Natural-Looking Composite Fillings
A composite filling is used to repair a tooth affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. When bacteria cause tooth decay, the enamel weakens and forms a cavity—a hole in the tooth. To treat this, we remove the decayed area and fill the space with a tooth-colored composite material that blends beautifully with your natural teeth.
How Fillings Help
Fillings restore the tooth's original shape and function. Once placed, they help your tooth feel natural when biting and chewing. At Van Nuys Panorama Dental Center, we use high-quality composite resin materials that mimic the appearance of natural enamel while supporting the strength and durability of your tooth.
Fillings can also be used to fix minor chips or surface irregularities for improved comfort and appearance. Because composite resin bonds directly with the tooth, it adds stability and long-term protection.
What to Expect During the Procedure
A filling usually only requires one visit to Van Nuys Panorama Dental Center. During the procedure, we take care to ensure your comfort every step of the way. We begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the area around the decayed tooth, which prevents any pain or discomfort during the process. The anesthetic temporarily turns off the nerve in the affected tooth, so you won’t feel anything while we work.
To remove the decay, we use a traditional dental drill. Since the area is numbed, you’ll only feel cold water spraying in your mouth. The amount of time we spend removing the decayed tissue depends on the size of the cavity. Smaller cavities are typically quicker to treat, while larger ones may take a little longer.
Once we’ve fully removed the bacteria and decayed structure, we move on to restoring the tooth. We use tooth-colored filling material to rebuild the tooth’s shape and function. Our dental team works efficiently to place the material quickly, as it cannot come into contact with saliva. After placing the filling, we shape and polish it so that it fits comfortably and naturally in your mouth.
What Should I Expect After a Filling?
After the procedure, you’ll likely remain numb for a few hours, as the local anesthetic wears off. This is completely normal. Once the numbness fades, you may experience some mild-to-moderate tenderness or sensitivity in the treated area. It’s common to feel sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or tenderness when chewing, during the first two weeks after the procedure. You might also notice slight soreness where the anesthetic was administered.
If you experience any discomfort that lasts longer than two weeks or if something feels off, please contact us at (818) 989-3074. Your comfort is our priority, and we’re here to ensure the best outcome for your smile!