Dental Fillings

What are Dental Fillings?

A filling is a common dental procedure that’s used to repair minor tooth damage. Fillings address conditions caused by tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, cavities and minor tooth fractures. If your tooth pain is severe and the decay too extensive, you may need to undergo a root canal procedure topped with a crown to save the tooth.
The health of your teeth depends on your diet, your daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional teeth cleanings. Food gets trapped between your teeth if you don’t floss regularly. Infrequent or improper brushing techniques cause the build-up of plaque, which can harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar can only be removed through a professional cleaning. Untreated, plaque and tartar lead to tooth decay, gum disease and even bad breath.

Why You Need a Cavity Filling

Cavities form when bacteria on your teeth eat through the hard outer tooth enamel, causing pits and holes on the tooth surface. Left unchecked, it leads to more serious complications — from nerve pain to bleeding gums and infections. With regular check-ups at Hutchinson Metro Dental with Dr. Victoria Kushensky and her experienced staff in Bronx, NY, you keep your teeth healthy and looking great. Regular teeth cleanings — or a deep cleaning when necessary — keeps your gums and teeth cavity-free.

If your family cosmetic implant dentist in Bronx, NY says you need a cavity filling, the process is straightforward and painless. You can get the whole procedure done in the comfort of your family dentistry office in Bronx, NY. Most tooth fillings take an hour or less. Even if you have more than one cavity, Dr. Kushensky usually completes her work in one session.

The biggest advantage of cavity fillings is that the simple procedure helps to close off the spaces where bacteria gather. This prevents further tooth decay and damage. Get an emergency dental procedure if you get severe tooth pain or a previous filling has fallen out. Any delay in getting treatment gives bacteria time to cause more damage.

The Types of Tooth Fillings

The type of tooth filling you get depends on where you need it. Because Dr. Victoria Kushensky is also an experienced cosmetic dentist he may recommend that front tooth cavities be filled with a composite resin for a natural look.

Various types of materials used for fillings include:

• Gold fillings, which are custom made in a laboratory, last more than 20 years and don’t irritate the gums.
• Amalgam or silver fillings are resistant to wear. Although they’re the least expensive, they’re rarely used anymore because of the prominent silver color of the material.
• Composite resins are mixed directly before the procedure and placed in the cavity. UV light hardens the resin. Composites last about 10 years with proper dental care.
• Porcelain fillings are commonly used for dental inlay or dental onlay procedures. Inlays and onlays can take the place of crowns when a filling is deep enough. Made in a lab, they cover a larger area of the tooth, preserving the tooth’s structure and health while providing strength and stability.

Getting Your Tooth Filled

Dr. Victoria Kushensky at Hutchinson Metro Dental in Bronx, NY in Bronx, NY completes a thorough checkup of your teeth that may include x-rays.

To help him accurately assess your condition, tell your family dentist:

• How severe the pain is
• Any
• Whether you have dental implants, dentures or clear braces

Once your Bronx dentist determines that you need a filling, local anesthesia numbs the area. Dr. Kushensky then removes all the tooth decay. Different fillings require different tooth preparations. For example, composite resins need an etching to help the bonding process. Once the filling sets, it’s polished to remove sharp edges and enhance its appearance.

Avoid eating or drinking hot and cold food and beverages immediately following the procedure. You may feel some discomfort for a few hours, and your teeth may be sensitive. Follow the advice of your Bronx, NY family cosmetic implant dentist about how to care for your new tooth filling. Contact Hutchinson Metro Dental to get out of pain today.