Dental Fillings Riverhead, Roslyn and Nesconset, NY

Get Dental Fillings Today

You have most likely had a cavity at some point in your life that required a dental filling. It is a very common treatment used in general dentistry. A tooth filling is a routine dental treatment that dentists use to address either tooth decay or minor tooth damage. It will help preserve the natural tooth structure. A dental filling will repair decay and prevent further deterioration. It can even help lower the risk of tooth loss. Replacing missing teeth should be your last resort, so don’t wait to fill a tooth cavity until the last minute.

Tooth decay is a dental problem especially prevalent among children and adolescents but people at any age can get them. A tooth cavity is usually a result of plaque buildup. Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the keys to minimizing your risk of tooth decay.

This will minimize your risk of needing a tooth filling and will provide the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Our team will evaluate your oral health and screen for tooth decay at every routine dental visit. We will also check on your existing fillings during routine dental visits to ensure their integrity and prevent future decay. It is very important to have your tooth decay treated as soon as possible.

When your dentist spots decay in the early stages, a tooth filling is the best treatment option. If left untreated, a cavity can actually get worse and even need a root canal or extraction.

White Tooth Fillings: Composite Resin

Bella Smiles recommends using composite resin, or “white fillings” for a safe, metal-free, and natural looking result. They are highly durable, and decay and stain-resistant. White cosmetic fillings blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, creating a more natural smile.

While white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years and may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. Patients with metal, silver fillings may choose to have their existing fillings replaced with tooth colored restorations.

Dental Fillings: What to Expect

A tooth filling procedure is a routine dental treatment. Your dentist can typically complete it in a single visit to our Riverhead, Nesconset, or Roslyn, NY dentist offices. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.

Many patients become slightly anxious at the thought of a dental filling. However, it is a relatively simple procedure that should produce minimal discomfort.

Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing all the decay and cleaning the area. Then they will place the filling material and form it to provide a natural looking and comfortable surface for normal chewing and speaking.

If you are receiving a composite filling, your dentist will use a special blue light to cure the material. Once complete, we will polish the surface of the filling and make any minor adjustments for a natural bite.

A dental filling should last for many years with good routine dental care.

Dental Fillings FAQs

How many cavities can a dentist fill at once?

Most dentists will not perform more than 4 fillings in one sitting. Technically there is no limit to home many fillings can be given at a time. However, we do not recommend doing more than four at one time.

Do fillings stay in your mouth forever?

Fillings last a long time, but they do not last forever. Gold fillings have the longest lifespan of up to 30 years, and silver amalgam fillings can last up to 15. Many people think that once a filling is placed it will not need a replacement, however, this is false. Scheduling regular visits to your dentist will ensure that your fillings are in good shape and that they are replaced when that time comes.

How long do white fillings last?

White fillings last the least amount of time, typically between 7-10 years. Most patients who choose to have tooth colored fillings make this decision for cosmetic reasons, rather than function or lifespan reasons.