Tooth-Colored Fillings

One way Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, helps you maintain a healthy smile is with treatments that preserve healthy tooth structure for as long as possible. An excellent example of this is the use of tooth-colored composite fillings.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Decay does not have to end your white smile! Composite resin combines plastic and fine glass particles to provide a translucent appearance that mimics natural tooth enamel. Dr. Mike uses Omnichroma composite, a high-quality, mercury-free material known for its excellent color-matching ability and durability, making it a perfect choice for tooth fillings. 

Cavities develop when bacterial acids in your mouth gradually erode enamel, creating a hole in the tooth. Some reasons for cavities are poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods, or insufficient fluoride. 

Treating cavities promptly is crucial to prevent decay from spreading and causing more severe dental issues such as infection or tooth loss. Here are some signs that may indicate you have a cavity:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Pain when biting down 
• Dark spots or staining on your tooth

Benefits of Composite Resin for Fillings

Composite fillings offer numerous advantages on their own and compared to traditional silver amalgam fillings:

Aesthetic Appeal — Metal fillings leave a dark spot in your smile, but composite fillings are virtually invisible. 
Bonding Strength — We bond composite resin directly to the tooth’s structure, where it adds support and reduces the risk of further decay.
Conservation of Tooth Structure — Unlike silver fillings, Dr. Mike removes only the decayed portion, meaning less drilling and more preservation of healthy tooth structure. 
No Mercury — Composite tooth fillings are mercury-free, which is an important consideration for many patients. 

Getting a composite filling at Dr. Mike’s dental office is a straightforward and comfortable process: 

• Examination — Dr. Mike thoroughly examines your teeth and takes digital x-rays to determine the extent of decay.
• Preparation — After numbing the area, Dr. Mike removes only the decayed portion of the tooth.
• Application — Dr. Mike applies the composite resin in layers, curing each with a special light to harden it.
• Shaping — Once all layers are in place, Dr. Mike shapes the filling to match your tooth’s natural contours.
• Polishing — The final step is polishing the filling to ensure a smooth, natural appearance and comfortable bite.

Tips for Avoiding Cavities

It’s not difficult to avoid cavities, but it does require consistent oral care habits: 

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque buildup between teeth.
• Limit sugary or acidic snacks and drinks.
• Visit Dr. Mike regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
• Consider dental sealants to protect the grooves of your molars.

If you suspect you have a cavity or want to learn more about composite fillings, contact Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, today. We serve patients from Hawthorne, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Mar Vista, Torrance, and surrounding areas and dedicate ourselves to providing top-quality, mercury-free dental care.