Fillings are used to replace damaged or missing tooth structure. Tooth structure can be missing due to fracture or damaged from tooth decay. When the dentist finds decay in your tooth, the decayed and weakened part of the tooth will be removed and replaced with a filling to restore its structure and function while maintaining optimum esthetics.
When decay starts inside a tooth it is often first detected by x-ray or visual exam before you will feel pain. It is important that the decay is caught early and replaced with a filling before it progresses. Often, by the time you feel symptoms relating to the decay it has progressed much further and may require more treatment.
There are many types of filling materials available today. Most formulas consist of a mixture of resin infused with tiny glass fibers for strength and durability. The most common types of tooth-colored fillings are composite resin and porcelain fillings.
Composite resin fillings are the most widely used tooth-colored fillings. Your dentist is able to match the shade of the composite directly to your tooth color. The filling is then bonded to the tooth with special adhesives and instantly hardened to allow you to get back to your normal routine immediately. With composite fillings, as compared to metal fillings, more tooth structure is conserved, keeping your tooth stronger.
Porcelain fillings are used when a greater amount tooth structure is damaged or missing. Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom fabricated by our lab to be durable and long lasting.
Fillings need to be maintained with proper oral hygiene to ensure they will be long lasting. If new decay occurs, it can weaken existing fillings requiring them to be replaced. Just as for natural teeth, regular brushing and flossing is key to maintaining a healthy mouth and strong, long lasting fillings.
New York Total Dental offers cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry services including full mouth rehabilitation, Invisalign, dental implants, orthodontics, veneers, periodontics gum treatment, teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, teeth fillings, and dental cleaning to Midtown Manhattan, Upper Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, and Downtown Manhattan in New York City.
