Restorative Dentistry in Brentwood, CA
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Dental Fillings
Reliable Repair for Decay and Minor Damage
Dental fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures, used to treat teeth affected by cavities or minor cracks. By removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space with a durable material, we stop further decay and restore normal function and shape.
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling replaces the part of your tooth lost to decay or minor trauma. It’s sealed and shaped to restore chewing ability, protect against bacteria, and blend seamlessly with your smile when tooth-colored materials are used.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Fillings protect your teeth while blending in naturally with your enamel. They stop cavities from worsening and help preserve your overall oral health.
- Stops decay from spreading deeper into the tooth
• Restores full function for biting and chewing
• Custom-shaped for a natural appearance and fit
• Strengthens the tooth and protects against further damage
What to Expect
We ensure a smooth and comfortable experience by using local anesthesia before carefully removing the decay. The tooth is prepared and restored to its natural shape and strength.
- Numb the treatment area for comfort
• Remove decay and clean the cavity
• Apply and shape the chosen filling material
• Harden and polish for a seamless finish
Time Spent: 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and number of fillings
Aftercare That Supports Longevity
Be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure the best results:
- Avoid chewing hard items like ice or pens
- Brush and floss daily to prevent future decay
- Attend regular cleanings and exams for early detection
- Notify us if you feel any unusual pressure or sensitivity
Amalgam Fillings Information for Patients Seeking Silver Fillings
While amalgam (silver-colored) fillings have been used for decades, Brentwood Dental Spa does not provide this option. We prioritize modern materials that meet today’s standards for both aesthetics and safety.
What is Amalgam?
Amalgam is a metal-based filling material made of silver, mercury, and other metals. It has a silver appearance and is known for its strength.
Why We Don’t Offer Amalgam Fillings
We believe in using advanced materials that provide long-lasting results and a more natural look.
- Silver-colored material is not esthetically ideal
- Contains mercury, which some patients prefer to avoid
- Can expand and contract with temperature changes over time
- We offer safe, attractive alternatives that bond directly to the tooth
Composite Resin Fillings (BPA-Free)
Natural-Looking Fillings That Blend with Your Smile
Composite resin fillings are our most requested option due to their tooth-colored appearance and excellent bonding ability. They offer strength, safety, and aesthetics in one solution—and at Brentwood Dental Spa, all of our composite materials are 100% BPA-free.
What is a Composite Resin Filling?
Composite resin is a blend of tooth-colored plastic and fine glass particles. It bonds directly to the tooth, making it ideal for small to medium restorations in both front and back teeth.
Benefits of Composite Resin Fillings
These fillings offer a natural look and strong hold while supporting the health of your tooth.
- Blends seamlessly with your natural enamel
• BPA-free for added peace of mind
• Bonds tightly to strengthen the remaining tooth
• Less drilling required compared to silver fillings
What to Expect
This process is quick and comfortable. We carefully layer and shape the material to ensure a natural fit.
- Clean and prepare the tooth
• Apply bonding agent and composite in layers
• Cure each layer with a special light
• Shape and polish the surface for a smooth finish
Time Spent: 30 to 45 minutes per tooth
Aftercare for Lasting Appearance and Strength
For the best results, be sure to:
- Brush with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Avoid habits like nail biting or ice chewing
- Report any sensitivity or bite issues promptly
- Maintain twice-yearly checkups and cleanings
Gold Fillings
Premium Strength and Longevity for High-Pressure Areas
Gold fillings remain a popular option for patients seeking unmatched durability and biocompatibility. Often used in back molars where chewing pressure is greatest, gold restorations offer a highly precise, long-lasting solution.
What is a Gold Filling?
Gold fillings, also known as cast gold restorations, are made from a gold alloy custom-fitted to your tooth. They are fabricated in a dental lab and cemented into place during a second visit.
Benefits of Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are known for their exceptional durability and excellent compatibility with your natural teeth.
- Extremely durable and wear-resistant
- Gentle on opposing teeth
- Excellent fit with minimal breakdown over time
- Long lifespan—often lasting 20 years or more
What to Expect
The process involves two visits: the first for impressions and a temporary restoration, the second for final placement.
