Restorative & Gum Care
Dental Fillings in San Rafael, CA
Comfortable, natural-looking repair for cavities.
Tooth-colored fillings restore teeth affected by decay while keeping your smile looking natural. At Dental Studio of Marin, we use durable, mercury-free materials that blend right in, so treating a cavity is quick, comfortable, and virtually invisible.
Dentistry for Every Stage of Life
Comprehensive dental services in a welcoming San Rafael office.
Dental Fillings in San Rafael
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and a filling is the simple, effective way to treat them before they grow. When decay is removed, it leaves a space that needs to be sealed and rebuilt — that’s exactly what a filling does. Modern tooth-colored fillings do this while matching the natural shade of your tooth, so your smile stays seamless and no one can tell you ever had a cavity.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings offer real advantages over older metal fillings, both cosmetically and functionally.
- Natural Appearance Matched to your tooth’s color so the repair is invisible.
- Mercury-Free Made from safe, modern composite materials.
- Preserves More Tooth Bonds directly to the tooth, so less healthy structure is removed.
A Quick, Comfortable Procedure
Getting a filling is usually a simple, single-visit procedure. We gently numb the area, remove the decay, and fill the space with composite material that we shape and harden to match your bite. Most fillings take just a short time, and you’ll be back to your day with a fully restored tooth.
Catching Cavities Early
The best time to treat a cavity is before it causes pain. Early decay often has no symptoms, which is why routine exams and X-rays are so important — they let us spot and treat cavities while they’re small and easy to fix. Left untreated, decay can spread and eventually require a crown or root canal, so a timely filling truly is the simpler path.
Protecting Your Teeth Long-Term
A filling restores a tooth, but good habits keep it healthy. Brushing, flossing, limiting sugary foods, and keeping up with cleanings all help prevent new cavities. We’ll also keep an eye on existing fillings at your checkups to make sure they stay in great shape for years to come.
Dental Fillings FAQ
- What are tooth-colored fillings made of?
- They’re made of a durable composite resin that’s matched to your natural tooth color and contains no mercury or metal.
- Does getting a filling hurt?
- We numb the area first, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
- How long does a filling take?
- Most fillings are completed in a single, short visit, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
- How do I know if I need a filling?
- Sensitivity, pain, or a visible spot can signal a cavity, but many are found only through routine exams and X-rays before symptoms appear.
- Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as metal ones?
- Yes. Modern composite fillings are strong, durable, and bond directly to the tooth for a secure, long-lasting repair.
- Can old metal fillings be replaced?
- Yes. Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite for a more natural look.
- How long do fillings last?
- With good care, tooth-colored fillings can last many years. We check them at your regular visits.
- What happens if I ignore a cavity?
- Untreated decay can spread and may eventually require a crown or root canal, so it’s best to treat cavities early.
A MORE CONSIDERED APPROACH
Dr. Mehdi Salek, DDS
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