Dental Fillings in Burlingame

Enjoy a More Natural Smile with Composite Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it, and in cases where decay is unavoidable, a dental filling is an affordable, natural-looking, and safe solution. Not only are our fillings at Serenity Dental & Orofacial Wellness some of the most aesthetic restorations available today, but they are strong and long-lasting as well.

Dental Fillings—The Best Solution for Tooth Restoration

At Serenity Dental & Orofacial Wellness, we rely on high-quality materials, latest technology, and advanced techniques to create restorations for our patients that last a lifetime. Our goal is to create results that are designed to be virtually undetectable. We use tooth-colored fillings as restorations when our patients have:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth

How do I know if I need a filling?

If you’re experiencing tooth decay, chipping, or increased sensitivity, a filling may be the perfect solution to restore your smile. Sensitivity can often be a sign of decay or a small fracture, so if you’re feeling discomfort, we’re here to help. When you visit us for an evaluation, we’ll carefully assess your needs and guide you toward the best treatment option. In many cases, fillings offer a simple and effective way to repair minor cracks, chips, or cavities—helping you maintain a healthy, strong, and confident smile!

Cavity Prevention — What can I do to prevent the need for a filling?

The best way to fight cavities and maintain healthy gums and teeth is to keep up on your daily habit of proper oral hygiene. Here are 5 ways to ward off tooth decay and prevent cavities:

• Come in to our office for a comprehensive oral exam and regular cleanings.
• Brush after meals and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Drink more water and cut back on sugary and acidic drinks.
• Develop the habit of flossing every night.
• Avoid smoking.

Dental Fillings—The Process

The procedure for placing a composite resin dental filling is a routine treatment that we do every day at Serenity Dental & Orofacial Wellness. Here’s how it works:

1. Drs. Yoo or Golodriga isolate the tooth from saliva to keep it dry.
2. Any dental decay is removed.
3. An etchant and a bonding agent are applied, followed by the composite resin.
4. A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin material.
5. After the tooth is filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a real tooth.
6. Finally, the restoration is smoothed and polished to accommodate your bite.

What’s the difference between a filling and an inlay/onlay?

A filling does what it says it does—it is filling in a cavity, a hole that has been created by decay or trauma, essentially restoring normal tooth anatomy. When we create a filling from composite resin, we shade the white material so that it blends naturally with your surrounding tooth structure. The result is a restoration that is practically invisible.

Inlays and onlays are used when the damage or decay to a tooth requires more than a filling—but less than a crown. In other words, if your tooth does not have enough tooth structure for a filling but it is not so severely damaged that it warrants a crown, you may be an excellent candidate for an inlay or onlay.

Crafted from durable, aesthetically matched material, an inlay is custom milled in the office by an expert ceramist and cemented into or onto the center of the tooth, inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay covers the top chewing surface of the tooth. We use these specially chosen materials because it very closely mimics enamel and offers decades of strength and security.