Dental Fillings in Salinas, CA

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, but they’re also one of the easiest to fix. At NEXT Dentistry in Salinas, CA, we provide quick, comfortable dental fillings to repair decayed or damaged teeth. Our skilled team uses modern, tooth-colored materials to restore your tooth’s health and integrity while blending in naturally with your smile. If you have a toothache or have been told you have a cavity, we’re here to help you get your oral health back on track.

When Do You Need a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is typically needed when a tooth has a small area of decay (a cavity) or minor damage. Bacteria in plaque produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel, creating holes. If you notice symptoms like tooth sensitivity to sweets or temperature, a slight toothache, or visible dark spots on a tooth, you might have a cavity requiring a filling. Often, cavities cause no pain at first, which is why regular dental checkups are important – we can catch and treat decay early, before it worsens. By removing the decayed portion and filling the space, we stop the cavity from growing and prevent more serious issues like tooth infections.

Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings

We primarily use composite fillings, which are made of a durable resin that matches the color of your natural tooth. These mercury-free, metal-free fillings offer many advantages over old-fashioned silver amalgam fillings:

• Natural Look: Composite resin comes in a variety of shades, so we can closely match your tooth color. Once in place, the filling is virtually invisible when you smile or talk.

• Preserves Tooth Structure: Placing a composite filling often requires removing less of your healthy tooth compared to metal fillings, allowing us to keep more of your natural enamel intact.

• Strong Bond: The resin material bonds directly to the tooth structure, which can strengthen the tooth and provide a tight seal to keep bacteria out.

• No Mercury: You can have peace of mind knowing your filling contains no mercury. Composite is a safe and biocompatible material for restoring teeth.

What to Expect During the Filling Procedure

What to Expect During the Filling Procedure

Getting a cavity filled at our Salinas office is a simple, routine procedure:

1. Numbing the Tooth: First, we gently numb the area around the affected tooth so you won’t feel any pain. If you’re nervous about treatment, let us know – our friendly team excels at helping patients feel at ease.
2. Removing Decay: Dr. Vazquez will carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth using special instruments. We ensure all of the cavity is cleaned out while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.
3. Placing the Filling: Once the tooth is prepped, we apply the composite resin in layers. A special curing light hardens each layer of the material.
4. Shaping and Polishing: After the cavity is filled, we shape the filling to fit your bite and make sure your tooth’s surface feels smooth and natural. Finally, the filling is polished, and your tooth is as good as new.

The entire process is usually completed in under an hour. You’ll be able to chew on the tooth again as soon as the numbness wears off, and no one will notice you had a cavity filled at all!