If you have a cavity, we will address the problem with a dental filing. In the past, your only option for fixing cavities was to place a metal restoration. Now, we can use metal-free materials to offer tooth-colored fillings, which will blend seamlessly with your smile.
The Warning Signs of Decay
When should you see the dentist about possible decay? Typically, warning signs of cavities include tooth sensitivity and a toothache that doesn’t subside after 48 hours. We can assess the cause of your discomfort and if we discover the presence of decay, we can treat the issue. In addition, we always recommend routine checkups every six months because decay usually takes about six months to form. This means our regular visits can often allow us to uncover the earliest signs of trouble and treat them before you experience discomfort.
How Do Fillings Work?
First, we remove the decay and clean the tooth. Then we apply the composite resin. The material will cure under a special light as we sculpt the area. Finally, the tooth is polished to ensure a more lifelike appearance. The entire procedure, start to finish, only takes a single sitting. Afterward, your tooth is protected from further decay or the risk of infection/abscess.
How Do Composite Differ from Metal Restorations?
Metal restorations stand out and do not blend with your smile. Composite resin is metal-free and can even be shaded to better match your surrounding tooth structure. The material ensures your tooth will look natural and no one will be able to tell you’ve received a dental filing. If you have any questions or concerns about tooth decay, or if you think you need filling, then please contact our office today. Remember, ignoring discomfort can allow a problem to grow worse and eventually threaten the stability of your smile.
CALL YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST TODAY:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
