Dental Fillings
in Marina Del Rey
Restore Your Smile
Why Choose Yeo Family Dental Group for Dental Fillings?
At Yeo Family Dental Group, Dr. Jamie Yeo, DDS, and Dr. Rosita Tan, DMD, bring decades of combined experience to every dental filling procedure. They use the latest techniques and materials to provide comfortable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing fillings. Their personalized approach ensures each patient receives care tailored to their unique needs and concerns.
Dental Fillings at a Glance
- Quick, virtually painless procedure
- Restores tooth function and prevents further decay
- Natural-looking results with tooth-colored materials
- Usually completed in a single visit
- Long-lasting solution for cavities
Cavity Solutions
What causes cavities?
To prevent cavities, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene, have a balanced diet, use fluoride products, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. The dentists at Yeo Family Dental Group can provide personalized advice on cavity prevention based on your individual needs. Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are caused by a combination of factors. Here's a breakdown of the main causes:
- Bacteria: Your mouth naturally contains bacteria that form a sticky film called plaque on your teeth. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches in your diet.
- Acid production: When bacteria consume sugars and starches, they produce acid as a byproduct. This acid can erode your tooth enamel over time.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up on teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Diet high in sugar and carbohydrates: Frequently consuming sugary or starchy foods and drinks provides more fuel for bacteria to produce acid.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps neutralize acid and wash away food particles. A lack of saliva can increase cavity risk.
- Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to cavities due to inherited factors like tooth shape or enamel strength.
- Age: Both children and older adults are at higher risk for different reasons. Children may not have developed good oral hygiene habits, while older adults may have receding gums that expose more tooth surface to decay.
- Tooth location: Molars and premolars with deep grooves are more prone to cavities as they can trap food particles more easily.
- Fluoride deficiency: Lack of exposure to fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel, can increase cavity risk.
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues or medications can increase cavity risk by affecting saliva production or weakening tooth enamel.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are restorative treatments used to repair teeth damaged by decay. At Yeo Family Dental Group, we offer various filling options, including tooth-colored composite resin for a natural appearance. Our dentists remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the area with a durable material. This restores the tooth's structure and function while preventing further decay.
The Filling Process
What is the dental filling procedure like?
When you visit Yeo Family Dental Group for a filling, our dentists will:
- Numb the area around the affected tooth for your comfort
- Remove the decayed portion of the tooth using specialized tools
- Clean the cavity thoroughly to prevent further decay
- Apply the filling material in layers, shaping it to match your natural tooth
- Harden the filling using a special light (for composite fillings)
- Polish the filling for a smooth, comfortable fit
The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
Comprehensive Care for Your Teeth
What conditions do dental fillings address?
Dental fillings at Yeo Family Dental Group treat:
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Small chips or cracks in teeth
- Worn down teeth from grinding or erosion
- Gaps between teeth (in some cases)
The expertise of our dentists ensures each filling addresses your specific dental issue effectively.
Smile with Confidence
What are the benefits of dental fillings?
Choosing dental fillings at Yeo Family Dental Group offers numerous advantages:
- Stops the progression of tooth decay
- Restores tooth function and bite alignment
- Prevents sensitivity and pain associated with cavities
- Improves oral health and hygiene
- Provides a natural-looking solution with tooth-colored options
- Long-lasting results with proper care
Our dentists use these benefits to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Is a Dental Filling Right for You?
Am I a candidate for dental fillings?
If you have a cavity or minor tooth damage, you're likely a good candidate for a dental filling. Our dentists will assess your oral health and recommend the best treatment option. Fillings are suitable for most patients, including children and adults. However, larger cavities or extensive damage may require alternative treatments like crowns or root canals.
Treatment That Lasts
Dental Filling Results & Aftercare
You'll see immediate results after your dental filling procedure at Yeo Family Dental Group. We will ensure your bite feels comfortable before you leave. With proper care, dental fillings can last 5-15 years or more.
To maintain your results:
- Brush twice daily and floss regularly
- Attend regular check-ups
- Avoid biting on hard objects or grinding your teeth
- Use a nightguard if recommended by your dentist
Dental Fillings
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dentists use local anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. You may feel slight pressure, but no pain.
It typically wears off within 2-4 hours after the procedure.
We recommend waiting until the numbness wears off before eating. For the first 24 hours, avoid very hot or cold foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
With tooth-colored composite fillings, our dentists can match the color of your natural teeth, making the filling virtually invisible.
Practice good oral hygiene, limit sugary foods and drinks, and visit Yeo Family Dental Group regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
