During your exam at our Los Gatos dental office, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect cavities before they become painful or visible. By removing the decayed area and sealing it with a durable filling, we restore your tooth’s structure and function while preventing bacteria from causing further damage. Our goal is to provide precise, comfortable care that helps you maintain a strong, healthy smile for years to come.
Composite vs. Porcelain Fillings
Composite resin fillings are made from a tooth-colored material reinforced with fine ceramic particles. They’re cost-effective, completed in a single visit, and polished to a natural luster. In many cases, if a small cavity is discovered during your regular cleaning and exam, a composite filling can be placed during the same appointment—saving you time and preventing decay from spreading. While composite fillings offer strong performance, they may gradually lose their shine, discolor, or wear down over time, especially in areas that handle heavy bite pressure.
Porcelain fillings, or ceramic restorations, are the most durable and lifelike choice. They resist stains, maintain their polish for years, and replicate the translucence of natural enamel. Because they are custom-crafted, they require two appointments—one to prepare the tooth and another to place the restoration—but the results are exceptionally long-lasting and highly aesthetic.
At Top Down Dental in Los Gatos, we’ll help you choose the right material for your oral health needs, cosmetic goals, and lifestyle so your restoration looks and feels completely natural.
Inlays and Onlays
When a cavity or crack is too large for a simple filling but not extensive enough to require a crown, inlays and onlays provide a conservative and durable alternative. These custom restorations are crafted from high-quality porcelain or composite material and are precisely bonded to the damaged portion of your tooth.
- Inlays fit within the grooves of your tooth’s chewing surface, replacing the decayed or weakened portion without altering the surrounding structure.
- Onlays, sometimes called “partial crowns,” extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps, adding strength to areas weakened by damage or decay.
Because inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab, they provide a highly accurate fit, exceptional strength, and a seamless appearance that blends naturally with your enamel.
They help preserve more of your healthy tooth compared to traditional crowns, making them an ideal option for patients who want to maintain as much of their natural smile as possible.
When a Dental Crown Is Needed
A dental crown is recommended when a tooth has lost too much healthy structure for a filling, inlay, or onlay to last. Common reasons include:
- Large cavities or fractures
- Weakened teeth from repeated fillings
A crown fully covers the tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, protecting it from further damage and evenly distributing bite pressure.
Crowns are custom-made from high-strength ceramic materials that look and feel natural. The process typically takes two visits—one to prepare and scan the tooth, and another to place your permanent restoration.
With regular checkups and good home care, crowns can protect your smile for many years and restore lasting comfort.
Restore Your Smile’s Strength and Beauty
Whether you need a small filling or a full restoration, our Los Gatos dentists are committed to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Regular checkups, cleanings, and early treatment for cavities are the best ways to prevent more serious problems in the future.
Contact our Los Gatos dental office today at (408) 354-5600 to schedule an appointment and learn how modern restorative dentistry can protect your teeth for years to come.
