Dental Fillings in Manhattan

Signs You May Need A Filling

Fillings are the gold standard treatment for early-stage tooth decay. However, they can also be used to fill a tooth that has been damaged from dental trauma or has been chipped from biting into something too hard. 

A filling is a special material that rebuilds the missing tooth structure. When a tooth has a cavity, we will use specialized tools to remove decayed parts of the tooth and then use a filling to restore the tooth’s functionality and aesthetics.

The following signs could indicate the need for a filling due to cavities or damage:

• A dull toothache
• Enamel erosion
• Pain when chewing
• Visible holes in the tooth
• Discoloration
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• When you floss, your tooth shreds the thread
• An old filling is missing or loose
• Tooth sensitivity 

Our Dental Filling Process

Manhattan dentist Dr. Chavez will call you in for a consultation so he can examine your teeth to look for signs of damage or tooth decay. X-rays are also taken to rule out the possibility of an infection. If you need a filling, we will first numb your mouth by administering local anesthesia. 

If you have dental anxiety, we offer laughing gas sedation to relax you. After your mouth is sufficiently numbed, we will need to remove any present tooth decay with a dental drill. You will not feel any pain and this only takes a few minutes. 

Then, the tooth is roughened and etched with an acidic solution that helps the bonding agent stick to the tooth. The composite resin is then applied to the tooth in layers and each layer is cured with UV light. 

This hardens the resin immediately. After all of the layers have been applied and hardened, we can shape the tooth to match the shape and size of the rest of your teeth. When we’re done filing, the tooth will be polished.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

At Blue Line Dental, we exclusively use composite fillings to repair the teeth from damage and cavities. Composite fillings, unlike traditional silver amalgam, are tooth-colored so they’re highly aesthetic and blend in with your natural teeth. 

They’re also mercury-free, biocompatible, and preserve more of the natural tooth structure because they require less drilling. Since the UV light instantly hardens the resin, you don’t need to wait 24 hours for the filling to set. 

You’re able to eat whatever you want as soon as the anesthetic wears off. These fillings are an effective treatment for early-stage tooth decay and damage which prevents the need for a root canal or extraction.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

Composite fillings have a lifespan of about 7 to 10 years. However, these fillings can be easily repaired if they are damaged because they are a series of layers of composite resin. The best way to preserve your fillings is to:

• Regularly brush and floss
• Attend dental cleanings and checkups every 6 months
• Avoid tobacco products
• Limit consumption of staining foods and drinks
• Avoid hard, sticky & crunchy foods
• Wear a mouthguard if you have bruxism

Need a Dental Filling? Contact Us in Manhattan Today!

If you’re noticing signs of a cavity, enamel erosion, or a damaged tooth, give us a call at (212) 317-5959 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Chavez in Manhattan.