Dental Filling

At Advanced Torrance Dental Group, dental fillings are one of our most common restorative procedures. When tooth decay creates cavities, dental fillings help restore the tooth’s structure and function while preventing further damage.

Dr. Mansoureh Soltani, DDS, and our team provide comfortable, durable dental fillings using the latest techniques and materials to ensure your smile remains healthy and strong. We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety, which is why we focus on creating a relaxing environment while delivering exceptional results.

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Understanding Dental Filling

Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures. When bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel, cavities form, requiring treatment to prevent further deterioration.

Left untreated, decay can progress deeper into the tooth, potentially causing pain, infection, and eventual tooth loss. Dental fillings halt this process by removing the decayed portion and filling the space with durable materials that restore the tooth’s integrity and functionality.

Benefits of Dental Filling

Preserves Tooth Structure

Unlike more invasive procedures, dental fillings allow dentists to maintain as much healthy tooth structure as possible. This conservative approach prevents unnecessary removal of tooth material and helps maintain the natural strength of your tooth. Preserving original tooth structure is crucial for long-term oral health and can help avoid the need for crowns or other more extensive treatments in the future.

Reduces Sensitivity

Untreated cavities often cause uncomfortable sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Dental fillings cover exposed dentin and seal the nerve endings that cause this discomfort. Most patients experience immediate relief from temperature sensitivity following their filling procedure, making everyday activities like enjoying ice cream or hot coffee comfortable again.

Cost-Effective Solution

Dental fillings represent one of the most economical options for treating tooth decay compared to alternatives like crowns, inlays, or extractions with replacements. The procedure requires fewer dental visits, uses less expensive materials, and prevents costly complications that can develop from untreated decay. Investing in fillings early can save significant expense on more complex treatments down the road.

Customizable Options

Today’s dental fillings offer unprecedented customization to meet your specific needs and preferences. You can choose between different materials based on durability requirements, aesthetic concerns, and budget considerations. Some patients prefer tooth-colored composites for visible teeth, while others might select stronger materials like amalgam for back teeth that endure more pressure during chewing.

Minimizes Bacterial Growth

The smooth surface of a properly placed dental filling is easier to clean than the irregular surface of a cavity. This reduces plaque accumulation and bacterial growth that would otherwise continue damaging your tooth. Better cleanability means fewer bacteria can collect in these areas, reducing your risk of recurring decay and promoting overall oral health through simplified maintenance.

Our Dental Filling Process

Comprehensive Examination

During your visit with Dr. Soltani, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation using digital imaging and intraoral cameras to precisely identify decay locations and severity. We take time to show you exactly what we’re seeing, helping you understand the need for treatment in clear, simple terms. This detailed assessment allows us to develop the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific situation.

Discussion of Material Options

We’ll present you with various filling material choices suited to your specific needs, explaining the benefits and considerations of each option. Dr. Soltani will recommend materials based on the cavity location, size, your dental history, and aesthetic preferences. You’ll be fully informed about composite resin, amalgam, and other options before making your decision.

Comfortable Preparation

Your comfort remains our priority throughout the entire procedure, starting with gentle, effective numbing techniques. We use precision instruments to carefully remove only the decayed portion of your tooth, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Our meticulous approach ensures minimal discomfort while preparing your tooth for its new restoration.

Precise Filling Placement

With the decay removed, Dr. Soltani will apply your chosen filling material using specialized techniques for maximum durability and aesthetic results. The material is carefully shaped to restore your tooth’s natural contours and ensure proper bite alignment. This attention to detail creates fillings that look natural and function perfectly with your surrounding teeth.

Quality Assurance Check

Before you leave, we’ll verify that your new filling feels comfortable when you bite and doesn’t interfere with your normal dental function. Dr. Soltani will polish the restoration to a smooth finish and ensure all margins are properly sealed against future decay. This final step helps guarantee the longevity of your restoration and your continued comfort.

Why Choose Us for Your Dental Fillings

Dr. Soltani’s precision-focused filling technique preserves more of your natural tooth structure than traditional methods, extending the life of your restoration. Our advanced laser technology enables us to detect decay earlier and prepare cavities with minimal discomfort, often reducing the need for extensive anesthesia. We specialize in color-matching composite fillings so perfectly that even you’ll forget which tooth was treated.

What sets us apart is our thorough quality assurance process—Dr. Soltani meticulously checks bite alignment and seals every margin to prevent future decay around your filling. Our same-day emergency appointments mean cavities causing sudden pain don’t disrupt your life. Plus, with our detailed pre-treatment imaging, you’ll see exactly why treatment is needed and understand your material options before any work begins, eliminating surprises and building confidence in your care decisions.

The Path to Dental Wellness Starts Here!

Don’t let dental decay hold you back from enjoying your favorite foods or smiling with confidence. Dr. Mansoureh Soltani and our caring team at Advanced Torrance Dental Group are ready to provide the personalized attention and gentle care your smile deserves.

We make the filling process comfortable, efficient, and stress-free, so you can quickly return to your daily activities with improved oral health. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to see real patient transformations, or call us directly at 310-534-1809 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger smile.

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FAQs

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures. After removing the decayed portion of the tooth, the dentist fills the cleaned-out cavity with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain. The filling restores the tooth’s structure, function, and helps prevent further decay by sealing off spaces where bacteria might enter.

How long does a dental filling last?

The lifespan of dental fillings varies depending on the material used and your oral hygiene habits. Composite resin fillings typically last 5-10 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years or more with proper care. Factors that affect longevity include the size of the filling, location in the mouth, grinding or clenching habits, and how well you maintain oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

How long does numbness last after dental filling?

The numbness from local anesthesia used during a dental filling procedure typically lasts between 1-5 hours, depending on the type of anesthetic used and your individual response. The lower jaw usually stays numb longer than the upper jaw due to the density of the bone and nerve structure. Most patients regain full sensation within 2-3 hours, though you may experience residual numbness around your lips, tongue, or cheek during this period.

How long after a dental filling can I eat?

For tooth-colored composite fillings, you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off, typically within 1-3 hours after your appointment. With amalgam (silver) fillings, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods to allow the material to fully set. To protect your new filling, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days if you experience sensitivity.

What does a dental filling look like?

Modern dental fillings are designed to blend with your natural tooth structure, especially tooth-colored composite resin fillings which can be matched to your exact tooth color. Composite fillings appear virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel once placed. Amalgam fillings have a silver appearance and are more noticeable, particularly when placed in visible areas. Depending on the material chosen, your filling may be completely invisible or have a distinct appearance that changes over time.