Composite and amalgam fillings to treat cavities and restore your tooth quickly.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay. Dr. Sandhu removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the area, and fills it with a material that restores the tooth's shape and function. Most fillings are completed in a single appointment.
Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are made from a resin material matched to the shade of your tooth. They bond directly to the tooth structure and are virtually invisible in your smile. Composite is our most common choice.
Amalgam fillings are a silver-colored metal alloy that has been used in dentistry for over 150 years. They are extremely durable and may be recommended for back teeth where chewing forces are highest and aesthetics are less of a concern.
Dr. Sandhu will discuss both options with you and recommend what makes the most sense for the specific tooth and your overall oral health.
What to Expect
- The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic
- Decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned
- The filling material is placed and shaped to fit your bite
- For composite fillings, a curing light hardens the material
- Dr. Sandhu checks your bite and makes any final adjustments
Who Is This For?
Anyone with a cavity or minor tooth damage. Fillings are appropriate for children and adults. The sooner a cavity is treated, the simpler the procedure. Left untreated, decay can spread to the point where a crown or root canal becomes necessary.
We welcome patients from Carmichael and nearby communities including Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Arden-Arcade, and the Sacramento 95841 area.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The injection to numb the area is the main sensation. Once you are numb, you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity to cold for a few days after is normal with composite fillings.
Composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years. Amalgam fillings can last 15 years or longer. Longevity depends on the location of the filling, your bite, and oral hygiene habits.
With composite fillings, you can eat right away since they are hardened by the curing light in the office. With amalgam, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before chewing on the side with the new filling.
Not automatically. Dr. Sandhu checks your existing fillings at every exam. If a filling is cracked, leaking, or causing problems, he will let you know. Replacing a filling that is still functional is rarely necessary.
Cost varies depending on the size and location of the cavity. Membership plan members receive a 30% discount on fillings. Call our office at (916) 333-3700 for current pricing information.
Have a cavity that needs attention in Carmichael?
Most fillings are done in a single visit. Call us to get it taken care of.
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