- Prepare the tooth and take detailed impressions
- Place a temporary filling if needed
- Fabricate gold restoration in the lab
- Cement the gold filling and check bite
Time Spent: Two appointments; each lasting 45 to 60 minutes
Aftercare That Supports Long-Term Success
Follow these guidelines to protect your restoration and keep your smile healthy:
- Floss daily to prevent buildup at the margins
- Avoid extremely sticky foods in the first few days
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect surrounding enamel
- Attend regular dental visits for monitoring
Ceramic Fillings (Inlays and Onlays)
Aesthetic and Durable Restorations for Larger Areas of Damage
Ceramic fillings—typically used as inlays and onlays—are custom restorations crafted from high-strength porcelain. They are ideal for restoring larger cavities or replacing older metal fillings while preserving more natural tooth structure than a full crown.
What is a Ceramic Inlay or Onlay?
These restorations fit into or over the tooth, depending on the size and location of the damage. Inlays sit within the cusps of a tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. Both are bonded into place for strength and longevity.
Benefits of Ceramic Fillings
These restorations offer a lifelike appearance and are designed to last for years with proper care.
- Natural tooth appearance and color match
- Extremely durable and resistant to staining
- Custom-crafted for precise fit
- Preserves healthier tooth than a crown
What to Expect
We begin by removing decay or damaged material and then take impressions for the lab. A temporary is placed until the final piece is bonded.
- Remove any decay and clean the tooth
- Take impressions or digital scans
- Place a temporary inlay or onlay
- Bond the final ceramic piece in a second appointment
Time Spent: Two appointments; each 60 to 90 minutes
Aftercare for a Strong, Seamless Restoration
To ensure the best results, be sure to follow these instructions:
- Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss carefully around the restoration to avoid decay at the margins
- Avoid using teeth as tools or chewing hard objects
- Maintain routine exams to monitor fit and function
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Crowns
Complete Protection for Weakened or Heavily Restored Teeth
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but does not need to be extracted, a crown offers full coverage, strength, and natural aesthetics. At Brentwood Dental Spa, our custom crowns are designed to restore structure while blending flawlessly with surrounding teeth.
What Is a Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It’s used to restore teeth that are fractured, severely worn, or treated with a root canal.
Benefits of Crowns
Crowns provide lasting strength while protecting against further damage or decay.
- Restores shape, size, and function
- Protects and reinforces weakened teeth
- Matches the color of surrounding teeth
- Lasts for many years with proper care
What to Expect
The process involves two visits—one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another for final placement.
- Reshape the tooth and take impressions
- Place a temporary crown
- Cement the final crown at your second visit
Time Spent: Two appointments; each 60 to 90 minutes
Aftercare for Crown Longevity
Caring for your crown at home is essential to its long-term success. With a few simple adjustments to your hygiene routine, you can extend its life and preserve the tooth underneath.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods during the first 24 hours
- Brush gently at the gumline with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily using a crown-friendly technique
- Attend routine exams to monitor the crown’s integrity
Bridges
Fixed Solutions for Missing Teeth
A dental bridge is a reliable way to replace one or more missing teeth using neighboring teeth for support. At Brentwood Dental Spa, we customize bridges for strength, comfort, and a seamless appearance.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge consists of artificial teeth (pontics) supported by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or implants. It “bridges” the gap created by tooth loss.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting
- Restores bite balance and jaw alignment
- Fills the space for a natural look
- Custom-crafted for a secure fit
What to Expect
The procedure includes preparation of support teeth, impressions, and placement of a temporary bridge. The final bridge is cemented at a later visit.
- Prepare abutment teeth for crowns
- Take impressions and place a temporary bridge
- Cement the final bridge and adjust the bite
Time Spent: Two appointments; each 60 to 90 minutes
Aftercare for Bridge Success
Your dental bridge relies on support from surrounding teeth. Daily cleaning and regular dental checkups will help maintain the health of those teeth and ensure the bridge functions as intended.
