Fillings

Dental Fillings in Redlands 

When tooth decay strikes, prompt treatment is essential to prevent further damage and preserve your natural tooth. At Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry, we provide high-quality dental fillings that restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. As your trusted Redlands dentist, we use advanced materials and gentle techniques to ensure your comfort and deliver lasting results.

Whether you need a filling for a new cavity or want to replace old metal fillings with a more natural-looking option, our experienced team is here to help. We offer safe, effective treatments that protect your smile and your overall oral health.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative treatments used to repair teeth damaged by decay. When bacteria create cavities in your tooth enamel, the affected area must be removed and filled to prevent the decay from spreading. Fillings restore the tooth’s structure, seal out bacteria, and allow you to chew comfortably again.

Modern fillings are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while providing durable, long-lasting protection. At our Redlands dental office, we prioritize both aesthetics and function in every filling we place.

Types of Fillings We Offer

• Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings: Composite resin fillings are the most popular choice for patients who want a natural-looking restoration. Made from a durable plastic material, these fillings can be color-matched to your existing teeth, making them virtually invisible. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which allows us to preserve more of your natural tooth compared to traditional metal fillings.
• Mercury-Safe and Mercury-Free Dentistry: Our practice is committed to your safety and health. We offer mercury-free fillings and follow strict protocols when removing old amalgam (metal) fillings. This ensures that you and our team are protected from unnecessary exposure to mercury vapor during the removal process.

If you have old metal fillings that you’d like to replace with tooth-colored alternatives, we can safely remove them and restore your teeth with beautiful, biocompatible materials.

The Filling Procedure

Getting a dental filling at Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry is a straightforward and comfortable process. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Examination and Diagnosis: Your Redlands dentist will examine your tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of the decay. We’ll discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you have.
2. Numbing the Area: To ensure your comfort, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
3. Removing Decay: We’ll carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth using precision instruments, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind.
4. Placing the Filling: The tooth-colored composite material is applied in layers and hardened with a special light. We’ll shape and polish the filling to match your natural bite and ensure a smooth, comfortable finish.
5. Final Adjustments: Before you leave, we’ll check your bite and make any necessary adjustments so your filling feels natural and functions properly.

Most fillings can be completed in a single visit, allowing you to return to your normal routine right away.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Choosing composite fillings offers several advantages:

1. Natural Appearance: Fillings blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, making them ideal for visible areas.
2. Strong and Durable: Modern materials are designed to withstand the forces of chewing and last for many years.
3. Preserves Tooth Structure: Composite fillings bond to the tooth, which means less drilling and more of your natural tooth remains intact.
4. Versatile: Can be used to repair chips, cracks, and worn teeth in addition to treating cavities.
5. Safe and Mercury-Free: No exposure to metals or mercury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings

How long do dental fillings last?

With proper care, tooth-colored composite fillings can last 7 to 10 years or longer. Regular dental checkups help monitor the condition of your fillings and address any wear or damage early.

Are fillings painful?

The procedure itself is not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should only feel pressure during the treatment. Some sensitivity after the anesthetic wears off is normal but typically resolves within a few days.

Can I eat after getting a filling?

Yes, you can eat once the numbness wears off. Composite fillings harden immediately, so there’s no waiting period. Just avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours.

Do I need to replace my old metal fillings?

Not necessarily. If your metal fillings are intact and functioning well, replacement may not be needed. However, if they’re worn, cracked, or you prefer a more natural look, we can safely replace them with tooth-colored alternatives.

Schedule Your Appointment with Your Redlands Dentist

Don’t let tooth decay compromise your smile or your health. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or suspect you have a cavity, contact Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry today. Our team is ready to provide gentle, effective dental fillings that restore your comfort and confidence.

As your trusted Redlands dentist, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Call us today to schedule your appointment.