do you feel an obvious sharp or painful sensation when you bite down on your tooth? Be sure to let us know.
- Broken or Deteriorating Tooth Enamel: Larger areas of tooth decay tend to cause the tooth to break apart with daily use. Avoid chewing on this tooth altogether until we can see you for an exam.
- Old Dental Fillings: As dental fillings age, it’s fairly common for them to develop open margins where new bacteria or plaque can seep in between the filling and your tooth. You may feel a rough edge with your tongue.
- A Hole in Your tooth: Cavities often collect food when you eat or may create a large enough opening that it’s visible to the naked eye.
Regular checkups with our West Hollywood dentist help us find small cavities before they become major problems. Early treatment is often easier, faster, and less expensive. The longer you wait to treat active tooth decay, the greater the risk there is that it will evolve into an abscessed tooth or dental emergency.
Act Now to Preserve Your Smile!
If you have a cavity, it’s important to treat it as early as possible. Tooth decay doesn’t rest and it progresses deeper, causing more damage over time. Let us help you prevent further complications.
Types of Dental Fillings in West Hollywood, CA
The location and size of your cavity can influence the type of dental filling that you need. At West Hollywood Dental Studio, we offer several different types of fillings to choose from:
Composite (White) Fillings
These tooth-colored fillings are the least invasive type of restoration available. The white material bonds closely with your tooth enamel, so not much of your tooth structure needs to be changed during the treatment. Since composite comes in different shades, we can choose a color that matches your natural tooth enamel.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Traditional amalgam fillings are best for scenarios involving large cavities or teeth that are difficult to keep dry during treatment. They are the least costly option for dental fillings. However, their silver color can interfere with your smile.
Indirect Porcelain Fillings
Lab-made fillings such as inlays and onlays provide added reinforcement for extremely compromised teeth. They are also called “three-quarter crowns” and are a conservative option compared to full-coverage crowns.
Getting a Dental Filling: What to Expect
Dental fillings are a quick and effective treatment that can be completed in just one appointment. Your comfort is our priority, so we will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. This way, you will only feel slight pressure during the procedure. After gently removing the areas of decay, we’ll prepare the tooth and place the appropriate filling material. If you choose a white filling, we will make sure the composite matches your enamel perfectly and use a special light to harden the material. For amalgam fillings, we ensure a polished, smooth surface.
Dental Filling Aftercare Instructions
Here are some helpful tips to take care of your teeth after a dental filling:
- Brushing and flossing gently: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, just like you normally would. Be extra careful around the new filling, using soft bristles and a gentle touch.
- Foods to avoid: For a day or two, avoid very chewy, sticky, or hard foods that could dislodge the filling. These might include steak, gummy candies, or nuts.
- Sensitivity: It’s normal for your tooth to be slightly sensitive after a filling, especially to hot or cold. This sensitivity should go away within a few days. If it doesn’t, call our office.
- Regular dental checkups: Don’t forget to schedule your regular dental checkups, usually twice a year. This helps catch any problems early on, keeping your smile healthy!
How Much Do West Hollywood Dental Fillings Cost?
The price of a dental filling will depend on the size of the restoration, the number of tooth surfaces involved, and the type of filling you’re getting (amalgam vs. composite.) On average, the typical dental filling costs between $150-$300. Most patients are also able to use their dental insurance benefits toward the cost of their procedure, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Our West Hollywood dentist also offers flexible payment options to finance all or a portion of your dental filling treatment.
High-quality Dental Fillings in West Hollywood
At West Hollywood Dental Studio, our friendly team prioritizes your comfort while delivering high-quality dental treatments, including expert dental fillings. Take the first step towards a healthier smile today!
Questions Answered on This Page
- Do I Need a Dental Filling?
- Types of Dental Fillings
- Getting a Dental Filling Process
- Dental Filling Aftercare
Related Topics
- Composite (White) Fillings
- Dental Crowns
- Oral Exams
- Dental X-Rays
- Hygiene and Preventative Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of your dental filling as long as you have not exhausted your benefits for the year.
A well-maintained dental filling can last 10-20 years with good oral hygiene.
No. We use effective numbing medications so that you don’t feel any discomfort during your treatment.
Most dental fillings take 30-45 minutes to complete. Some appointments may be longer if we place more than one filling at a time.
It’s normal for your tooth to feel a little different after getting a filling, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. If you experience any discomfort, let us know, and we will make adjustments to the filling to ensure a proper fit.
Definition of common dental fillings terminology
Tooth decay (dental caries): Tooth decay is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria.
Tooth Enamel: Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. This tough shell is the hardest tissue in the human body.
Tartar: Tartar is a hard yellowish substance that forms on your teeth and causes them to decay if it is not removed.
Cavities: A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay.
The West Hollywood Dental Studio Experience
- Highest Level of Dental Care
- Friendly and Caring Staff
- Affordable Financing Options
- Personalized Dental Services
Experience Caring Dentistry Today
Your comfort & oral health are our top priorities
About our Dentistry
- Insurance: We partner with most PPOs to make your care more affordable.
- No Insurance? No problem call (310) 278-9121 for more information.
- Financing Options: We offer a wide range of dental financing options.
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles
- We serve patients from the following cities: West Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills,
- Have Questions? Please feel free to contact us at (310) 278-9121
Helpful links: WebMD (Tooth Fillings) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)