Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY
The average American has three dental fillings, with 25% of the population having 11 or more. When you have a cavity that needs a filling, trust the expert team at DNTL, the practice of Dmitriy Kuznetsov, DDS, and Semyon Tilis, DDS, in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York. Drs. Kuznetsov and Tilis make your comfort a top priority while using the latest technology and techniques to fill your tooth as painlessly and quickly as possible. A dental filling can prevent further decay and save your tooth, so don’t delay in scheduling an appointment by phone or online.
- 347-289-7901
- Book Online
Fillings Q & A
What is a filling?
A filling is a way to restore a decayed or damaged tooth to prevent more complicated dental procedures and tooth loss. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to detect any signs of a cavity as early as possible, so you can repair your tooth before the cavity gets larger.
A filling closes off the space in the tooth that has the cavity and helps prevent further decay. It restores your tooth to its natural shape and function.
What is the procedure for a dental filling?
Before filling the cavity, your dentist removes the decayed tooth material and then cleans the affected area thoroughly. Once the tooth is completely free of debris, including plaque and tartar, your DNTL dentist fills the cavity with dental material. A local anesthetic prevents you from feeling any pain during the procedure.
What types of fillings are available?
There are several different filling options for your teeth, including:
- Gold
- Porcelain
- Silver amalgam
- Composite resin
Your dentist recommends the type of filling based on the size of the cavity and its location in your mouth. Many people choose a composite resin or porcelain fillings so they blend with your natural teeth and don’t become an aesthetic concern. Additionally, having too many silver amalgam fillings isn’t a good idea, as these fillings contain small amounts of mercury, which may contribute to health problems.
How can I tell if I have a cavity that requires a filling?
If you’re between dental visits and you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, you may need a filling:
- A spontaneous toothache that appears without cause
- Extreme tooth sensitivity in one tooth
- Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages
- Pain when chewing sweets, like chocolate, candy, or fruit
- Pain when you bite down and put pressure on the tooth
- Visible holes in a tooth
- A tooth that suddenly appears stained
Cavities often don’t have noticeable symptoms until after they’ve formed or become large enough to cause pain. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important. At these appointments, your dentist can detect the first sign of a cavity.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it may be a cavity or another problem. Either way, it’s best to make an appointment as soon as possible so you can get the treatment you need. Call DNTL today or book online if you think you have a cavity that requires a filling.
