40-18 Bell Boulevard, Suite 2N, Bayside, NY 11361
Existing Patients: (718) 819-8202
New Patients: (718) 412-1046
At BaySmiles Dental, we understand that a healthy, beautiful smile is essential for your overall well-being. One of the most common dental procedures we offer is dental fillings, which help restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities or decay. A dental filling can not only improve the function of your tooth but also enhance its appearance, allowing you to smile with confidence once again.
Dental fillings are designed to repair and protect your teeth from further damage, ensuring that they remain healthy and strong. At BaySmiles Dental, we use advanced materials and techniques to provide the most durable and natural-looking fillings available. Whether you’re dealing with a small cavity or a larger area of decay, we’re here to help you restore your smile to its natural beauty.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of dental fillings we offer, the process of getting a filling, and why dental fillings are essential for maintaining your oral health.
Dental fillings are a type of restorative dental treatment used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, cavities, or trauma. When bacteria accumulate in the mouth, they can erode the tooth's enamel, leading to cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can grow larger and cause more serious dental problems, such as infections or tooth loss. A dental filling helps prevent this by filling the decayed area, restoring the tooth's strength, and preventing further damage.
Fillings are often necessary when a cavity is too deep to be treated with preventive measures like fluoride or sealants. They also serve to protect the tooth from further decay and to maintain its natural function, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile without discomfort.
At BaySmiles Dental, we offer a variety of filling materials to suit your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Each type of filling has its own advantages, and our team will help guide you in selecting the best option for your dental health and aesthetic goals. Here are the most common types of dental fillings we offer:
Amalgam fillings, often referred to as silver fillings, have been a reliable and durable option for many years. Made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper, amalgam fillings are strong and can withstand the pressure of chewing. While they are not as aesthetically pleasing as other options, they are often used in the back teeth where they are less visible.
Amalgam fillings are known for their durability and longevity. They can last for many years, making them an excellent choice for patients looking for a long-lasting and cost-effective solution. However, because of their metallic color, they are not typically used for visible teeth, especially in the front of the mouth.
Composite resin fillings, often referred to as tooth-colored fillings, are a popular choice for patients who want a more natural-looking filling. Made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, composite resin fillings can be customized to match the natural color of your teeth. This makes them an excellent option for filling cavities in the front teeth or any visible areas.
One of the major advantages of composite resin fillings is their ability to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color, ensuring that the filling is virtually invisible. They also bond directly to the tooth structure, which can provide additional support and strength. Composite fillings are durable and resistant to wear and tear, but they may not last as long as amalgam fillings in areas that experience heavy chewing pressure.
Porcelain fillings, also known as inlays and onlays, are a premium option that provides both strength and aesthetics. Made from durable ceramic material, porcelain fillings are designed to restore larger cavities or damaged areas of the tooth. They are custom-made to fit the specific shape of your tooth, ensuring a perfect fit and a seamless appearance.
Porcelain fillings are highly resistant to staining, and they can provide a more natural look than composite resin fillings. Inlays and onlays are often used for back teeth that experience significant chewing pressure. While porcelain fillings tend to be more expensive than other options, they are an excellent choice for patients who want both durability and an aesthetically pleasing result.
Gold fillings are another long-lasting option for dental restorations. Gold is a strong, durable material that is resistant to wear and corrosion. Gold fillings are custom-made to fit the cavity precisely and are cemented in place for a secure and long-lasting solution.
Gold fillings are highly durable and can last for many years, making them an excellent choice for patients who prioritize longevity and strength. However, due to their distinctive gold color, these fillings are more noticeable and are typically used for back teeth, where they are less visible.
Getting a dental filling is a straightforward procedure that typically involves the following steps:
The process begins with a thorough examination of your teeth. Our dentist will take X-rays and visually inspect your teeth to identify any areas of decay or damage. We will also discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as tooth sensitivity or pain. Once a cavity or damaged tooth is identified, we will recommend the appropriate type of filling based on the size, location, and severity of the damage.
Before beginning the procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you are comfortable and pain-free during the filling process.
Once the area is numb, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a dental drill. If necessary, the dentist will clean the cavity to remove any bacteria and debris. The tooth will then be shaped to ensure a secure fit for the filling material.
Next, the chosen filling material will be placed into the prepared cavity. If you are receiving a composite resin filling, the material will be applied in layers and hardened with a special light. For porcelain or gold fillings, the material will be custom-made and placed in the cavity.
After the filling has been placed, the dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your bite feels comfortable and natural. The filling will then be polished to a smooth finish, restoring the tooth’s appearance and function.
Once the procedure is complete, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. These may include recommendations for avoiding certain foods and drinks for a short period after the procedure, as well as tips for maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent further cavities.
Dental fillings are a crucial part of maintaining your oral health and preventing more serious dental issues. Here are a few reasons why dental fillings are essential:
At BaySmiles Dental, we take pride in offering the highest quality dental care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized treatment and ensuring that your dental fillings are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you need a routine filling or are looking for a more advanced solution, we are here to help you achieve optimal oral health.
Here’s why you should choose us for your dental fillings:
If you have a cavity or damaged tooth that requires a filling, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner you address the issue, the less likely it is to develop into a more serious problem. Contact BaySmiles Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our dental fillings can help restore your smile.
If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.
Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.
Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.
We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.
Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.
Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.
A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.
The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile we can help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.
Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of BaySmiles Dental, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
