Composite Dental Fillings in Rancho Bernardo
If you have a toothache, sensitivity to cold drinks, pain when chewing, or have noticed a dark spot on your tooth, you may have a cavity or a small crack that requires treatment. At Dr. Pegah Salami DDS, we use modern tooth-colored composite fillings to repair cavities and restore damaged teeth while maintaining the natural appearance of your smile. Our Rancho Bernardo dental office proudly serves patients from Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Escondido, and Rancho Peñasquitos.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
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Natural-Looking Results – Composite fillings are carefully matched to the color of your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible when you smile, talk, or laugh.
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Preserves More Healthy Tooth Structure – Modern composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, allowing Dr. Salami to remove only the decayed portion while preserving as much healthy enamel as possible.
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Strong and Durable Protection – Today’s composite materials are designed to withstand everyday chewing forces while restoring the strength and function of the affected tooth.
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Helps Prevent Future Decay – The bonding process creates a tight seal between the filling and the tooth, helping reduce the risk of bacteria entering the treated area and causing recurrent decay.
Signs You May Need a Dental Filling
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You may benefit from a dental filling if you experience:
- Tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A visible hole or dark spot on a tooth
- Food frequently getting stuck between teeth
- Minor tooth fractures or chips
- Early to moderate tooth decay
The earlier a cavity is treated, the more likely it can be repaired with a simple filling rather than a more extensive procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cavities and Fillings
Does Getting a Dental Filling Hurt?
No. Before treatment begins, the tooth and surrounding area are completely numbed using local anesthesia. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer options to help make treatment as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
What Is the Difference Between a Filling and a Dental Crown?
The choice depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains.
A Composite Filling is typically used for small to moderate cavities where most of the tooth remains intact.
A Dental Crown is recommended when a tooth has extensive decay, a large crack, or a large existing filling. A crown covers the entire tooth to provide strength and protection against future fractures.
Why Is My Tooth Sensitive to Sweet Foods After an Old Filling?
Sensitivity around an older filling may occur when the filling begins to wear down or separate from the tooth. This can allow bacteria, fluids, and food particles to reach sensitive areas of the tooth, causing discomfort when eating sweets or drinking cold beverages.
Persistent sensitivity may indicate that the filling needs to be repaired or replaced before the decay progresses further.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Most composite fillings last between 5 and 10 years or longer with proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, dental checkups, and avoiding habits such as chewing ice can help extend the lifespan of your filling.
