You have most likely had a cavity at some point in your life that required a dental filling. Dental fillings are a common general dentistry treatment we provide in Roslyn, Nesconset, and Riverhead. A tooth filling is a routine dental treatment that dentists use to address either tooth decay or minor tooth damage. The procedure helps preserve the natural tooth structure and prevents the cavity from getting larger.
Dr. Sal Lotardo can help you lower the risk of tooth loss by repairing decay and preventing further infections. Replacing missing teeth should be your last resort, so don’t wait to fill a tooth cavity until the last minute.
Why Do I Need to Fill a Cavity?
Tooth decay is a common dental issue in children and teens, but it can affect people of all ages. A tooth cavity is usually a result of plaque buildup. Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the keys to minimizing your risk of tooth decay. Maintaining your oral health will decrease your risk of getting cavities and provide the foundation for lifelong dental health.
Our team will evaluate your oral health and screen for tooth decay at every routine dental visit. We’ll also check your existing fillings during routine dental visits so they stay strong and prevent future decay. Treating your tooth decay as soon as possible is key.
When Dr. Lotardo spots decay in the early stages, a tooth filling is the best treatment option. If left untreated, a cavity can get worse and even need a root canal or tooth extractions.
What Are White Tooth Fillings?
Bella Smiles recommends using composite resin, or “white fillings” for a safe, metal-free, and natural-looking result. They’re highly durable and decay and stain-resistant. White cosmetic fillings blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth to create a more natural smile.
White fillings are designed to be virtually unnoticeable. On average, they can last about 10 years with good care. However, they may not be the best choice for very large cavities. The resin can chip or wear down over time under heavy pressure. If you have a large cavity and need a filling, we’ll also cover the filling with a dental crown to support your tooth.
If you have older silver metal fillings, our dentist can replace them with tooth-colored restorations. We can help if your metal fillings are leaking or damaged and affect the appearance of your smile.
The Dental Filling Procedure at Bella Smiles
A tooth filling procedure is a routine dental treatment. Dr. Lotardo can typically complete it in a single visit to our Riverhead, Nesconset, or Roslyn dental offices. He’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the area so you feel comfortable during the procedure.
Many patients become slightly anxious at the thought of a dental filling. However, it’s a relatively simple procedure that should produce minimal discomfort. Our dentist will prepare the tooth by removing all the decay and cleaning the area. Then he’ll place the filling compound and shape it before he cures it.
If you want a composite filling, our dentist will use a special blue light to cure the material. Once complete, he’ll polish the surface and make minor adjustments. Then he’ll check your natural bite before you leave.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about fillings? Read answers to commonly asked questions below. We’re here to help you understand your treatment.
How many cavities can a dentist fill at once?
Most dentists won’t perform more than 4 fillings in one sitting. Technically, there’s no limit to the number of fillings you can get at the dentist. A dentist can fill as many cavities as necessary in one appointment or over multiple appointments. But this decision depends on your overall oral health, the number and size of the cavities, and the dentist’s professional judgment.
Doing too many fillings at once can make the appointment very long and uncomfortable if we need to numb multiple areas of your mouth. It can also be harder for your mouth and jaw to recover afterward. For these reasons, we generally recommend no more than four fillings in one visit.
A tooth can have more than one filling based on the severity of your decay. But we want to avoid excessive fillings in a single tooth. Too many can weaken the tooth structure and increase the risk of damage or decay. Maintain good oral hygiene practices and attend dental check-ups to prevent the need for many fillings on a single tooth.
Do fillings stay in your mouth forever?
Your fillings are made to last for many years, but they won’t last forever. The type of filling you have will affect how long it lasts. For example, gold fillings can last up to 30 years and are the most durable option.
Silver amalgam fillings usually last around 15 years, while tooth-colored composite fillings often last several years less than that. Over time, daily wear from chewing, biting, and grinding can weaken, crack, or cause fillings to fall out.
Some people believe that once you get a filling, it’ll never need to be replaced. This isn’t true. Fillings can wear down, loosen, or even allow decay to form around them if they aren’t monitored.
That’s why regular dental checkups at Bella Smiles are important. At your visits, our dentist will examine your fillings to make sure they’re still strong and doing their job. When the time comes, we’ll replace them so your teeth stay healthy and protected.
Can I eat right after getting a filling?
You can eat after getting a filling, but you want to wait until the numbness wears off. If your mouth is still numb, eating right away could cause you to accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip.
The composite material hardens right away, so you can eat once you regain feeling. We recommend that you start with soft foods and avoid chewing on the filled tooth for the rest of the day. Avoid hot, cold, hard, or sticky foods.
Will my tooth hurt after I get a filling?
You may feel some mild sensitivity after treatment. But this usually fades on its own as your tooth adjusts. We recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers at home. If sensitivity lasts longer than a week or gets worse, contact Dr. Lotardo so he can check your bite or the filling. Getting this treatment will ultimately relieve your daily tooth pain from infections or worn teeth.
How do I know if I need a new filling?
You may need a new filling if you notice pain, sensitivity, or rough edges on a tooth that already has a filling. Other signs include food getting stuck around the filling, a cracked or loose filling, or discomfort when you bite down. Sometimes, old fillings wear out over time and allow bacteria to get underneath, which can lead to new decay.
During your dental visit, we’ll carefully examine your mouth and check your existing fillings. We may also take X-rays to look for hidden problems like decay or damage to the tooth. If a filling is no longer protecting your tooth, we can remove it and replace it with a strong replacement.
How long do white fillings last?
Composite resin fillings can last about 7 to 10 years. How long they hold up can depend on factors such as the size of the filling, its placement in your mouth, and your level of oral hygiene. They last longer when you brush, floss, and make regular dental checkups. Most people choose tooth-colored fillings because they blend in with their natural teeth and look more attractive.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you have tooth pain and sensitivity? You may need to fill a cavity. Request an appointment with Dr. Lotardo today at Bella Smiles. We’re here to preserve your teeth for better oral health. We serve patients in Riverhead, Nesconset, and Roslyn, NY.