Сomprehensive evaluation and full mouth radiographs for $115. Offer valid through 01/31/26.
Dr. Irena Starchenko, DDS
Dr. Irena Starchenko brings more than 30 years of cosmetic dental experience to Van Nuys patients. She offers treatments like whitening, bonding, enamel contouring, and crowns to reshape and brighten smiles while protecting tooth health.
Her approach includes full shade analysis, bite review, and digital design for each treatment. From subtle changes to more advanced restorations, Dr. Irena plans each cosmetic update based on safety, symmetry, and durability.
Van Nuys patients, as well as nearby residents from Reseda and Studio City, choose her for trusted cosmetic improvements that match appearance goals and tooth structure.
What Our Clients Say
It’s super clean and all the doctors are masters of the dental job!
A dental filling restores a damaged tooth caused by cavities, wear, or decay. At our Encino clinic, we use materials like composite resin, ceramic, or amalgam to protect and reshape the affected tooth. Fillings strengthen the tooth, prevent further damage, and maintain bite function. Regular checkups help detect early signs of tooth decay and avoid more serious dental problems.
Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by decay, wear, or minor fractures. Dentists use them to seal cavities and stop bacteria from spreading. Materials include gold, silver, porcelain, composite resin, and glass ionomer, each suited for different levels of durability, aesthetics, and cost.
Tooth decay starts when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that weakens enamel and dentin. If left untreated, the cavity expands, causing pain and possible infection. Fillings protect the inner layers of the tooth, preserve bite strength, and prevent further damage from chewing pressure or bacteria.
Pain while chewing or brushing may signal tooth decay or enamel loss. Swelling near the gumline or red gums around one area can also be an early sign that a filling is likely needed.
Your dentist can check for visible decay, cracked enamel, or sensitivity. Early dental care helps avoid deeper infection and may prevent the need for crowns, root canals, or extractions.
- Pain when chewing or biting in one spot
- Sensitivity in a tooth to cold or sweet food
- Tooth discoloration or dark spots on enamel
Tooth fillings help protect your smile by fixing cavities, stopping decay, and avoiding deeper dental issues. Quick treatment reduces risks like infections, root canals, or tooth loss from untreated decay.
Fillings are done in a dentist’s office and help restore both function and oral health. Fast care supports chewing comfort, stops sensitivity, and keeps surrounding teeth from future damage or breakage.
How Local Anesthesia Prepares You for Tooth Fillings?
Before placing a dental filling, the dentist applies a local anesthetic to the area. This numbs the tooth and nearby gum tissue, allowing the procedure to be painless. The jelly or injectable anesthetic also reduces discomfort after treatment. Most patients feel no pain during the process and can return to normal activities within hours. This step is essential for a comfortable dental experience, especially if the decay is near the nerve.
Tooth Cleaning Before Dental Filling Placement
The dentist carefully cleans the affected tooth to remove food debris, bacteria, or damaged enamel. This step is vital to prevent future decay. Cleaning includes the use of dental tools or an ultrasonic scaler to ensure all soft tissue buildup is cleared. The surface is then prepared for a long-lasting bond between the tooth and filling material. Proper preparation improves the strength, fit, and durability of the filling placed.
How Dentists Remove Tooth Decay Before Filling?
A dental drill or laser is used to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. The goal is to clear all infection before sealing the area with a filling. If the decay is deep, the dentist works carefully to avoid the nerve. This part of the procedure varies depending on how much structure is damaged. Removing all decay is critical for a strong restoration and to stop further bacteria spread. Anesthesia keeps the process painless and stress-free.
How Bite Impressions Help Shape Dental Fillings?
Once the decay is cleaned, impressions of your bite may be taken. These help create a filling that fits your bite and chewing pattern. This step is key when using custom restorations like inlays, onlays, or crowns. A properly shaped filling improves mouth function, protects neighboring teeth, and makes eating easier. If needed, lab technicians use these impressions to design restorations that feel natural and restore full use of your tooth.
Dental fillings help restore tooth function and improve the look of your smile. Each filling type has unique benefits based on the location of the decay, tooth condition, and your dental insurance. Options include composite, ceramic, and glass ionomer all safe and effective materials used in modern dentistry.
Composite Dental Fillings for Natural Tooth Color
Composite resin is a common choice for fillings because it blends with your natural tooth shade. These fillings are made from a tooth-colored plastic and fine glass mixture. They’re ideal for visible teeth and small to moderate cavities. Composite is strong, bonds well with enamel, and supports oral hygiene. These fillings are placed in a single visit and polish well to match nearby teeth. Composite fillings are placed as part of our broader restorative dentistry care.
Ceramic Fillings for Strength and Durability
Ceramic fillings, often made from porcelain, are stain-resistant and strong. They are created in a lab and bonded to the tooth, offering a precise fit. These restorations are ideal for patients needing larger fillings or wanting metal-free dental work. Ceramic fillings last longer than resin and closely resemble natural tooth enamel. They’re also biocompatible and less likely to wear over time.
Glass Ionomer Fillings for Fluoride Protection
Glass ionomer is used in patients with high cavity risk, especially in children or near the gumline. This material contains fluoride, which helps prevent further decay and strengthens the enamel. It’s ideal for temporary or small fillings with minimal bite pressure. Learn more about this option on our dental fillings in Encino service page.
You might be under the impression that dental fillings are complicated, however an experienced dentist is able to make this process painless and quick. These fillings involve preparation, numbing injection, drilling the tooth or applying a laser and finishing the filling process. With all these steps completed, the tooth will look new, and you can chew food again. If you choose a trusted dental clinic covered with insurance, your tooth filling cost will not be too high.
Dental Line is a local, trusted dental practice offering general and cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, implants, veneers & other. We are committed to providing quality care at affordable prices. If you are searching for dental fillings near me, call Dental Line today to schedule an appointment (747) 265-6179, or come to visit us 18024 Ventura Blvd, Encino. Serving Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Reseda, and other locations.
Author: Dr. Irena Starchenko
