General Dentistry

Fillings

Whether you need to repair a cavity, replace old silver fillings or restore a damaged tooth, we offer personalized care using modern materials and techniques.

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Restore your smile with modern, natural-looking dentistry

Damaged or decayed teeth don’t have to compromise the beauty of your smile. Today’s restorative dentistry options are stronger, safer and more natural-looking than ever before. At Saddleback Dentistry, we provide modern solutions including tooth-colored fillings, safe amalgam filling removal and custom inlays and onlays designed to protect and strengthen your teeth while preserving a natural appearance.

Are dental fillings right for you?

Traditional silver amalgam fillings are an outdated solution for treating cavities. Tooth-colored composite fillings are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while restoring strength and function.

Fillings
A smiling patient

Benefits of tooth-colored fillings

Natural appearance that matches your smile

Bonds directly to the tooth for added support

Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure

Mercury-free and metal-free

Durable and long-lasting

Ideal for both front and back teeth

Composite fillings are carefully shaded to match your existing enamel, making them virtually unnoticeable. They are an excellent option for patients who want a healthier, more aesthetic alternative to traditional metal fillings.

When are fillings needed?

You may benefit from a filling if you have:

Tooth decay or cavities

Worn teeth from grinding

Small cracks or chips

Old or damaged fillings that need replacing

Tooth sensitivity caused by enamel loss

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An amalgam filling removal

Safe amalgam filling removal

Many patients choose to replace their silver amalgam fillings for cosmetic, structural or health reasons. Our office follows strict safety protocols during amalgam removal to minimize exposure and protect both you and our staff.

Why replace silver fillings?

Over time, amalgam fillings can: 

Expand and contract with temperature changes

Cause cracks or fractures in teeth

Become worn or leak around the edges

Darken the appearance of teeth

Create aesthetic concerns when smiling

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Dr. Garcia showing a patient procedures on a computer

Our safe removal protocols

During amalgam removal, we use advanced techniques designed to reduce mercury vapor and particulate exposure, including:

Protective barriers and isolation systems

High-volume evacuation and filtration

Sectioning techniques to minimize drilling

Thorough rinsing and cleanup procedures

Protective equipment for patient and clinical team 

Once the old filling is removed, we restore the tooth with a durable, natural-looking composite material that supports both function and appearance.

Inlays and onlays

When a tooth has more damage than a filling can repair—but does not require a full crown—inlays and onlays provide a conservative and highly durable solution.

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations created to fit precisely within or over a damaged tooth.

Our inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored, high-strength material for a natural appearance and exceptional durability.

An inlay (left), onlay (middle) and crown (right)

Benefits of inlays and onlays

Stronger than traditional fillings

Preserve more healthy tooth structure than crowns

Custom-crafted for a precise fit

Natural-looking and stain-resistant

Long-lasting and highly durable

Reinforce weakened teeth

Inlays and onlays are often recommended for moderate tooth damage, large failing fillings or cracked teeth that still have healthy remaining structure.

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