Dental Fillings Midtown Manhattan

Composite fillings are a restorative dental procedure using dental fillings that are the same color as your naturally-occurring teeth. They are used to fill in areas of your teeth that have become decayed, also known as cavities. Composite fillings are popular for their tooth color because they are almost indistinguishable from your real teeth.

Did You Know?

Although composite resin is most commonly used for composite dental fillings, it can also be used to repair damaged teeth. Composite resin can easily fix cracked, fractured, or chipped teeth.

Am I a Candidate for Composite Fillings?

You may be a candidate for composite fillings if you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling. You may also be a candidate for composite fillings if you want to avoid metal amalgam fillings because of their appearance or a metal allergy. To find out if you are a candidate for a composite filling, schedule a consultation with Dr. Randhawa of Midtown Dental Care today!

Composite and amalgam are two materials used for dental fillings. Composite fillings use a plastic resin mixed with glass, blend in with your teeth, are easy to place, and will preserve most of your natural tooth structure. However, they do not last as long as amalgam fillings and take longer to place.

Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, use liquid mercury with powdered tin, silver, and copper. Because of this, they are stronger than composite fillings and can last longer. But, they also can corrode over time and have a metallic appearance.

The composite filling will then be placed in layers. Each layer of composite resin will be hardened in place with a special light, and the final product will be properly shaped and polished. Depending on how deep the decay is and how many layers of composite resin need to be placed, the entire procedure will take about an hour, maybe longer.

After your composite filling is placed, you will be able to return to work or school, resume all your normal activities, and have no dietary restrictions. This is because the composite resin is completely hardened during the procedure and is ready for use as soon as you leave our office. You may, however, want to wait until you can feel your mouth before eating and drinking.

In the days directly following your filling procedure, you may notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sweet foods. This is known as tooth sensitivity and is a normal reaction to having a composite filling placed. Most tooth sensitivity will resolve itself within a few days once your tooth has adjusted to the new filling.

Your composite filling will require no special care outside your usual dental routine. A good dental routine should consist of twice-daily brushing that lasts two minutes and uses a fluoridated toothpaste, once-daily flossing, and dental appointments at least once every six months. Regular dental appointments are important to check your composite filling for signs of wear or damage.

Composite fillings can last an average of 5-7 years but may last longer if well taken care of. To keep your composite filling in good shape, be sure to practice the above dental habits and avoid detrimental habits. Detrimental habits that can harm your composite filling include smoking, using your mouth as an opener, chewing ice or excessively hard candy, and nail-biting.

If you suddenly begin to feel tooth pain or notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, or sugar, then it is probably time to have your composite filling replaced. Dr. Randhawa will use a special probe to determine if the borders of your filling are intact or if they require repair or replacement. If the affected tooth is a molar, then the composite filling will likely be repaired by adding layers of composite resin. However, in some cases, the filling must be completely removed and replaced by an entirely new filling.

Composite fillings are relatively affordable and are priced at an average of $135-$240 per filling. Also, because they are considered restorative dental care, most insurance companies will cover some of the cost. Midtown Dental Care will help you get a quote from your dental insurance company detailing your level of coverage.

Contact Us For Composite Tooth Fillings in NYC

Are you looking for a composite tooth filling? The experts at Midtown Dental Care have the expertise and the equipment to take care of your filling needs, or any other dental needs you may have. Don't continue to wait and struggle with tooth pain or sensitivity and longer. Contact us today and we will exceed your expectations when it comes to your dental care and your composite fillings.