Dental Fillings
When tooth decay begins to eat away at your teeth, you want to take immediate action. Waiting for the issue to worsen can only lead to more costly and complex treatments down the road. Dr. Rhonda Kalasho provides routine dental fillings in Beverly Hills to arrest tooth decay and keep your oral health at its peak.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are the core dental treatment. When tooth decay is in its early stages, it can eat away part of the tooth. This decay forms a cavity. If you ignore it, the problem will not go away. Instead, you will need a dentist to clear out the decay and treat the tooth with a filling. The filling itself is a special material placed in the tooth to seal out bacteria and reinforce the tooth’s structure.
Fillings can come in options for materials:
- Composite resin (most popular choice)
- Amalgam
- Gold
- Porcelain
- Glass ionomer
Why Composite Resin?
The most common solution patients choose is a composite resin filling. This material brings with it several benefits, not least of them that the material matches your tooth's color. These fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Unless you look very closely, you likely cannot even spot the filling.
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Benefits of Dental Fillings
- Stop tooth decay from progressing
- Improve how your smile looks
- Boost a tooth's structural integrity
- Quick, pain-free treatment
- Benefits can last for years
- Flexible options for materials
Dental Fillings FAQs
What is the process like?
- Consultation + Exam: First, Dr. Kalasho checks for cavities. If she spots tooth decay (through physical exam and X-rays), she may recommend a filling. For more progressed decay, you may need a different treatment.
- Preparing the Tooth: We numb the treatment area before starting (we provide pain- free treatments only!). Dr. Kalasho will then clear out the cavity, removing parts of the tooth in states of decay.
- Placing the Filling: Next, she places the filling material into the cavity to seal it off from bacteria.
- Polishing + Shaping: Lastly, she puts the finishing touches on the filling so it fits perfectly in your smile. When you bite down, your teeth should come together smoothly.
Is a filling right for me?
Tooth decay might seem harmless at early stages. Most patients do not even notice they have cavities. However, once decay starts to cause symptoms, it may mean you have a bigger issue on your hands. When your dentist recommends a filling, the best idea is to have the treatment. It is quick, painless, and affordable, whereas more complex treatments may be less convenient.
What are alternative treatments?
- Dental Bonding: Enhances a tooth’s stability if lightly damaged (cracked or chipped).
- Root Canal: Protects a tooth by clearing out infection or a vulnerable pulp.
- Inlays or Onlays: Ideal for more substantial decay that has eaten away notable parts of the tooth.
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years, depending on the material and your oral health. Gold fillings tend to last the longest. Composite resin ones last about 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. However, this material can easily be replaced without changing how your tooth looks.
The best way to keep your fillings in good shape-brush twice daily and floss once daily. This sets the foundation for overall stable oral health. However, you still need to visit the dentist twice a year for routine cleanings. Otherwise, plaque and tartar can continue to build up.
Does insurance cover this treatment?
Dental fillings are an essential part of dental care. Thus, most insurance policies cover part or all of the cost. However, it is important to learn about your individual plan so you can understand what the policy will cover. We also provide our own TruGlo Membership plan that provides patients with discounts on all procedures, including cosmetic dental treatments.
Book Your Appointment
Dr. Rhonda Kalasho and the TruGlo dentist team strive to keep each of their patients smiling for a lifetime. Call the office or use the online form and we can set up an appointment to see if you need dental fillings in Beverly Hills. Receive comfortable, stress-free care in a modern office where you feel at home.
