Composite Dental Fillings in Berkeley, CA

A composite filling is commonly recommended when decay or a small fracture can be repaired without covering the entire tooth. Before treatment, Dr. Nguyen checks the size and location of the damaged area, the strength of the remaining enamel, your bite, and whether an older restoration is leaking or worn.

Very large cavities may need a porcelain inlay, onlay, or crown because those restorations can better support a weakened tooth. If decay reaches the nerve, root canal therapy may be considered before the tooth is restored. During your visit, we will show you the findings and explain the most conservative predictable option, expected maintenance, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision.

After a filling, numbness may last for a few hours, so wait until normal sensation returns before chewing. Mild temperature sensitivity can occur briefly as the tooth settles. The restoration should feel comfortable when you bite; contact us if the tooth feels high, the bite remains tender, or sensitivity is increasing instead of improving. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, and routine examinations help us monitor the filling's edges and the surrounding tooth.