Skip to content

Dental Fillings in Oxnard

s-detail

What Are Dental Fillings and How Do They Benefit You?

At Clove Dental in Oxnard, we offer advanced, high-quality dental fillings to restore teeth affected by cavities, fractures, or decay. Dental fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures and are essential for maintaining oral health. When cavities or damaged areas of your teeth are left untreated, they can progress, leading to more severe issues like tooth loss or infections. Dental fillings help by sealing the cavity and preventing further decay, restoring both the function and appearance of your teeth.

Getting a dental filling is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that prevents more extensive treatments like root canals or extractions. By addressing cavities early, you preserve your natural teeth and avoid more complex dental problems down the road.

Types of Dental Fillings We Offer in Oxnard

At Clove Dental, we understand that every patient’s dental needs are different. That’s why we offer a variety of dental filling materials to suit your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s an overview of the different types of dental fillings available at our Oxnard location:

1. Composite Fillings

Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are made of a resin material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth. These fillings are highly popular for their aesthetic appeal, as they blend seamlessly with your teeth, making them virtually invisible. Composite fillings are ideal for treating cavities in visible areas like the front teeth or upper teeth, where appearance is a concern.

  • Advantages:
    • Aesthetically pleasing; blends with natural tooth color
    • Bonds directly to the tooth structure, providing extra strength
    • Minimally invasive, as less tooth structure needs to be removed compared to other types of fillings
  • Ideal for: Small to medium-sized cavities, particularly in visible areas of the mouth.

2. Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, copper, and tin. These fillings are known for their durability and longevity, making them an excellent choice for cavities in the back molars, where chewing pressure is highest. Amalgam fillings are less costly than composite fillings but do not blend with the natural tooth color.

  • Advantages:
    • Extremely durable and long-lasting
    • Cost-effective
    • Resistant to wear from chewing forces
  • Ideal for: Larger cavities in the back teeth, where strength and durability are a priority.

3. Gold Fillings

Gold fillings, while less common, offer excellent durability and longevity. These fillings are made from a gold alloy, providing a high-quality restoration that can last for decades with proper care. However, gold fillings are more expensive than other types of fillings and are more noticeable due to their metallic color.

  • Advantages:
    • Extremely long-lasting, often lasting 20 years or more
    • Biocompatible and resistant to corrosion
  • Ideal for: Patients looking for a premium, long-lasting option for filling cavities.

4. Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings, also known as inlays or onlays, are custom-made in a dental lab and bonded to the tooth. These fillings are highly durable and tooth-colored, offering both aesthetic appeal and strength. Porcelain fillings are often used for larger cavities that cannot be effectively treated with composite fillings.

  • Advantages:
    • Custom-made to fit your tooth precisely
    • Highly durable and resistant to staining
    • Natural-looking and blends with the tooth color
  • Ideal for: Larger cavities or areas with significant damage that require more coverage than composite fillings can offer.

Lifespan of Dental Fillings

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the type of material used, your oral hygiene habits, and the wear and tear your teeth experience. Here’s an overview of how long you can expect different types of fillings to last:

  1. Composite Fillings: Typically last 5 to 7 years, but with proper care, they can last up to 10 years. Because they are made of resin, composite fillings are slightly more prone to wear than other materials but are still highly durable for small to medium cavities.
  2. Amalgam Fillings: These fillings are incredibly durable and can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Due to their strength, they are ideal for molars that experience heavy chewing forces.
  3. Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are one of the longest-lasting options, often lasting 20 years or more. While more expensive, they provide a long-term solution for larger cavities.
  4. Porcelain Fillings: Porcelain inlays and onlays can last up to 15 years or more with proper care. They are more resistant to staining and wear than composite fillings and provide a natural-looking restoration.

Cost of Dental Fillings in Oxnard

The cost of dental fillings varies depending on the material used and the size of the cavity. At Clove Dental in Oxnard, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to make dental care affordable for all patients. Below is a general breakdown of the costs for different types of fillings:

  • Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored): $150 - $400 per filling
    (Best for small to medium-sized cavities in visible areas.)
  • Amalgam Fillings (Silver): $100 - $300 per filling
    (Best for larger cavities in back teeth, where durability is a priority.)
  • Gold Fillings: $600 - $2,500 per filling
    (Premium option for long-lasting, durable fillings.)
  • Porcelain Fillings (Inlays/Onlays): $500 - $3,000 per filling
    (Ideal for larger cavities that need more coverage and strength.)

Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of fillings, particularly for necessary treatments like cavities. We also offer flexible payment plans to ensure that all patients can receive the dental care they need without financial stress.

Why Early Treatment of Cavities Is Important

Cavities may start small, but if left untreated, they can progress and lead to more serious dental problems. Early treatment with dental fillings is crucial for preventing more extensive damage to your teeth. If a cavity reaches the deeper layers of the tooth, it may require more invasive treatments like root canals or even extraction. By treating cavities early with a filling, you can save the tooth and prevent more complicated, costly procedures down the line.

At Clove Dental, we use minimally invasive techniques to treat cavities with precision. Our advanced tools allow us to remove only the decayed portion of the tooth, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. The result is a restored tooth that looks and feels natural, allowing you to maintain a healthy smile.

The Process of Getting a Dental Filling

Getting a dental filling at Clove Dental is a quick, straightforward process. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:

  • Examination and Diagnosis:
     Our dentist will examine the affected tooth and take digital X-rays to determine the extent of the decay. Based on the size and location of the cavity, we will recommend the best type of filling material for your needs.
  • Anesthesia (if needed):
     To ensure your comfort, we may numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. This prevents any discomfort during the procedure.
  • Removing the Decay:
     Once the area is numb, we will carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth using specialized dental instruments. Only the damaged part of the tooth will be removed to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
  • Placing the Filling:
     After the decay is removed, we will clean the area and place the filling material into the cavity. For composite fillings, the material will be applied in layers and hardened with a special curing light.
  • Shaping and Polishing:
     Once the filling is in place, we will shape and polish it to ensure a smooth, natural fit with the surrounding teeth. Your bite will be checked to make sure the filling does not interfere with your normal chewing.

Schedule Your Dental Filling Appointment in Oxnard Today

At Clove Dental in Oxnard, we provide personalized dental care to restore your teeth and protect your smile. If you suspect you have a cavity or need a dental filling, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Early treatment with a filling can prevent more extensive and costly dental work.

Book Your Appointment Today:

Call Us: 805-483-9537
Visit Us: 140 North A Street, Oxnard CA 93030
Online Scheduling: You can easily book your appointment online for a time that fits your schedule.

Restore your tooth’s health and function with expert dental fillings from Clove Dental in Oxnard.

Save up to 60% by joining the Clove Care Plan

Concierge dentistry at affordable prices, paid monthly or annually for flexibility.

Learn More