Tooth Fillings
Maintain An Attractive Smile
Treat Cavities With Tooth Fillings in Garden City
A cavity doesn't have to mean a mouth full of metal. Tooth fillings in Garden City repair decay using a composite resin material that matches your natural tooth shade, leaving your smile looking completely untouched after treatment.
The filling process is straightforward and comfortable. Your dentist removes the decay, places a tooth-colored filling, and shapes it to blend in with the rest of your tooth. Because the material bonds directly to your tooth structure, it supports the tooth while keeping as much of your natural enamel intact as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Fillings
What are tooth-colored fillings made of?
Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin material that is matched to the natural shade of your teeth. The resin bonds directly to the tooth structure, helping to reinforce the tooth while filling the area of decay in a way that looks natural and blends seamlessly with your smile.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
With proper care, tooth-colored fillings typically last at least five years and sometimes much longer. Brushing and flossing regularly, keeping up with routine dental visits, and avoiding habits like chewing on hard objects all help extend the life of a composite filling.
Does getting a tooth filling hurt?
No, getting a tooth filling doesn't hurt. The area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before any work begins, so the procedure is generally painless. Some mild sensitivity in the treated tooth is normal for a few days after placement. If you have dental anxiety, you can also choose laughing gas or oral conscious sedation to stay comfortable.
How long does it take to get a tooth filling?
Most tooth fillings are completed in a single appointment that typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Tooth-colored fillings are placed and hardened during the same visit, so you leave with a fully restored tooth the same day.
Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as metal fillings?
Tooth-colored composite fillings are durable enough to withstand normal chewing and biting forces in most areas of the mouth. While older metal fillings were once considered the stronger option, advances in composite materials have made tooth-colored fillings a reliable choice for both front and back teeth.
Can old metal fillings be replaced with tooth-colored fillings?
In many cases, old metal fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings. A dental evaluation helps determine whether replacement is appropriate based on the condition of the existing filling and the surrounding tooth structure. Replacing old fillings is an easy way to improve the appearance of your smile.
How do I know if I have a cavity that needs a filling?
Common signs of a cavity include tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods; a visible hole or dark spot on the tooth; or pain when biting down. In many cases, cavities cause no noticeable symptoms. That's why regular dental exams with digital X-rays are so important for catching decay early.
What happens if I leave a cavity untreated?
An untreated cavity continues to grow, destroying more of the tooth structure over time. What starts as a small filling can eventually require a crown, root canal, or even extraction if the decay spreads deep enough into the tooth. Treating a cavity early keeps the repair simple and protects as much of the natural tooth as possible.