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Composite Fillings
Conservative Tooth Repair

Composite tooth fillings are a conservative solution to restoring cavities.

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Composite Fillings

If you have a cavity, the goal at Schuster and Ochoco Dental is not to simply repair it. It is to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible and leave the tooth stronger than it was. Composite tooth fillings do both.

Dr. Aaron Ochoco recommends a filling when it is the most conservative treatment that will reliably restore the tooth. If that’s the right call, he will tell you; if the damage has progressed beyond what a filling can address, he'll explain that too.

When Is a Composite Filling the Right Treatment?

Dr. Ochoco typically recommends composite fillings when:

  • A cavity is caught in its early stages, and the surrounding tooth structure is intact
  • A minor fracture or chip does not compromise the tooth’s overall strength
  • A worn, cracked, or failing filling needs replacement
  • An older amalgam filling is ready to be replaced

The common thread is the most conservative solution. Placing a composite filling removes only the affected part of the tooth and bonds directly to the remaining tooth structure to support it.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings

At our Santa Monica dental office, we only place composite tooth fillings. Dr. Ochoco prefers them because they are the most conservative approach that protects and strengthens a tooth after treatment.
Natural Appearance
Composite resin matches the surrounding tooth shade so closely that the repair is virtually invisible. Dr. Ochoco selects the shade carefully and shapes the restoration to follow the tooth’s natural contours for a seamless appearance.
Strong and Durable
Today's composite resins are significantly more durable than they once were. The material withstands normal chewing forces well and holds up well over time with proper care and regular monitoring.
Conservative Repair
Catching decay early and restoring it with a composite filling protects the tooth from the kind of damage that eventually requires a crown. Filling the tooth now helps avoid the need for more complex treatments later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The right restoration for you depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and how well it can support the repair. Here's how Dr. Ochoco thinks through the decision:

When a Dental Filling Is Appropriate

  • Decay is caught early, and the surrounding tooth structure remains largely intact
  • The affected area is small enough that composite resin can restore it reliably
  • An existing filling needs replacement, but the tooth itself remains strong

When a Crown Is the Right Choice

  • Damage or decay has compromised the tooth's overall structure
  • The tooth has cracked in a way that leaves it vulnerable to further fracture
  • An existing restoration has grown large enough that replacing it would weaken what remains
  • The tooth needs protection as well as restoration

In some cases, Dr. Ochoco may monitor a tooth over several visits to our Santa Monica dental practice before recommending treatment. If the situation is stable and a watch-and-wait approach is reasonable, that's what he'll suggest. His goal is to recommend the most conservative treatment the clinical evidence supports, not the most involved one.

Schedule an Evaluation with Dr. Ochoco

To schedule an evaluation, call (310) 453-5300. Schuster and Ochoco Dental serves patients from Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding Westside communities.

The Process for Getting a Composite Filling

Before placing any filling, Dr. Ochoco removes decay carefully and evaluates how much healthy structure remains. He then shapes the healthy tooth portion to support the restoration without removing more structure than necessary.

Once he places the composite, Dr. Ochoco shapes and polishes the material to match the surrounding tooth. You leave with a restoration that functions naturally and looks like it was always there.

Should You Replace Older Silver Fillings?

One motivation to have amalgam fillings replaced is aesthetic. Silver fillings are visible when you laugh or speak, and composite offers a more natural look.

Another is the concern about the mercury present in silver fillings. While the material is considered safe for most adults, you may prefer to avoid ongoing mercury exposure as a precaution.

Better Stability with Composites

Silver fillings expand and contract with temperature changes over time, which can create micro-fractures in the surrounding tooth structure. When an older filling shows signs of wear, replacing it with composite is the most conservative choice. Dr. Ochoco will evaluate your silver fillings and let you know if replacement is the right step.

  • Dr. Aaron Ochoco

    Dr. Aaron Ochoco

    Dr. Aaron Ochoco earned his dental degree from Loma Linda University, where he developed strong clinical skills alongside a genuine commitment to compassionate, whole-patient care. He brings that same thoughtful approach to every patient he sees, taking the time to listen, understand individual concerns, and provide care that goes beyond the teeth.

    Dr. Ochoco is passionate about patient education and believes an informed patient is an empowered one. Whether you're coming in for a routine checkup or exploring cosmetic options, he'll walk you through your choices and help you feel confident ...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do composite fillings stain over time?

Modern materials resist staining better but can pick up stains from coffee, tea, and red wine over time. If a filling does discolor noticeably, Dr. Ochoco can polish or replace it at a routine visit.

How long do composite fillings last?

With proper care, composite fillings typically last five to seven years, sometimes longer. Dr. Ochoco monitors your fillings at every exam and lets you know if anything needs attention.

Will I be numb after my appointment?

Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable during the procedure, and some numbness afterward is normal. Most patients find that it resolves within a few hours.

We'll Find the Right Solution for Your Needs

If you have a cavity, a failing filling, or older amalgam restorations you'd like evaluated, Dr. Ochoco takes the time to assess your situation thoroughly and explain your options before any treatment begins.

Schuster and Ochoco Dental serves patients from Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding Westside communities. Call (310) 453-5300 to schedule your appointment.

Testimonial

"Really recommend if you want healthy white teeth!!!!"

I have been going this practice over 30 years and now my kids are also patients. They are so caring and always will to help. Never have to wait a very efficient and well run office. Really recommend if you want healthy white teeth!!!!

-Renee F.

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