Dental Fillings in Los Angeles and Downey, CA
Repair Tooth Decay Before It Spreads
A small cavity can become a larger dental problem when left untreated. A dental filling removes the decayed portion of a tooth and restores the area to support normal function.
Dr. Won Jung Jeong and Dr. Debora Jeong provide dental fillings at Mission Dental Group in Los Angeles and Downey, CA.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling repairs an area where decay, wear or minor damage has removed part of the tooth structure. The damaged material is removed, and the prepared area is filled and shaped to restore the tooth.
Mission Dental Group provides tooth-colored composite fillings when appropriate. Composite resin can be selected to complement the surrounding tooth and bonds directly to the prepared surface.
Signs You May Have a Cavity
A cavity may cause:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A visible hole or dark spot
- Food becoming trapped in one area
- A rough or chipped portion of a tooth
- Toothache or pressure
Early cavities may not cause noticeable symptoms. Routine examinations and dental imaging can identify decay before it reaches the inner portion of the tooth.
When Is a Filling Appropriate?
A filling may be used to repair:
- Small or moderate cavities
- Minor chips
- Worn tooth structure
- An old filling that has become damaged
- A small area of fracture
- Tooth structure lost around a previous restoration
A filling may not provide enough support when a tooth has extensive decay, a large fracture or significant structural loss. Your dentist may recommend a crown or another treatment instead.
Experienced Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Won Jung Jeong has practiced dentistry since 1993 and has completed approximately 20,000 restorative cases. His experience includes fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, implant restorations and full-mouth reconstruction.
Dr. Debora Jeong has practiced since 2023 and has completed approximately 2,000 to 3,000 restorative cases and about 3,000 bonding cases. Both dentists provide tooth-colored restorative treatment and evaluate how each filling affects the bite and remaining tooth structure.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings may:
- Repair tooth decay
- Restore the shape of a damaged tooth
- Blend with surrounding tooth structure
- Bond directly to the prepared tooth
- Support normal chewing function
- Repair some minor chips or worn areas
A filling does not make a tooth resistant to future decay. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental examinations remain important.
What to Expect During Treatment
Examination and Diagnosis
Your dentist examines the tooth and may review dental imaging to determine the size and location of the decay. The remaining tooth structure is evaluated to confirm that a filling is appropriate.
Numbing the Tooth
The treatment area may be numbed to help keep you comfortable while the decay is removed.
Removing Decay
Damaged and decayed tooth structure is carefully removed. The prepared area is cleaned before the restorative material is placed.
Placing the Filling
Composite resin is applied in layers and hardened. Your dentist shapes and polishes the material to restore the tooth’s natural contours.
Checking Your Bite
Your dentist checks how the treated tooth meets the opposing teeth. Adjustments may be made if the filling feels high or interferes with your bite.
Dental Filling or Dental Crown?
A filling repairs a specific area of missing tooth structure. A crown covers the visible portion of a tooth and may be recommended when more extensive protection is needed.
A crown may be considered when:
- A large portion of the tooth is damaged
- The tooth has a major crack
- A large existing filling has failed
- The tooth has undergone root canal therapy
- There is not enough healthy structure to support another filling
When Decay Reaches the Dental Pulp
A filling cannot treat an infection inside the tooth. If decay reaches the dental pulp, root canal therapy may be needed to remove the infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
Severe pain, lingering temperature sensitivity or swelling may indicate that the problem extends beyond a routine cavity.
Replacing an Old or Damaged Filling
Fillings can wear, chip, loosen or develop decay around their edges. Your dentist will evaluate whether the restoration can be repaired or should be replaced.
Do not wait for a damaged filling to become painful. An opening between the filling and tooth may allow bacteria and food to collect beneath the restoration.
Caring for Your Filling
Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth and attend regular dental examinations. Avoid chewing hard objects such as ice, pens or packaging.
Temporary sensitivity may occur after treatment. Contact our office if:
- Your bite feels uneven
- Sensitivity does not improve
- The filling feels loose
- The tooth develops significant pain
- The filling chips or breaks
Frequently Asked Questions
Request a Dental Filling Appointment
If you have tooth sensitivity, a visible cavity or a damaged filling, schedule an evaluation before the problem becomes more extensive. Contact Mission Dental Group at our Los Angeles or Downey office.
Los Angeles Office
936 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-1996
Downey Office
9434 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
562-803-9999
HIPAA Compliance Statement: Mission Dental Group is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients’ personal and health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.