Tooth-Colored Fillings in New York, NY

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, are created when bacteria attacks your enamel on your teeth. In the past, dental cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which is a combination of metals like silver or mercury. Now we know that amalgam fillings do not adhere very well with the teeth and the mercury can be dangerous to your overall health. At SmilesNY Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in New York, NY, our cosmetic dentists offer tooth-colored fillings made from a composite resin or porcelain to fill and protect cavities. They can also remove old metal fillings and replace them with tooth-colored fillings for a safer and better-looking cavity treatment.

Tooth-colored fillings usually cover the decayed area in the tooth after it has been treated. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to address other issues with the teeth, including cracks or excessive wear by teeth grinding (bruxism). Porcelain fillings provide long-lasting results that are extremely durable. Since the composite resin and porcelain are colored to match your natural teeth, fillings can be used on both the front and back teeth for a seamless finish. If you have metal fillings, talk to your dentist about having them removed and replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

Getting a tooth-colored filling at SmilesNY is usually a simple procedure. The area surrounding the cavity will be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be discussed if you have any fears or anxieties to help keep you relaxed during the procedure. After you are prepared, the infected enamel is cleared away with a dental drill selected based on where the cavity is located in the tooth and the level of decay. After the enamel is treated and the tooth is cleaned, the area will be filled with the composite resin or porcelain and set. The filling material is then polished so it feels comfortable and matches your natural teeth.

You should be able to return to your normal day after your filling is done, but you might have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days. You may take over-the-counter pain medication to treat discomfort, but you should not have any major issues. If after a few days the filling feels high or uneven, please contact our office. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean by following a regular home care routine with daily brushing and flossing. At your annual exam, your filling will be assessed to decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point.

Tooth-colored fillings are a common treatment for cavities that are usually covered partially by dental insurance. A member of our team will contact your insurance company to determine your exact coverage before calculating your bill. If you do not have insurance, a member of our financial team can discuss the payments accepted by our office during your consultation, as well as medical financing options.

Cavities may start as a normal issue, but it's important to have them fixed before they become a big issue. At SmilesNY in New York, NY, tooth decay and cavities can be corrected with composite resin or porcelain fillings. Your filling will match the color of your natural teeth so you get a healthy, attractive smile. If you suspect you or a family member has a cavity, contact our office to schedule an exam today.