Tooth-Colored Fillings in Farmingdale, NY

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, are created when bacteria attack your enamel, causing small holes in your teeth. In the past, cavities were treated with a material called amalgam, a mixture of metals, such as mercury or silver, leaving the cavity a gray color on the surface of the tooth. The dental industry has come to realize that these amalgam fillings don't adhere very well with the enamel, and the mercury could in fact be dangerous to your health. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates in Farmingdale, NY, our dentists use tooth-colored fillings made with a white composite resin to fill cavities and protect the tooth. If you already have amalgam fillings, these can be removed and tooth-colored fillings applied for a more reliable and attractive treatment for cavities.

Composite resin tooth-colored fillings typically seal cavities of a tooth once it's been cleaned by a Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates team member. If you have one or more cavities, a composite filling is ideal. Composite resin can also be used to treat other problems with your teeth, like cracks, or teeth that have become worn down due to grinding. Since the composite resin is colored to blend with your natural teeth, fillings may be used on both the front and back teeth for a great result. If you have metal fillings, you may also be able to replace them with our tooth-colored fillings.

Receiving a tooth-colored filling at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates is, for the most part, a simple procedure. We will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to help you feel more comfortable. Other sedation methods can be considered if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you relaxed during the procedure. When you are ready, we will remove the infected enamel of the cavity in the tooth. Once the enamel is cleared away and your tooth is disinfected, we will fill your cavity with the composite material and let it set. One of our fine dentists will polish the filling material so it feels comfortable and matches your natural teeth.

After your tooth-colored filling is complete, you should be able to return to your normal routine, but you might notice a sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures for the next few days. If you need to, you can use over-the-counter pain medicine. It should be unlikely that you experience any pain too extreme, however. If after a few days the filling seems too high or uneven, let us know. Your filling won't need any extra care other than following a normal home oral care routine with daily flossing and brushing. At your annual exam, we will check your filling to decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Are tooth-colored fillings safer than metal fillings?
Traditional metal amalgam fillings are regarded as effective and safe by the dental research community. However, tooth-colored fillings do not contain mercury, which may be found in trace amounts in more traditional filling components. Tooth-colored fillings contain composite materials, usually made largely of plastic and silica.

Do tooth-colored fillings look natural?
Yes! Tooth-colored fillings are largely enjoyed by our Farmingdale, NY patients because of their natural and seamless appearance with the natural teeth. Only you and your dental providers will know that you have a filling because of how natural they appear.

How long will my fillings last?
Tooth-colored fillings received at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates are designed to last between 7 — 10 years. Your oral hygiene will play a large role in the longevity of your fillings. In addition, maintaining your regularly scheduled dental appointments will help extend your fillings' lifetime.

Dental cavities typically start as a common issue, but it is crucial for them to be fixed before they develop into a more painful and expensive concern. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates in Farmingdale, NY, small areas of tooth decay can be treated with tooth-colored fillings. We will match the color of your teeth so you can have a seamless, healthy smile. If you think you or a family member has a cavity, contact us to schedule an exam with Dr. Kahn, Dr. Ferrari, or Dr. Aldieri today.