Laguna Beach Dentist

(949) 499-8155
  • 31655 Coast Hwy, Suite B
  • Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Healthy Smiles Start Here

Adam Vaghari, DDS

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Dental Fillings and Restoration in Laguna Beach

Our Dental Fillings and Restoration Service in Laguna Beach is dedicated to providing top-quality dental care. We offer a range of restorative treatments, including dental fillings, crowns, and bridges, to repair and restore damaged teeth. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and materials to ensure long-lasting results and a natural-looking smile. Whether you need a simple filling or a more extensive restoration, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and personalized attention to enhance your oral health and overall well-being.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several types of dental fillings commonly used in dentistry. These include:
  • Amalgam Fillings: Made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They are durable and suitable for filling large cavities in back teeth. However, their silver color makes them more noticeable.
  • Composite Fillings: Made from a mixture of tooth-colored resin materials. They blend with the natural tooth color, making them aesthetically pleasing. Composite fillings are suitable for small to medium-sized cavities.
  • Ceramic Fillings: Also known as porcelain fillings, these are made from a tooth-colored ceramic material. They are highly aesthetic and provide good durability. Ceramic fillings are often used for larger cavities or for restoring front teeth.
  • Glass Ionomer Fillings: These fillings are made from a mixture of acrylic and a type of glass material. They release fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. Glass ionomer fillings are commonly used for small cavities, baby teeth, or as a temporary filling.
  • Gold Fillings: Made from gold alloy, these fillings are highly durable and can last for a long time. They are more expensive than other types of fillings and require multiple visits for placement.

Types of Restorations

There are various types of dental restorations used to repair and restore damaged or missing teeth. These include:
  • Dental Fillings: Used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, dental fillings restore the tooth’s shape and function. They can be made of materials like amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, or glass ionomer.
  • Dental Crowns: Also known as caps, dental crowns are tooth-shaped coverings that encase a damaged tooth. They restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials.
  • Dental Bridges: Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by using adjacent teeth or dental implants as support. They consist of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to crowns or implants, filling the gap and restoring chewing and speaking functions.
  • Dental Implants: Implants are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
  • Dentures: These are removable appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth. Dentures can be partial, replacing some missing teeth, or complete, replacing all teeth in the upper or lower arch.
  • Inlays and Onlays: These restorations are used when a tooth has moderate decay or damage. Inlays are placed within the tooth’s cusps, while onlays cover a larger portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps.
  • Veneers: Thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can enhance the shape, color, and alignment of teeth.

Benefits of Dental Fillings and Restorations

The benefits of dental fillings and restorations include:
  • Decay Prevention: Fillings and restorations help treat tooth decay, preventing it from progressing and causing further damage to the tooth structure.
  • Tooth Preservation: By removing decayed or damaged tooth material and restoring it with fillings or restorations, the natural tooth structure is preserved, preventing the need for extraction.
  • Improved Functionality: Restorations restore the tooth’s shape, size, and function, allowing for proper chewing, speaking, and biting.
  • Aesthetic Enhancement: Tooth-colored fillings and restorations blend seamlessly with the natural tooth color, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to decayed or damaged teeth.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Dental restorations alleviate tooth sensitivity and discomfort caused by decay or damage, restoring comfort and normal oral function.
  • Durability: Modern dental materials used for fillings and restorations are strong and durable, providing long-lasting solutions for damaged or decayed teeth.
  • Protection and Surrounding Teeth: Fillings and restorations prevent further damage or decay from spreading to adjacent teeth, preserving overall oral health.
  • Oral Health Maintenance: Restorations make it easier to maintain oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, as they restore proper tooth alignment and spacing.
  • Boosted Confidence: Dental fillings and restorations improve the appearance of the smile, enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem.

Our Dental Fillings and Restoration Procedure

Our dental fillings and restoration procedure is designed to provide effective and long-lasting solutions for decayed or damaged teeth. Here’s an overview of our process:
  • Examination: Our experienced dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, identifying areas of decay or damage that require fillings or restorations. X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of the issue.
  • Treatment Plan: Based on the examination findings, our dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We will discuss the recommended fillings or restorations and address any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Local Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort during the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area being treated. This helps minimize any potential discomfort or sensitivity.
  • Removal of Decay: For dental fillings, the decayed portion of the tooth will be carefully removed using specialized dental instruments. In the case of restorations, any damaged or compromised tooth structure will be prepared and shaped to accommodate the restoration material.
  • Restoration Placement: The chosen filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam, will be precisely placed and shaped to restore the natural contour of the tooth. For more extensive restorations like dental crowns, impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom-made restoration, which will be securely bonded to the prepared tooth.
  • Bite Alignment and Polishing: Our dentist will ensure proper bite alignment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and functional result. The restoration will be polished to achieve a smooth and natural-looking appearance.
  • Post-Procedure Care: We will provide instructions on how to care for your newly restored teeth, including proper oral hygiene practices and any specific dietary recommendations. Regular dental check-ups will be scheduled to monitor the condition of your fillings or restorations.

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Proudly serving Laguna Beach and the following Orange County cities
Dana Point CA • San Clemente CA • Laguna Niguel CA • Laguna Hills CA • Mission Viejo CA • Aliso Viejo CA • Irvine CA • Newport Beach CA • Ladera Ranch CA • Costa Mesa CA • Lake Forest CA • Tustin CA • Brea CA • Yorba Linda CA • Rancho Santa Margarita CA • San Juan Capistrano CA

FAQs

What is the cost of a dental filling?

The cost of a dental filling will vary depending on the type of filling, the size of the hole, and the location of the tooth.

How long will a dental filling last?

The life expectancy of a dental filling will vary depending on the type of filling, the size of the hole, and the location of the tooth. However, most dental fillings will last for many years.

What should I do to take care of my dental fillings?

You should brush and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent decay from spreading to the filling. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

What are the risks of not getting a dental filling?

If you do not get a dental filling, the decay can spread to the rest of the tooth. This can lead to a toothache, infection, and even tooth loss.

How long does a dental filling or restoration procedure take?

The duration of a dental filling or restoration procedure typically depends on the size and complexity of the restoration needed. Generally, a simple filling can be completed in a single dental visit and may take about 30 minutes to an hour. However, more extensive restorations, such as dental crowns or bridges, may require multiple appointments and take longer to complete.

Can a dental filling or restoration be done on a broken tooth?

Yes, a dental filling or restoration can be done on a broken tooth. The type of restoration will depend on the extent of the damage. For minor chips or fractures, a dental filling can be used to restore the tooth. However, if the break is more severe, a dental crown may be recommended to provide additional strength and protection.