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Dental Fillings

Rendering of teeth with 3 filling materialsThe biting surface of your teeth can become damaged, causing a cavity, which requires a filling. A filling, as the word would insinuate, fills in the space in which the tooth has become compromised, often due to decay.

Robert J. Malone DDS offers a range of different types of fillings, that suit different parts of the mouth, and the different requirements of our patients.


The need for a filling can often become apparent at your biannual appointment. We will inspect your teeth and look for any type of damage. This is usually due to decay, which develops when plaque and tartar have not been properly removed from the surface of a tooth. In this case, they will recommend a filling, if the damage is not too significant, to restore some of the strength back to your tooth and prevent the decay from worsening.

The placing of the filling will be done under local anesthesia, and our team will begin by removing the tooth decay and any affected parts of the tooth, shaping it ready for the filling. The filling will be placed, and the tooth will be polished.

We will need to use a drill to remove tooth decay, but the process can take as little as 20 minutes, or it can take two visits. It depends on the severity of the decay, and how difficult the filling is to administer.

Types of Filling

Gold is a commonly used filling type, and you may have a family member with a gold filling. Due to their durability, which means they can last 20 years or more with good upkeep, patients often opt for this cost-effective reason. Their aesthetic, which is quite distinguishable from the rest of the teeth, means they are better suited for teeth at the back of the mouth.

Inlays and onlays are designed in a dental lab via CAD/CAM software and etch the tooth from a block of porcelain. Their main benefit is that the color can be matched to your current teeth, and so the filling is concealed within the oral cavity.

Amalgam fillings are an alloy of mercury, copper, tin, and zinc. They are a cheaper solution to a filling, but they are the most noticeable of the filling types. This may not be an issue for fillings needed on teeth at the back of the mouth, but patients may opt for a more inconspicuous filling if it needs to be placed at the front.

Composite resins are made from plastic. Like inlays and onlays, they can be made to match the color of your teeth, which allows them to naturally blend within the dental arches. They last 3-10 years, and are good for small fillings, as they can be applied quickly. They are more prone to staining compared to the other filling types.

Robert J. Malone DDS can help you decide which filling type would be best for you. It is important to have them placed, to reduce the risk of tooth decay spreading, and to help strengthen your mouth. There is an option for everyone, and we offer guidance to those who are unsure.

To book your consultation appointment, call us at (760) 546-5557.

Get in Touch!

(760) 546-5557


910 E. Ohio Ave #203
Escondido, CA 92025

Robert J. Malone DDS, 910 E. Ohio Ave #203, Escondido, CA 92025 | (760) 546-5557 | | 3/23/2021 | Page Keywords: dentist Escondido CA | dentist Escondido CA |