What to Expect During Your Dental Filling Placement

Restorative dentistry is part art and part science. If you have damaged or missing teeth, Dr. Jean Barthman can restore your smile by placing fillings, dentures, or dental crowns. Many restorative procedures deliver cosmetic as well as restorative benefits.

One of the most commonly performed restorative treatments Dr. Barthman performs in Redwood City, CA, is the placement of dental fillings. Our office is proud to offer tooth-colored fillings that blend in with the color and luster of natural teeth. Learn more about the step-by-step procedure for the placement of dental fillings.

When Do I Need Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings restore lost tooth structure. The composite resin contains bits of silica that allow the composite fillings to match the reflective properties of enamel.

You may need fillings placed after cavity treatment. Fillings can repair minor damage to a tooth following trauma. Many of our Redwood City patients seek tooth-colored dental fillings as a cosmetically pleasing alternative to metal fillings.

If you have silver amalgam fillings, that restoration has trace amounts of mercury, which is a known neurotoxin. Dr. Barthman can safely remove your metal fillings without exposing you to mercury before placing safe and biocompatible dental fillings.

Dental Fillings Placement Process: A Step-by-step Look

If you are having silver amalgam fillings replaced, Dr. Barthman will need to break the fillings so they can be safely removed. Once your old fillings have been removed, any underlying tooth decay will be removed using a special drill.

If you are having fillings placed following cavity treatment, the dental fillings process will begin following the complete removal of all tooth decay.

Prepping

The treatment site will be thoroughly cleaned and then sanitized. The final step in the prepping process involves using an acidic compound or etching material. The liquid opens natural pores on the surface of enamel so the tooth-colored fillings can maintain better contact with the treatment site.

Placement of Dental Fillings

Once the surface of your tooth has been prepared, Dr. Barthman will color-match the fillings to blend in with your tooth. Tooth-colored fillings blend so well with natural tooth structure that many patients can’t tell where the fillings begin or end.

Once the fillings have been carefully shade-matched, Dr. Barthman will artfully mold the composite resin over the treatment site. The fillings will be molded to match the contours of your tooth.

Final Adjustments

Once your fillings are placed, a special blue light will be used to harden the composite resin. Minor adjustments can be made as needed once the resin has hardened. Dr. Barthman will make sure that your fillings do not interfere with your bite before you are released.

Side effects following this dental filling treatment are rare. Some patients may notice momentary temporary sensitivity following this treatment.

Schedule Your Restorative Treatment Today

Dental fillings are an affordable and cosmetically pleasing restorative treatment. Many of our patients seek composite resin as a more attractive alternative to silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are also considered to be a safer and stronger alternative to metal fillings.

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our office online or by calling (650) 367-4967.