Tooth Filling in Queens, NY
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What to Know About Getting a Tooth Filled
A filling is the most common way to treat a cavity. It removes the decayed part of a tooth and replaces it with a durable material. This stops the decay from spreading further and restores the tooth’s shape and function.
Filling Materials
Most dentists today, including our team at CitiDental of Woodhaven, use composite resin for most fillings. Composite is tooth-colored and bonds directly to the tooth. It works well for small to mid-size cavities in either front or back teeth. Silver amalgam, the traditional metal filling, is still considered safe and durable. But it’s used far less today, mainly for cosmetic reasons. Gold and ceramic (porcelain) fillings are more durable and longer-lasting. They cost more, though, and are used less often.
What Happens During the Procedure
We numb the area, remove the decayed part of the tooth, and clean out the cavity. Then we fill the space with the chosen material. We shape and polish it so your bite feels normal. A straightforward filling typically takes well under an hour. There is no downtime afterward.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Composite fillings generally last around five to seven years. This varies with the size of the filling and how well you care for your teeth. Over time, fillings can wear down or chip. The seal at the edge can also break down, letting new decay start underneath. That’s why we check existing fillings at your regular visits. We replace them before a small problem becomes a bigger one.
Filling vs. Crown — What’s the Difference?
A filling is used when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support it. This is generally for small to moderate cavities. A crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth. You may need a crown instead when the damage is too extensive for a filling to hold, when a large piece of the tooth is missing, or after a root canal, where a crown protects the tooth from fracturing. An exam and X-ray will tell us which one your tooth needs.
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What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are a type of indirect filling. Instead of being placed directly in the tooth at your visit, they’re custom-made in a dental lab from an impression of your tooth. You’ll wear a temporary filling for a week or two before the permanent piece is cemented into place. An inlay fits within the tooth much like a standard filling, but it’s made of stronger material. An onlay covers more of the tooth, extending over the cusp. The cusp is the biting surface where the top of one tooth meets its opposite. Both let you keep more of your natural tooth than a crown would, while holding up to more pressure than a typical filling.
Does Getting a Filling Hurt?
Not for most patients. We numb the area with local anesthetic before removing any decay, so the procedure itself is generally painless. You may notice some mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days afterward while the tooth settles. That’s normal and usually fades on its own. If you’re especially anxious about dental visits, sedation dentistry is available. Most fillings are simple enough that it isn’t necessary, though.
Can I Replace Old Silver Fillings with Tooth-Colored Ones?
Yes. This is one of the most common requests we get. Older amalgam fillings can be removed and replaced with composite resin that matches the color of your surrounding teeth. This is often done for cosmetic reasons, or simply because an older filling is worn down and due for replacement. We’ll check the health of the tooth underneath first. A filling that’s been in place for many years occasionally reveals decay that needs to be addressed at the same time.
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