Dental Fillings & Dental Bonding

Allan V. Pfeiffer, DDS

Dentist located in Malibu, CA

Dr. Allan Pfeiffer combines decades of dental experience with a laid-back Southern California attitude to provide patients at his Malibu practice a truly unique experience. Whether it's a routine exam, dental fillings or another procedure, Dr. Pfeiffer and his staff offer the highest quality dental care in the area.
(310) 456-2051

Dental Fillings & Dental Bonding Q & A
Why are Dental Fillings Necessary?

Dental fillings are used to repair decayed areas in teeth. If the decayed portion of a tooth is not removed and filled with an artificial substance, the tooth will continue to deteriorate, causing more extensive damage, pain and expense.

When a tooth is filled, Dr. Pfeiffer numbs the area of the mouth where the tooth is located. Then he removes the decayed area of the tooth using a special instrument. Finally, he'll fill the removed area of the tooth with a special material made from composite resin, gold, ceramic or porcelain.

Will the Filled Tooth Be Sensitive?

Dental fillings aren't usually painful, but some patients report sensitivity around a tooth that's been filled for a few weeks after treatment. The tooth may be sensitive to heat and cold, pressure, sweet foods and/or air. The sensitivity should resolve on its own and generally should not require pain relievers. If sensitivity persists, consult Dr. Pfeiffer.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is the application of a composite resin, a type of plastic, to a tooth to repair it. The term bonding comes from the ability of the resin to bond with tooth enamel and fill in gaps.

Why Would a Patient Need Dental Bonding?

Bonding is a simple way to improve the way a tooth looks. It is the least expensive of the available cosmetic procedures to repair a damage tooth, as well. When a tooth chips or fractures, it leaves a gapping hole in the dental architecture that looks ugly and can affect the functioning of the teeth.

The break in a tooth can be a health concern, as well. An opening in the enamel may allow bacteria to enter the root of the tooth and damage the soft tissue and nerves. Bonding covers that opening to protect the inner chamber of the tooth.

In some cases, dental bonding is used to correct a congenital problem with teeth. The bond changes the shape of a tooth to close a gap and improve the alignment of the teeth. For example, a patient with a gap between the front teeth may opt to apply bonding to each tooth to fill it.

Is Bonding the Same Thing as Veneers?

A veneer is a thin shell that is bonded to the surface of a tooth. Bonding is a resin painted onto a small area of a tooth just to fill a gap or crevice. Veneers are a more advanced and expensive type of cosmetic dentistry. Bonding, on the other hand, is a quick and painless way to improve the appearance of a tooth.