When you have cavities or other minor damage to your teeth, our dentists can provide you with composite, or tooth-colored, dental fillings to restore your smile. We will work with you to determine the correct shade of white to match your teeth. Please call Mid-Valley Dental Care at (818) 886-3500 to make your appointment with Drs. Terence Lau and Casey Lau, and to learn more about composite dental fillings in Northridge, California.
A dental filling is a common dental restoration used to repair mild to moderately damaged teeth and effectively treat tooth decay, chipping, and cracks. In the past, dental fillings were available only in the form of amalgam (silver) material. However, thanks to advances in modern dentistry, patients can now receive tooth-colored fillings, too. Mid-Valley Dental Care is pleased to offer composite (tooth-colored) dental fillings to provide our patients with enhanced results and better oral health.
The benefits of composite dental fillings include:
Ability to match the shade to your personal smile color, creating a seamless blend of filling and tooth that keeps your smile looking natural and beautiful
Strengthening of the natural tooth structure by bonding the filling directly with the tooth
No release of toxins into the mouth from mercury
Our dentists utilize high-quality materials to create customized dental fillings to repair and enhance your smile. We will sit down with you to select a color shade and discuss the size and placement of your filling. Dental fillings are placed in a single visit to our office. First, we remove any decay or damaged portions and clean out the tooth. Then, we add the filling material, which is shaped to match your natural tooth. The filling is then hardened to create a lasting restoration for your smile.
How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
While a cracked tooth sometimes has no symptoms at all and will only be detected by a dental professional, here are a few telltale signs that damage has occurred:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Frequent but fleeting tooth pain
- Discomfort when eating and drinking
- Sensitivity to temperature
- The feeling that something is caught in your teeth
If you experience any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to visit Mid-Valley Dental Care as soon as possible.
How can I tell if I have a dental cavity?
The symptoms of a cavity can vary depending on the location and severity. Common signs of a cavity include:
- A persistent toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet food
- Pain when biting down
- Visible white, brown, or black discoloration
- Pits or holes in the teeth
A decayed tooth can typically be preserved with a dental filling if the decay has not become too extensive. If not enough tooth structure can be saved, our dentists may recommend a dental crown or the removal of the tooth.
To learn if you would benefit from a dental filling, we encourage you to contact our office today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Terence Lau or Dr. Casey Lau.