Tooth-Colored Fillings in Manhattan's Upper East Side, NY

What Other Restorative Dentistry Services Does New York Dental Studio Offer?

Dr. Huang or Dr. Zhao intends to preserve and restore your smile to its healthiest potential at New York Dental Studio:

• Porcelain Veneers: If you want to change the shape and/or color of a damaged tooth. Still, it’s not necessary to do a crown; porcelain veneers are the best solution. Porcelain Veneers need fewer teeth preparation than dental crowns and look more natural than tooth-colored fillings and crowns.

• Dental Crowns: If a cavity severely damages a tooth, the dentist may need to place a dental crown on it. A crown can help to contour, resize, and strengthen a fractured or decayed tooth.

• Dental Bridges: A dental bridge comprises several prosthetic teeth supported on either side by crowns. It is used to replace lost or damaged teeth.

• Dentures: Dentures are prosthetic teeth and gums made specifically for your mouth by your dentist to replace missing or extracted natural teeth.

 

How is a Dental Cavity Filled?

To fill a dental cavity, your doctor will numb and isolate the tooth with a dental dam before placing a composite filling, which chemically bonds to cover the cavity. The first stage of your procedure involves using a dental drill to remove all decaying tooth tissue. Before placing the filling, the doctor cleanses the remaining cavity to eliminate any additional bacteria or debris.

The composite is then added in layers. The doctor will use a special light to harden each layer of composite resin in place, and the finished result will be appropriately shaped and polished. Depending on the decay's severity, the process could take an hour or more.

 

Do Fillings Permanently Fix Cavities?

A dental filling is used to restore decayed tooth structure. It offers adequate tensile strength and fracture resistance to endure mild strain from the constant chewing stress. After your composite filling, you can resume your normal activities with no dietary restrictions. It is because, during the process, the composite resin hardens and is prepared for usage. However, tooth sensitivity is a typical reaction in the days immediately following your treatment. Most of it will disappear once your tooth has gotten used to the new filling.

Nevertheless, your composite filling will not need further maintenance beyond your regular dental practice. A healthy oral hygiene regimen should include brushing twice daily, two-minute brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once daily, and dental exams at least once every six months to detect wear or damage to the fillings.

​

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

Although strong, composite fillings typically have a limited lifespan. Composite fillings can last 5–7 years on average. However, they could stay longer with proper maintenance. Practicing the aforementioned dental behaviors and abstaining from bad habits can help maintain the health of your composite filling.

These bad habits may include:

• Smoking

• Using your mouth as an opener

• Chewing ice

• Excessively hard candy

• Nail-biting

​

​

​