Dental Fillings in Pomona & Brooklyn

A & R Advanced Dental Group provides Dental Fillings services in Pomona & Brooklyn, NY.

Dental fillings are used to restore the function, strength, and structure of teeth that have cavities. When you need a dental filling, the first step in the process is cleaning the affected tooth and removing areas of decay. The tooth structure is then repaired by applying a composite resin substance directly to the surface and shaping it to your tooth’s natural contours. In addition to restoring the tooth structure, the filling also seals the treated area, preventing bacteria from entering via small cracks or fissures and causing further decay.

Although amalgam (silver) fillings were at one time the most popular material for restoring teeth with cavities, today’s patients prefer composite fillings. Also known as tooth colored fillings, white fillings, or resin fillings, composite fillings are more aesthetically pleasing and do not contain any metals or mercury. Instead, a composite filling is made of a safe resin material that blends in with the color of the rest of your tooth, so no one will notice your filling when you smile or open your mouth wide.

Yes, modern composite fillings are strong, long-lasting, and durable thanks to advances in materials and dentistry.

Before we begin any dental work, your dentist will numb your tooth and the area around it so you don’t feel any discomfort. You may notice some sensitivity when the local anesthetic wears off in the hours after your appointment, but this is usually minor and rarely lasts more than a day or two.

Even if you brush twice a day for two minutes, tooth decay can still occur. Plaque and tartar can build up between your teeth if you don’t floss daily, leading to cavities. Cavities can also be caused by a high-carbohydrate diet, dry mouth, or pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of your teeth where plaque can collect. Your dentist may recommend dental sealants or extra fluoride treatments throughout the year to provide additional protection if your teeth seem to be prone to cavities.

If you don’t have your cavity treated, it will grow and spread, making your tooth vulnerable to injury and fracture. If the decay reaches the pulp at the center of your tooth, it will need extraction or root canal treatment.

Inlays are similar to dental crowns in that they are designed and fabricated before being placed on a tooth; a filling is placed onto a tooth and then it is sculpted and shaped. Inlays (and onlays) are generally used when a tooth has more damage than can be repaired with a dental filling, but not enough to justify a dental crown.

Call us to schedule your appointment.