Tooth decay is one of the most common dental health concerns that can afflict patients of all ages. Caught early, our dentist can quickly repair dental cavities using a dental filling. Without treatment, dental decay can spread and infect the inner pulp of the tooth. The decay can cause tooth loss and a higher risk of developing gum disease and bone recession.
Claremont Dental Institute provides modern dental solutions for restoring teeth with decay. We use laser dentistry and offer dental sedation options to reduce discomfort and anxiety. We perform all tooth decay treatments in the comfort of our Claremont, CA, dental office.
Drill-free Dental Fillings
Laser dentistry is changing how we preform dental procedures, including traditional dental fillings. It has made dental fillings a less invasive procedure and often reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia. Laser dental fillings help patients with dental anxiety feel more comfortable during treatment. we will provide a lasting and natural treatment option for tooth decay.
The benefits of drill-free fillings include:
- Reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia
- Uses a precise kinetic particle to gently and comfortable remove decay
- Allows for early intervention, and the ability to preserve healthy tooth structure
- Doesn’t grind away healthy tooth structure
- Safe and effective for children and adults with tooth decay
Replace Metal Dental Fillings
At Claremont Dental Institute we practice holistic dentistry. That means we consider all aspects of your oral health as well as your overall wellness and wellbeing. Our dentists help patients find the right solutions for them based on their personal goals, beliefs, and dental health.
We offer patients aesthetic alternatives to old metal dental fillings that contain mercury. For patients who have metal fillings, our dentists may recommend replacing the metal filling with another option. The dentist will use a white ceramic filling, inlay, or onlay to restore the tooth after he removes the metal filling.
We adhere to all Association of Mercury Safe Dentistry (IAMSD), and the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) protocols. We also follow other prominent biological and holistic dental organization protocols for the safe removal of mercury fillings.
Inlay & Onlays
Inlay and onlays are also partial dental crowns. Our office custom designs each inlay and onlay, so no two are the same. The result will be indistinguishable from the natural tooth. Metal-free ceramic inlays and onlays most commonly repair and restore damaged teeth that have advanced tooth decay.
- Inlay: Inlays are a custom dental restoration that repairs decay found on the cusp of a molar. These areas are common decay zones that can be difficult to treat or clean because of the grooves and crevices. Inlays fit the contours of the tooth, creating a tight seal to prevent future decay or damage to the molar.
- Onlay: An onlay mends a large surface area affected by tooth decay. Onlays are common for treating decay or damage that occurs on the front surface of teeth in the “smile zone.” Our dentists make sure they bond the onlay to a clean tooth, so you get a seamless and lasting result.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is most commonly a result of poor oral hygiene. Patients can help reduce their risk of tooth decay by visiting the dentist at least once every six months. Biannual dental checkups allow your Claremont Dental Institute dentist to catch decay as soon as possible.
Brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to keep your teeth cavity-free in between your visits to our dental office. Brushing and flossing remove debris from the teeth preventing the build-up of disease-causing bacteria. Our dental care team can make personalized recommendations on how to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Dental Fillings FAQs
If your dentist says that you need a dental filling, you may want to learn more about this general dentistry treatment. A tooth filling is a common restoration that we perform to repair a broken tooth, and tooth with a cavity or decay. Please contact us if you have further questions.
Can inlays and onlays take the place of fillings?
Yes, but a dental filling is perfect for addressing tooth decay in most cases. The dentist places an inlay between the cusps of the top of the teeth. When it’s an onlay, the dentist places it over the cusps. However, since the molars in the rear of the mouth must undergo greater stresses and bite forces, we may suggest a more substantial option.
What do I do if I have a broken dental filling?
If you have a broken dental filling, do not try to repair it yourself. Also, avoid using your tooth because it can cause more harm. Contact our dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as you notice something wrong. Our dentists make it a priority to treat dental emergencies as quickly as possible.
Is getting a dental filling painful?
No. The dentist uses a local anesthetic in the work area so that you do not feel pain during treatment. After you regain feeling in your mouth, you will be able to bite with the filling the same day.
What are the signs that indicate I need a tooth filling?
Common signs you need a tooth filling include a toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, and visible holes or dark spots on your tooth. Also, if you experience pain when biting or chewing, it could mean you have some decay or damage and the tooth needs a filling. Noticing roughness on the tooth surface or food getting stuck may indicate the need for a filling.
What is the difference between dental fillings and inlays and onlays?
Dental fillings, inlays, and onlays all restore and repair teeth with damage from decay or injury. The difference between them lies in the extent of the damage they can address and the method of their application.
Dental fillings fill small holes or cavities directly within the tooth structure. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, fill larger sections of decay or damage. The dentist can place a filling in one visit, but a dental lab has to create inlays and onlays before bonding them to the teeth. Inlays and onlays create a stronger and more durable solution than fillings for larger areas of decay or damage.
How long will my dental filling take?
The time it takes the dentist to complete your dental filling depends on the extent of the damage and where the tooth is in your mouth. We can typically finish a simple filling in about 20 to 30 minutes. However, more complex cases with larger cavities or involving multiple teeth may require more time.
Your comfort and our ability to achieve a high-quality outcome also play into the treatment time. We want to ensure the best outcome. We will discuss your case to get an accurate estimate of the time for your dental filling.