Fillings Specialist
Manhasset Dental Arts
General and Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics and Periodontics located in Manhasset, NY
Cavities put you at risk of serious dental problems — even tooth loss. That’s why Michael Abrams, DDS, and Elizabeth Abrams, DDS, of Manhasset Dental Arts, offer an array of dental filling options at their state-of-the-art office in Manhasset, New York. A filling restores your decayed tooth and protects it from further damage. To learn more about your filling options, call Manhasset Dental Arts or book an appointment online.
Fillings Q & A
What is a filling?
A filling helps restore a tooth to its natural size and shape after it’s been damaged by decay. It also protects your tooth from further decay by closing off the small openings left behind by cavities. This prevents bacteria and plaque from passing through and damaging the rest of your tooth. You may need a filling if you have:
- A cavity
- A chipped tooth
- Teeth worn by grinding
- A cracked tooth
A cavity, or tooth decay, is the most common reason patients need a filling, which is why it’s important to visit Manhasset Dental Arts every six months for a routine dental cleaning.
Which type of filling is right for me?
You have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a filling material, including:
Amalgam filling
An amalgam (silver) filling is made of a metal alloy mixture that’s durable and long-lasting. Because silver fillings are dark in color, they work best in the back of the mouth.
Porcelain filling
A porcelain filling can match the shade of your teeth perfectly, so it looks natural. Because they are stain-resistant and less durable than silver fillings, porcelain fillings are typically used toward the front of the mouth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal filling
Porcelain-fused-to-metal fillings offer the durability of metal fillings and the natural look of porcelain fillings.
Glass ionomer filling
A glass ionomer filling uses a blend of glass and acrylic to protect and strengthen your teeth, as it contains fluoride.
Composite resin filling
A composite resin filling blends well with the shade of your teeth and is often used to repair small tooth chips and cracks.
What is the filling process like?
At Manhasset Dental Arts, your dentist starts by removing the decay from your tooth and cleaning the entire area. Once the cavity is completely clean, they fill the space with the filling material you choose.
Filling a cavity generally requires a local anesthetic, so your mouth may feel numb following your visit. A filling lasts for 15 years or more when cared for properly. To protect your new filling, avoid sticky, sugary, or chewy foods whenever possible.
For more information about your filling options, call Manhasset Dental Arts or book an appointment online.