Call Us: (213) 863-9464
24
Dec
Los Angeles area patients ask, are dental fillings painful for a tooth?
Los Angeles, CA area patients concerned about their oral health and wellness are encouraged to visit their dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and examinations. Dr. Don Mungcal and his team are dedicated to helping patients who visit them at Downtown Dental with their oral health care needs.
One of the most common concerns in dental health and wellness is cavities. Tooth decay can be a serious issue. This is because the decay eats away at the natural enamel of the tooth and can become deep, infecting the dental pulp inside the tooth and causing injury that may require further treatments, such as root canal therapy or even extraction. Diagnosing cavities early is the best way to address them before they become larger.
How are cavities treated?
The best way to treat tooth decay is with dental fillings. Dental fillings are extremely common in general and restorative dentistry. At our practice, we use aesthetic, safe fillings such as composite resin bonding. This is a clay-like material that is tooth-colored and restores the tooth without increasing one’s risk of mercury exposure. which can be seen with materials such as silver amalgam. We want patients to feel confident with the materials chosen to restore their smiles. By placing composite resin into the area of decay, it can stop it from becoming a bigger issue and keep patients from experiencing sensitivities that often occur when cavities develop. Due to the color of the filling, patients can have a tooth restored without it being obvious to others.
Are tooth fillings painful?
Absolutely not! At Downtown Dental, we provide proper anesthetics, and sedation if desired, to help patients feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Anesthetics keep patients from feeling any discomfort while the treatment is performed. During treatment, the dentist will remove the decay and prepare the area for the placement of a composite resin filling. The area is disinfected, and then composite resin is placed into the tooth and along the outside of the structure. A special light is shined onto the tooth to harden the material, which is then smoothed and polished to look just like the existing enamel of the tooth. Once complete, it is practically impossible to see that the tooth has been restored with composite resin. This is extremely beneficial when compared to traditional silver amalgam fillings, which are dark and highly noticeable when patients smile, laugh, or talk with others.
What can happen if tooth decay is not treated?
- The area of decay may become larger and deeper
- The decay may reach the dental pulp within the tooth and result in an infection
- The patient may require root canal therapy to save the tooth
- If root canal therapy fails to successfully maintain the tooth, an extraction may be needed
- Patients may be faced with having to replace their missing teeth with dentures, bridges, or implants
Is tooth decay preventable?
Tooth decay, as well as periodontal disease, is generally preventable with proper maintenance of the smile. Patients are encouraged to see their dentist regularly to monitor their oral health and wellness and ensure these conditions are not developing. The earlier they are detected, the easier they are to treat. However, with proper care, including brushing and flossing, patients can help keep their smile healthy without having these issues arise. Our team of professionals may educate patients on how to care for their teeth and restorations to keep them from developing any of these conditions within the smile. Dr. Don Mungcal believes in patient education for better oral health.
Interested in learning more about dental fillings and other restorations?
Contact the dedicated team at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Don Mungcal and his professionals are here to assist individuals in addressing areas of decay with safe, aesthetic fillings such as composite resin. Our office is here to help. Call us at 213-863-9464 to book a consultation appointment and discuss your dental health needs with us. We are conveniently located in Suite #204 at 255 South Grand Avenue.
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![Dr. Don Mungcal]()
Dr. Don Mungcal
![Dr. Tara Mavadat]()
Dr. Tara Mavadat
![Dr. Ivan Chan]()
Dr. Ivan Chan
As the cornerstone and founder of Downtown Dental, Dr. Don Mungcal is a proactive and
exceptionally talented dentist who is determined to contribute to the health and wellbeing of his community by
attending to their dental care needs.
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!