Treatments

Dental Fillings in Burien, WA

Missing healthy tooth structure due to decay doesn’t have to compromise your smile’s appearance. Modern dental fillings offer both durability and aesthetics, restoring your teeth to their natural function while maintaining a beautiful appearance.

At Burien Signature Dentistry, Dr. Andy Kim provides comprehensive general dentistry services, including advanced dental fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our practice focuses on preserving your oral health while ensuring every restoration looks and feels natural in your mouth.

Understanding Dental Fillings

Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by decay, minor fractures, or wear. When bacteria create acids that break down tooth enamel, small holes or cavities form. Without treatment, these cavities grow larger and can lead to more serious problems like infections or tooth loss.

The filling process involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and replacing it with a durable material. This restoration protects the remaining healthy tooth structure and prevents further decay from developing in that area.

Modern Filling Materials

Today’s dental fillings offer several material options, each with specific advantages:

Composite Resin Fillings These tooth-colored fillings blend naturally with your existing teeth. Made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, composite fillings bond directly to tooth structure. They work particularly well for front teeth and visible areas where appearance matters most.

Amalgam Fillings Silver amalgam fillings contain a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. These fillings provide exceptional durability and strength, making them suitable for back teeth that experience heavy chewing forces.

Ceramic Fillings Porcelain or ceramic fillings offer excellent aesthetics and durability. These custom-made restorations resist staining better than composite materials and can last for many years with proper care.

The Dental Filling Process

Initial Examination and Diagnosis

Dr. Andy Kim begins with a thorough examination of your teeth, often using digital X-rays to identify areas of decay not visible during a visual exam. This comprehensive dental exam helps determine the extent of decay and the best treatment approach.

During your consultation, we discuss your treatment options and help you choose the filling material that best meets your needs, preferences, and budget.

Treatment Procedure

The filling procedure typically takes one appointment. First, we ensure your comfort with local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options to help you feel relaxed throughout the procedure.

Next, we carefully remove the decayed tooth material using specialized instruments. The cavity is then cleaned and prepared for the filling material. For composite fillings, we apply the material in layers, hardening each layer with a special light before adding the next.

Finally, we shape and polish the filling to ensure proper bite alignment and smooth texture. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.

Caring for Your Dental Fillings

Proper care extends the life of your dental fillings and maintains your oral health. Most fillings last between 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene habits.

Daily Oral Care

Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. These simple habits prevent new cavities from forming around existing fillings. Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth.

Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other very hard foods that could damage your fillings. If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Kim about nightguards to protect both your natural teeth and restorations.

Regular Dental Visits

Schedule regular checkups and cleanings every six months. During these visits, we monitor the condition of your fillings and check for any signs of wear or damage. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing might miss.

Early detection of problems allows for simple repairs rather than more extensive treatments later. Fluoride treatments during your preventive visits help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of new cavities.

When to Contact Our Office

Contact Burien Signature Dentistry if you experience tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, or notice rough edges on existing fillings. These symptoms may indicate that a filling needs replacement or that new decay has developed.

Also call if you lose a filling completely. A lost filling exposes the treated tooth to bacteria and further decay. We can often see you quickly for emergency treatment to protect the affected tooth.

Comprehensive Dental Care in Burien

Dr. Andy Kim and our team at Burien Signature Dentistry provide personalized dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We use the latest techniques and materials to ensure your fillings look natural and last for years.

Our practice accepts most major PPO insurance plans and offers Cherry financing for treatment not covered by insurance. We believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone in our community.

Ready to restore your smile with natural-looking dental fillings? Call Burien Signature Dentistry at (206) 246-3222 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Andy Kim today.