Dental Fillings, Thousand Oaks CA

We are a mercury-free practice. We do not use silver/mercury amalgam restoration materials. Dr. Pourrahimi primarily makes use of composite dental fillings (a tooth-color matching and inert resin based composite dental restoration material). While amalgam fillings may in a few cases have some advantages, they are not particularly pleasing to the eye and because of certain inherent mechanical characteristics, can result in a weaker tooth structure leading to tooth fractures or even fall out.

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Composite dental fillings are colored to match the appearance of existing teeth. Composite fillings form a strong bond with the tooth thereby strengthening the tooth’s structure as well as restoring the physical integrity of the tooth. In contrast, amalgam fillings are composed of a mixture of metals that expand with heat and contract with cold drinks/foods, so they eventually create fractures in the surrounding natural tooth structure. These fractures that can happen around old amalgam fillings can lead to decay, infection or complete tooth loss if the fracture extends to the root of the tooth. Because of this and their more natural appearance, we consider composite dental fillings to be far superior to amalgam fillings.

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays are often employed when the extent of decay or damage is too large for a filling but too small for a dental crown. Inlays and onlays create restorations that are not only beautiful but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.