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Composite Fillings in Encino
Despite your best efforts to maintain excellent oral health through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, cavities can still occur. When they do, the treatment you choose matters—not just for the health of your tooth, but for your overall well-being and the appearance of your smile.
At Encino Holistic Dentistry, Dr. Linda Makuta uses only composite (tooth-colored) fillings to restore teeth affected by decay. These mercury-free, biocompatible restorations look natural, preserve more of your tooth structure, and support your whole-body health.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations made from a durable mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings that contain mercury, composite fillings are:
- Mercury-free: No toxic metals in your mouth
- Tooth-colored: Matched precisely to your natural tooth shade
- Biocompatible: Safe for your body and well-tolerated
- Conservative: Require less removal of healthy tooth structure
- Durable: Strong enough for both front and back teeth
- Versatile: Can repair cavities, chips, cracks, and worn teeth
Why Composite Fillings Are Superior to Silver Amalgam Mercury Fillings
For decades, silver amalgam fillings (also known as Mercy Fillings due to the high level of poisonous mercury in them) were the standard treatment for cavities. However, modern composite fillings offer significant advantages that make them the clear choice for health-conscious patients in Encino and throughout the San Fernando Valley.
Natural Appearance
Silver amalgam fillings create dark, metallic spots in your mouth that are impossible to hide when you smile, laugh, or speak. Over time, these fillings become even darker and more noticeable. Many people with extensive amalgam fillings feel self-conscious about their smile. Composite fillings, by contrast, are carefully matched to the exact shade of your natural teeth. They blend seamlessly, making them virtually invisible. Even you may forget which teeth have been filled.Mercury-Free for Your Health
Silver amalgam fillings are actually about 50% mercury—a known neurotoxin. While dental associations have maintained that amalgam fillings are safe, mercury vapor is continuously released from these fillings, especially during chewing, drinking hot liquids, and teeth grinding. Many health-conscious Los Angeles area residents prefer to avoid mercury exposure entirely. Composite fillings contain no mercury or other toxic metals, making them a safer choice for your overall health.
Preserve More Natural Tooth Structure
Placing an amalgam filling requires removing a significant amount of healthy tooth structure to create a mechanical lock that holds the filling in place. This weakens the tooth and can make it more susceptible to fractures.
Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth structure, which means Dr. Makuta can be much more conservative. She removes only the decayed portion of the tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible. This keeps your tooth stronger and more stable long-term.
No Temperature Sensitivity
Metal fillings expand and contract with temperature changes. When you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream, the metal filling changes size. Over time, this can cause:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Cracks in the tooth structure
- Fillings that work loose
- Gaps where new decay can start
- Tooth fractures
Composite fillings don’t expand and contract like metal, so they maintain a consistent, tight seal. This protects your tooth and reduces sensitivity.
Better Long-Term Outcomes
While amalgam fillings may be slightly more durable in very large cavities, modern composite materials have come a long way. With proper care, composite fillings can last 7-10 years or longer—and they won’t weaken your tooth structure or cause the problems associated with metal fillings.
Safer for the Environment
Mercury from dental amalgam enters the water system through dental office waste. California has implemented strict regulations requiring dental offices to use amalgam separators to reduce environmental mercury contamination. By using composite fillings exclusively, Encino Holistic Dentistry eliminates this environmental concern entirely.
Understanding Cavities: Prevention and Treatment
Your mouth naturally contains millions of bacteria. While most are harmless or even beneficial, certain bacteria thrive on sugars and carbohydrates from your diet. Here’s what happens:
- You eat foods containing sugars or carbohydrates (bread, pasta, candy, soda, etc.)
- Bacteria feed on these food particles and multiply rapidly
- Bacteria form plaque — a sticky film that clings to teeth
- Bacteria produce acid as they metabolize sugars
- Acid attacks tooth enamel — the protective outer layer of your teeth
- Enamel breaks down and a cavity (hole) begins to form
- Without treatment, decay progresses deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the nerve
Preventing Cavities
While composite fillings are an excellent treatment when cavities occur, prevention is always the best approach:
At Home:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Rinse after eating sugary or acidic foods
- Limit sugary snacks and beverages
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
With Professional Care:
- Visit Encino Holistic Dentistry every 6 months for cleanings and exams
- Professional cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar
- Regular exams catch cavities early when they’re smallest
- Dr. Makuta can identify areas needing improved home care
The Composite Filling Process
Getting a composite filling at Encino Holistic Dentistry is a comfortable, straightforward process that typically takes just one appointment:
Step 1: Examination and Diagnosis
Dr. Makuta will carefully examine your tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of decay. She’ll explain what she finds and discuss your treatment options.
Step 2: Anesthesia
We’ll numb the area around your tooth to ensure you’re completely comfortable during the procedure. You’ll feel pressure but no pain.
Step 3: Decay Removal
Using precise instruments, Dr. Makuta removes only the decayed portion of your tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible. The area is thoroughly cleaned to remove all bacteria.
Step 4: Tooth Preparation
The tooth surface is prepared with a special solution that helps the composite material bond strongly to your natural tooth structure.
Step 5: Composite Placement
Dr. Makuta carefully places the composite resin in layers, shaping it to restore your tooth’s natural form. Each layer is hardened using a special curing light.
Step 6: Shaping and Polishing
Once the filling is complete, Dr. Makuta shapes and polishes it to match your tooth’s natural contours and ensure a comfortable bite. The finished filling is smooth, natural-looking, and ready to use immediately.
The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity.
