Dental Fillings in Modesto: Seamless Repairs, Lasting Protection

Cavities don’t stand a chance. Our tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing durable, discreet protection. Using gentle techniques and advanced materials, we restore your smile’s health and beauty—without the silver.

Why Choose Sierra Dental in Modesto for Your Fillings?

At Sierra Dental Care in Modesto, we don’t just treat you like another number. Our goal is to provide you with excellence in dentistry. Our extended hours mean that you don’t have to rush after work or after school to try to squeeze in your appointment. We pride ourselves on the personal care we offer our patients.

We treat everyone, from children to grandparents. Whether you need orthodontics, dental implants, or family dentistry, we have the staff, training, and technology to give you the care you need.

While we focus on making things convenient for you, this does not mean that we take a cookie-cutter approach to dentistry. Our staff will thoroughly assess your individual needs with the goal of providing you with the best course of treatment. Do you have questions about a recommendation you were given from another dentist? Come visit us. We offer free consultations and second opinions to ensure that everyone in your family receives the care they need and deserve.

Reasons for Getting Fillings

The primary reason for getting a dental filling is to replace the space that is left behind after the cavity is drilled, however, there are other reasons you may need them. Small holes in your teeth which may not cause discomfort or are not considered cavities potentially could start to accumulate bacteria from food particles that lead to tooth decay. This tooth decay would be a reason to get dental fillings. A fractured tooth may also require a dental filling. Dental fillings can also be used to fix discolored teeth and may be able to help after the gradual loss of a tooth structure.

If I Get My Dental Fillings Done at Sierra Dental In Modesto, How Long Will They Last?

It is understandable that you would be interested in knowing how long you can rely on your dental fillings to last before you will need to have the procedure repeated. Dental fillings are not made to last forever. However, depending on the material used for dental fillings, they can last between seven and 30 years.

There are several factors that will influence how long your dental fillings will last. These include the size of the cavity, the amount of wear and tear your dental fillings experience through use, and the material used for the fillings themselves. However, some fillings fail sooner than expected, whereas others can last up to twice as long.. Grinding your teeth (bruxism) can also shorten the lifespan of your fillings because this creates small cracks in your teeth and prematurely wears away the dental filling material.

You will know that you need to replace your dental filling if it is cracked, moves when you touch it, or completely falls out. The larger the cavity, the more likely it is that your dental filling will fall out. This is because there is a lot less natural material to hold the filling material in place. If something like this happens or if you are experiencing discomfort around an old dental filling, our experienced dental professionals at Sierra Dental Care in Modesto are happy to help you get your teeth looking and feeling great again.

Can Dental Fillings Damage Teeth?

Dental fillings may put adjoining teeth at risk for decay. Part of the problem could be trauma caused by the process of applying the initial dental filling. The situation is worse for individuals who do a poor job at protecting and caring for their oral health after having a dental procedure done.

It is important for dental professionals to be aware of the possibility of inadvertently damaging adjacent teeth when putting in dental fillings. They should pay close attention to the state of neighboring teeth during follow-up visits.

If adjoining teeth show signs of decay, additional restorative fillings may be the only option. However, if you get dental fillings, you can take steps to protect them by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, using a fluoride mouthwash, and getting regular checkups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dental Fillings

How Many Fillings Do People Normally Have?

It is estimated that 175 million dental fillings are completed every single year in the United States. If this estimate is accurate, it means that there is at least one filling for every two U.S. citizens each year. This number is not limited to adults. Children, even those who just have their baby teeth, may develop cavities that require dental fillings.

Can Tooth Decay Continue after a Dental Filling?

Just because a tooth has been filled, this does not prevent tooth decay from forming afterward. Tooth decay begins outside of your teeth. Bacteria become plaque and adhere to your teeth. If you do not eliminate the plaque, it will turn into tartar, which will decay your teeth from the outside. That is why it is imperative that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once per day.

What Materials Are Dental Fillings Made From?

There are multiple types of fillings and it is up to you and your dentist which one works best for you.

Composite fillings are strong. While they lack the strength of amalgam fillings, they are tooth-colored and appear more natural. They are made from a powdered glass quartz, ceramic particles, or silica. These materials are mixed with a resin base. After the dental filling is applied, a powerful light is used to set the filling material.

Glass ionomer fillings chemically bond with the tooth. They also release fluoride, preventing future tooth decay. These fillings are not strong, but this material is typically only used on baby teeth or on non-biting surfaces.

Gold fillings are expensive and rare. Gold is a sturdy material that is resistant to corrosion. However, the expense of these fillings prevents some dentists from even offering it as an option.

Ceramic fillings are durable and attractive albeit more expensive. They are made of porcelain and can be tinted to match the color of your teeth. The only downside is that your dentist will need to remove a larger amount of your original tooth to produce a strong enough dental filling to withstand the pressure of biting due to ceramic being brittle.

What Are Indirect Fillings?

Indirect fillings are produced in a dental laboratory. They will be bonded to your tooth as a single piece, restoring the function and aesthetics of your tooth. Indirect fillings are typically made from porcelain or a unique type of durable composite. They are popular because they can be colored to match your tooth and last for a long time.

Indirect fillings require at least two appointments. During the first appointment, your tooth is anesthetized and numbed using local anesthetic. The cavity is cleaned and prepped for the filling. An impression is taken of the cavity and nearby teeth. This is sent to a laboratory that will manufacture the restoration based on the information provided by the dentist. It takes about two weeks to make the filling. In the interim, a temporary material is placed in the cavity.

During the second appointment, after anesthetizing and numbing the tooth, the temporary filling is removed and the cavity is cleaned. A specialized combination of bonding agents are used with a specialized cement compatible with the indirect filling material.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Silver amalgam fillings combine zinc, silver, copper, tin, and mercury. They are strong, affordable, and durable, lasting for 15 years or more. The downside is that they are not as attractive. With time, the amalgam may also contract or expand, damaging the host tooth. As mentioned above, there are some concerns about the presence of mercury in these dental fillings.

Ready for dental Care That Feels Different?

No judgment. No pain. No anxiety. Just compassionate care about your comfort.

If dental anxiety, pain, or embarrassment are keeping you from getting the care you know you need, Sierra Dental Care is your solution. Our gentle team specializes in putting your comfort first with sedation dentistry, calm communication, and zero judgment no matter how long it’s been. Because ou deserve dentistry that feels safe, respectful, and empowering.

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