Dental Fillings in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we believe that treating a cavity is an opportunity to strengthen your tooth and enhance your smile. When decay compromises the integrity of your enamel, a Dental Filling is the most effective way to halt the progression of the “hole” and restore the tooth’s natural shape and function.

Dr. Thuc Luu and our team prioritize biocompatible, tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Whether you are visiting us from Discovery Bay or are a long-time Brentwood resident, we provide high-quality restorations designed to last for years.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay a Filling

A cavity is essentially a bacterial infection of the tooth. Unlike a small cut on your skin, a cavity will not heal on its own.

• Prevents Infection: If left untreated, decay will travel through the enamel and dentin into the pulp (the nerve), leading to a painful abscess that requires a Root Canal.
• Preserves Tooth Structure: The smaller the cavity, the more of your natural tooth we can save. Large cavities often require more invasive treatments like Dental Crowns.
• Stops Sensitivity: Fillings seal off the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, eliminating the “zing” you feel when eating cold or sweet foods.

Our Modern Filling Materials

We offer a variety of materials tailored to the location of the cavity and your aesthetic preferences.

1. Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored Fillings)

This is our most popular option. Made of a mixture of glass and plastic resin, these fillings are custom-shaded to match your existing teeth.

• Invisible Results: Ideal for front teeth or any visible area of your smile.
• Superior Bonding: Composite resin chemically bonds to your tooth, which actually helps support the remaining tooth structure and prevents fractures.
• Conservative Prep: Because of the bonding process, we can often remove less of your healthy tooth structure compared to traditional metal fillings.

2. Glass Ionomer

These are tooth-colored materials often used for fillings near the gumline or in children’s teeth.

• Fluoride Release: Glass ionomer gradually releases fluoride into the surrounding tooth, helping to prevent further decay in high-risk areas.
• Trusted Resource: Learn more about the benefits of fluoride-releasing materials from the American Dental Association.

3. Inlays and Onlays (Indirect Fillings)

For larger areas of decay where a standard filling isn’t strong enough but a crown isn’t yet necessary, we offer porcelain inlays and onlays. These are custom-crafted in a dental lab for a precise, puzzle-like fit.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Getting a filling at Fairview Dental Brentwood is a routine, comfortable process that usually takes less than an hour.

1. Numbing: We use a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel a thing. For anxious patients, we offer gentle sedation options.
2. Decay Removal: Dr. Luu carefully removes the damaged portion of the tooth and cleans the area to ensure all bacteria are gone.
3. Etching and Bonding: For composite fillings, we apply a mild solution to “rough up” the surface slightly, followed by a bonding agent.
4. Layering: The resin is applied in layers and “cured” (hardened) instantly with a specialized UV light.
5. Polishing: We shape and polish the filling so it feels smooth to your tongue and doesn’t interfere with your bite.

Filling Aftercare and Longevity

Most composite fillings last 7 to 10 years, though with excellent care, they can last even longer.

Immediate Post-Op Tips:

• Wait to Eat: Avoid eating until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidentally biting your lip or cheek.
• Manage Sensitivity: It is normal to have mild sensitivity to cold for 24–48 hours. Using a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne can help.
• Check Your Bite: If the tooth feels “high” or your bite feels uneven once the numbness fades, call us for a quick, two-minute adjustment.

Long-Term Success:

• Avoid “Tools”: Never use your teeth to open packages or bite your nails, as this can chip the resin.
• Watch the Stains: Just like natural enamel, composite resin can stain over time from coffee, tea, or red wine.
• Trusted Resource: See the CDC’s guidelines on preventing cavities to protect your new restoration and your other teeth.

Why Choose Fairview Dental for Your Restorations?

We treat every filling with the precision of a cosmetic procedure. Dr. Thuc Luu focuses on:

• BPA-Free Materials: We use only the safest, most modern resins.
• Precision Fit: Using high-magnification loupes, we ensure the margins of your filling are perfectly sealed against bacteria.
• Patient Comfort: From our warm blankets to our gentle injection techniques, we make “getting a cavity fixed” a stress-free experience.

Schedule Your Cavity Consultation Today

If you have a toothache, sensitivity, or can see a dark spot on your tooth, don’t wait for the pain to get worse. A simple filling today can save your tooth tomorrow.

Contact Fairview Dental Brentwood today at (925) 240-7253 to schedule your comprehensive Restorative Dentistry evaluation.