Repair Tooth Decay with Dental Fillings
Almost all Americans will need treatment for tooth decay during their lifetime. Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus offers tooth-colored dental fillings at his Brooklyn Heights, New York, practice. These trusted restorations are one of the most effective methods for addressing tooth decay. Fillings can return a mild to moderately damaged tooth to its normal shape and function in as little as one office visit. Contact us today to learn more about how dental fillings can quickly improve the health of your teeth.
Tooth-colored vs. Amalgam Fillings
At his office, Dr. Stanislaus offers tooth-colored fillings to refine your teeth and smile. Though many materials can be used for fillings, tooth-colored restorations, also known as composite fillings or resin, offer a number of advantages over silver amalgam fillings:
- Natural-looking Smile: One of the greatest appeals of tooth-colored fillings is their natural appearance. Silver fillings can sometimes be eye-catching or immediately noticeable in a person’s mouth. Because of its lifelike hue and texture, composite material is almost invisible against the enamel.
- Stronger Teeth: The metal in amalgam fillings is known to expand and contract in response to temperature changes, which over time can damage a tooth’s structure. Composite resin prevents this type of damage to the teeth.
- Long-lasting Material: Rather than sitting on top of the cavity, tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the enamel. This not only stabilizes the filling, but also strengthens the tooth itself for a lifetime of dental health.
- Decreased Risk of Allergy: Though the risk of allergy is low, silver amalgam has been known to trigger reactions in some patients. This is minimized with composite material, as no patient to date has demonstrated an allergy to composite fillings.
Tooth Colored Fillings
At our Brooklyn Heights dental practice, we provide natural looking dental fillings. Gone are the days of silver fillings that would get dark and would stain over the years. Did you know that tooth colored fillings can actually strengthen teeth? Learn more about that in this clip!
Receiving a Dental Filling
Filling in a tooth is a very simple procedure, with most office visits lasting only one hour. Prior to the procedure, we will explain the steps of the process and take preparatory x-rays, if necessary. We will then give you a local anesthetic to ensure that any discomfort is kept to a minimum. Next, we will use a dental instrument to remove the cavity from your tooth. Any remaining debris or bacteria will be eliminated through a full cleaning of the tooth.
Once the damaged portion of the tooth has been removed, we will begin preparations for placing the filling. This begins with selecting the shade of composite resin that most closely matches your teeth, to ensure maximum blending. We will then etch the surface of the treatment site. This technique involves creating a rough surface on the enamel, allowing the filling to better adhere to the tooth, forming a stronger and more durable bond.
After your teeth are sufficiently prepared, we will apply the filling in layers, aided by a special lamp to harden the material more quickly. Once hardened, the resin can be smoothed and shaped until it is nearly invisible against the tooth.
Patients are free to return to their normal routine immediately after the procedure. Some discomfort and soreness can be expected in the first few days, but these side effects typically resolve soon after.
Contact Us Today
Dr. Stanislaus has many years of experience in the dental industry and recognizes the importance of a patient’s long-term dental care. Reach out to us today to learn more about whether you are a good candidate for dental fillings.