What to Expect After Your Filling
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after receiving a composite filling. Here’s what’s normal:
Immediately After
- Numbness will wear off within 1-3 hours
- Avoid eating until numbness is gone to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue
- The filling is fully hardened and you can use it immediately
First Few Days
- Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal and typically resolves within a few days to weeks
- Your bite may feel slightly different at first but should feel normal quickly
- If sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks, contact our office
Ongoing Care
- Care for your filling just like your natural teeth—brush, floss, and maintain regular checkups
- Avoid biting extremely hard foods or objects that could damage the filling
- If you grind your teeth, consider a nightguard to protect your filling and natural teeth
When Sensitivity Is a Concern
While composite fillings typically cause less sensitivity than amalgam fillings, some patients do experience temporary sensitivity. This can occur because:
- The nerve inside your tooth was close to the decay
- The cavity was large or deep
- Your tooth is naturally sensitive
- There’s slight inflammation following the procedure
This sensitivity usually resolves within a few days to weeks. If it persists or worsens, contact Dr. Makuta. In rare cases, additional treatment may be needed if the cavity was very deep and the nerve is affected.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
With proper care, composite fillings typically last 7-10 years, and many last much longer. Factors that affect longevity include:
- Location: Fillings in back teeth (which endure more chewing force) may wear faster
- Size: Larger fillings may not last as long as smaller ones
- Oral hygiene: Excellent home care extends filling life
- Diet: Hard, sticky, or very chewy foods can stress fillings
- Habits: Teeth grinding or clenching can wear down fillings
- Regular checkups: Professional monitoring catches problems early
During your regular checkups, Dr. Makuta will examine your fillings and let you know if any need replacement.
Beyond Cavities: Other Uses for Composite Resin
While composite material is most commonly used for filling cavities, it’s also excellent for:
Repairing Chipped Teeth
Composite bonding can seamlessly repair chips, restoring your tooth’s appearance and protecting the exposed area.
Closing Gaps
Small gaps between front teeth can be closed with composite bonding for a more uniform smile.
Reshaping Teeth
Composite can be added to teeth that are too short or misshapen, improving symmetry and appearance.
Covering Stains
Stubborn stains that don’t respond to whitening can be covered with composite bonding.
Protecting Exposed Roots
When gums recede, sensitive root surfaces can be covered with composite to reduce discomfort.
Replacing Old Amalgam Fillings
Many patients ask about replacing existing silver amalgam fillings with composite. While there’s no need to replace amalgam fillings that are in good condition solely because they contain mercury, replacement may be appropriate if:
- The filling is cracked, worn, or loose
- Decay has developed around or under the filling
- The filling is causing tooth sensitivity or discomfort
- You want a more natural appearance
- You prefer to eliminate mercury from your mouth
- The tooth has fractured due to the filling
If you choose to have amalgam fillings replaced, Dr. Makuta follows the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol to minimize mercury exposure during removal. This includes special protective measures for you, our staff, and the environment.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of composite fillings varies based on the size and location of the cavity. In the Encino area, composite fillings typically range from $150-$450 per tooth.
You can use any dental insurance plan you have, and we’ll provide detailed documentation for you to submit claims directly to your insurance company. Most insurance plans cover composite fillings at the same rate as amalgam fillings, especially for front teeth. Some plans may have different coverage for back teeth, though this is becoming less common as composite materials have improved.
We offer flexible payment options through CareCredit to make dental care accessible and affordable.
BPA-Free Composite Options
Some composite materials contain bis-GMA, a resin that can release very small amounts of BPA. At Encino Holistic Dentistry, we use BPA-free composite materials whenever possible for patients concerned about chemical exposure.
For patients with specific sensitivities or concerns, we can also perform biocompatibility testing to ensure the materials we use are well-tolerated by your body’s unique chemistry.
Why Choose Encino Holistic Dentistry for Composite Fillings?
Mercury-Free Practice
We use only composite and other biocompatible materials—never amalgam. Your health is our priority.
Conservative Treatment Approach
Dr. Makuta preserves as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, keeping your teeth stronger.
Superior Aesthetics
Your fillings will be carefully color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Whole-Body Health Focus
We consider how your dental treatment affects your overall health, not just your teeth.
Comfortable, Gentle Care
We take time to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your procedure, with sedation options available for anxious patients.
Advanced Technology
We use the latest materials and techniques to deliver fillings that look great and last.
Convenient Location
Located in the heart of Encino, just down the street from Ventura Blvd, serving patients throughout the San Fernando Valley.
Don't Wait on Cavities
Cavities don’t heal on their own—they only get bigger. The longer you wait, the more extensive (and expensive) the treatment becomes. What starts as a small cavity requiring a simple filling can progress to:
- A large cavity requiring a crown
- Infection requiring root canal treatment
- Tooth loss requiring an implant or bridge
Early treatment is always simpler, more comfortable, and more affordable. If you suspect you have a cavity, or if it’s been more than six months since your last checkup, don’t delay.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Whether you need treatment for a cavity, want to replace old amalgam fillings, or simply need a routine checkup, Dr. Linda Makuta and her team are here to help. We provide gentle, comprehensive dental care using only mercury-free, biocompatible materials.
Contact Encino Holistic Dentistry:
Call (818) 986-7470
Located at 5400 Balboa Blvd #211, Encino, CA 91316
Serving patients throughout the San Fernando Valley including Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Van Nuys. We aim to treat most emergencies the same day.
Remember: Regular dental checkups catch cavities early when they’re smallest and easiest to treat. Don’t wait until you have pain—schedule your checkup today!
Holistic Dental Checkups
Comprehensive exams that connect your oral health to overall wellness, using biocompatible materials and preventive care.
Safe Mercury Removal
Mercury-free dentistry with SMART protocol for safe amalgam removal, protecting your health and the environment.
Teeth Whitening
Safe, customized whitening for a radiant smile. Whitening for Life program available for long-lasting results.
Invisalign & ClearCorrect
Discreet clear aligners straighten teeth without metal braces. Comfortable, effective, and virtually invisible.