Cavity Fillings

Say goodbye to your cavities in Orange, CA

Cavity Fillings, Orange, California

Did you know that 91 percent of Americans aged 20-64 have had a filling? That means that 91 percent of them have had a dental cavity. If you're dealing with a cavity yourself, clearly you're in good company. But that doesn't mean you have to continue dealing with that cavity! At Gold Coast Dental Orange, we pride ourselves on transforming unclean mouths into pristine, beautiful ones.

Don't be like the 20 percent of Americans who are currently suffering from untreated cavities. Come into our offices and let us handle any of the tooth decay stages you may be dealing with. We'll give you a cavity filling in no time, and we'll do it conveniently and painlessly. The sooner we detect those cavities, the less likely it is that you'll have to face a root canal or a tooth extraction. Let us be your one-stop-shop for a tooth filling.

Types of Fillings

Choosing which kind of filling is best for you Stages

Amalgam

Historically, this is the most popular type of filling, made from a combination of mercury, copper, zinc, and silver, with the mercury comprising about half of the material. Because they don't blend in with the teeth, they're usually placed in cavities toward the back of the mouth. These are typically known as the least expensive fillings, but because mercury is now acknowledged as a toxic substance, some patients prefer other options. If maintained properly, they can last up to ten years.

Composite resins

These types of fillings are seeing more popularity these days because they have the same color as natural teeth and blend in easily. As you might expect, they're used for "social teeth," the ones that are visible when a person smiles. Composite resins are created from a combination of fine glass particles and plastics. They're more expensive than amalgam fillings, but not as expensive as gold ones. They can last up to five years with proper care.

Gold

As you might assume, these fillings are made from gold (as well as some other metals). Gold fillings are the most expensive type of fillings available, as they can be up to ten times that of an amalgam filling. There is a huge benefit to paying such an expensive fee, however, and that is because gold fillings are the most durable of fillings, lasting up to 15 years with proper oral care.

The Filling Process

What to expect when getting your filling

The process of getting a filling is actually much more straightforward and simple than you might expect. Here's a quick rundown of the steps required to get you in and out: First, you have to determine what type of filling you want. In addition to amalgam, composite, and gold fillings, there are ceramic and glass ionomer fillings. This decision is based on budgetary concerns and aesthetic considerations. Once we know what type of filling we'll be using, we'll apply a local numbing agent to your teeth, gums, and surrounding skin so that you experience the maximum level of

comfort during the procedure. Now we drill out the decayed part of your tooth (which you obviously don't need anymore). We then sterilize that part of the tooth and prep the hole for filling. On to the filling itself. The cavity is now filled with whichever type of filling you've decided upon. Once the filling has been applied, we'll refurbish the surface of your tooth. Good as new! You can expect this process to take about an hour. Afterward, you will want to allow the anesthesia a few hours to wear off. Enjoy your new filling!

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Filling Your Heart With Joy

Cavities aren't the only things we fill

Getting a filling doesn't have to provoke worry or anxiety. At Gold Coast Dental Orange, we make it easy to conquer those pesky cavities and get on with your life. Our high-quality offices are designed with your highest comfort in mind, and our top-performing staff is ready to serve your every need. It's our job to ensure that you walk out of our offices with a beaming, cavity-free smile on your face. If you're dealing with a cavity or two, what are you waiting for? Give us a call at (657) 888-9011 and we'll take care of them together.

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What is a cavity?

A cavity occurs when too much plaque has built up in the tooth, attracting bacteria. This bacteria converts sugars into acids that cause tooth decay. The decay can create a hole in the tooth, which is known as a cavity.
What does a cavity look like?

A cavity starts as a discoloration of the tooth. A gray-white or black stain may be visible on the grooves of the tooth. If you're noticing something similar to this on your tooth, give us a call! You might be dealing with a cavity.
How can I tell if I have a cavity?

You may have a cavity if you find that you are experiencing a toothache, or have a great deal of sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages. It is possible for patients to have dental cavities and not feel any tooth decay symptoms, however. Make sure that you're coming in for routine cleanings and exams so that cavities don't develop!
What happens if I don't treat my cavity?

When the decay spreads through the enamel and into the dentine, it's already time for a filling. However, if this intrusion is ignored, it will eventually reach the nerve of the tooth, causing cavity pain and calling for a root canal. If it is ignored further, it could lead to an abscess. It's important to get tooth decay treatment as soon as possible!
How do you get rid of a cavity without going to the dentist?

It is always recommended to see a dentist if you're dealing with a cavity. That said, there are a few at-home remedies you can try. Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown in clinical trials to help remineralize enamel. Adding Vitamin D to your diet can help reduce the risk of getting cavities, as can brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Do all cavities need dental fillings?

If you manage to catch a cavity early enough, then it's possible that it can repair itself and not require a filling. However, it is always best to get a dentist's opinion before opting to not treat a cavity with a filling.
How much does a cavity filling cost?

The cost of a cavity filling depends largely on the type of filling you'll be getting. A filling made from amalgam won't be as costly as a gold filling, for instance. Besides the materials used, the cost depends on the dentist. Feel free to give us a call for a consultation to discuss specific price points.
Does filling a tooth cavity hurt?

It doesn't have to! We have a variety of anesthetic and sedation options available so that your cavity filling experience is as pain-free as possible. Patients often report that with local anesthetic, they feel pressure but no pain.
How many years do fillings last?

The durability of a filling depends on the material used. Gold fillings are known to be the most durable, as they can last up to 15 years. Other types of fillings are known to last five to ten years.