- Clean under the bridge using floss threaders or a water flosser
- Avoid biting hard foods in the bridge area
- Brush twice daily and attend cleanings to prevent decay near the abutments
Implants
Permanent Tooth Replacement That Feels Natural
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. At Brentwood Dental Spa, we coordinate your treatment from implant placement to final restoration, helping you regain full function and confidence.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as an artificial root. It is topped with a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on your needs.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants restore chewing ability and prevent bone loss, making them a long-term solution.
- Permanent, stable, and natural-feeling
- Helps preserve jawbone density
- Doesn’t affect adjacent teeth
- Can support single crowns or full arches
What to Expect
The implant process takes several months and includes healing time after placement.
- Implant placement by a specialist
- Healing period of 3–6 months
- Custom restoration placed over the implant
Time Spent: Varies by case; typically 3 to 6 months start to finish
Aftercare for Implant Success
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and avoiding certain habits will protect your implant for the long haul. These practices help keep both the restoration and surrounding tissue in optimal condition.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene around the implant
- Use an interdental brush or water flosser
- Avoid smoking, which can hinder healing
- Visit us for regular checkups and cleanings
Inlays
Precise Restoration for Moderate Tooth Damage
Inlays restore teeth with decay or damage that doesn’t require a full crown. Crafted from porcelain or composite, they fit within the cusps of a tooth for a strong, natural look.
What Is an Inlay?
An inlay is a custom-made filling that fits within the tooth’s chewing surface. It’s bonded in place for lasting durability.
Benefits of Inlays
Inlays provide a conservative solution that preserves more of your natural tooth.
- Excellent fit for medium-sized cavities
- More durable than traditional fillings
- Matches tooth color for a discreet appearance
- Strengthens tooth structure
What to Expect
The process includes removing damage, taking impressions, and returning for final bonding.
- Clean and shape the cavity
- Take impressions and place a temporary
- Bond the final inlay at a second visit
Time Spent: Two appointments; each 60 to 75 minutes
Aftercare Tips for Inlays
To ensure your inlay performs well and blends naturally, gentle brushing and mindful eating are key. Good habits early on will help the restoration last for years to come.
- Avoid sticky or crunchy foods for 24 hours
- Brush and floss as usual, focusing on restoration margins
- Report any sensitivity that persists beyond one week
Onlays
Extended Coverage with Tooth-Conserving Design
Onlays restore larger areas of damage while preserving more of the natural tooth than a crown. They are ideal when one or more cusps are involved but full coverage is not yet needed.
What Is an Onlay?
An onlay is a custom restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth. It’s bonded securely for enhanced strength and protection.
Benefits of Onlays
Onlays restore larger areas without the need for a full crown.
- Conserves natural tooth structure
- Highly durable and stain-resistant
- Ideal for molars with moderate damage
- Matches natural enamel for a seamless look
What to Expect
Like inlays, onlays are created in a lab and bonded during a second visit.
- Remove decay and prepare the tooth
- Take impressions or digital scans
- Place a temporary onlay
- Bond the final piece on your return visit
Time Spent: Two appointments; each 60 to 90 minutes
Aftercare for Optimal Results
Your new onlay is designed to be strong and protective, but daily maintenance matters. With the right care, you’ll enjoy long-term function and a natural look.
- Brush with a soft brush and non-abrasive paste
- Avoid biting on hard objects like pens or fingernails
- Keep up with cleanings to ensure margins remain healthy
Creating Confident Smiles – See What They Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth to restore function, comfort, and aesthetics. Treatments can include fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.
No, restorative dentistry addresses oral health issues like decay or tooth loss, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing appearance. However, many procedures, like crowns or implants, offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits.
Anyone with damaged, decayed, or missing teeth may benefit from restorative care. A dentist will assess your oral health and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your needs.
Treatment times vary depending on the procedure. Simple fillings can take one visit, while crowns, implants, or dentures may require multiple appointments over several weeks.
Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Post-treatment discomfort is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter medication or dentist-prescribed options.