Dental Fillings
Quick and pain-free dental fillings at one of two convenient 3V Dental Long Island locations: Port Washington and Massapequa.
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Renew Your Smile: Dental Fillings for Healthy, Beautiful Teeth
Dental Fillings at Our Port Washington Clinic
Fillings are administered by your dentist to remove decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. It is called a filling because new a material fills hole that decay left. Now days most teeth are treated with bonded tooth colored composite resin fillings. Caught early enough, cavities can be treated easily and painlessly. If not treated decay can lead to tooth pain and/or infection, and the tooth would need root canal treatment or extraction.
As recommended by the American Dental Association, you have options when it comes to choosing your dental fillings, so it’s important to become educated on each.
When it comes to having a cavity filled, it’s important to know that you have the right to decide, after consultation with your dentist, what treatments and materials are used for your dental care. Your dentist considers materials to use on an individualized basis, taking into account the size and location of your cavity. Cosmetic considerations, how long the filling could last, insurance coverage and out of pocket costs are some other factors you might want to consider. The ADA encourages you to talk with your dentist so that together you may choose the material that’s right for you.
Types of Dental Fillings
Many people have to have dental fillings at some point in their lives, but how do you know which type of filling is best for your unique smile? While every case will be different, there are some facts about different types of dental fillings that are important for patients to be aware of.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are as popular as the classic tooth filling and also the least expensive. It is made of a combination of materials like zinc and copper and typically lasts upwards of 10 years. They are a popular choice for back teeth fillings because they do not match the color of real teeth, but have been known to gradually corrode over time in some cases.
Resin Fillings
Resin fillings are more popular for the front teeth because it seamlessly blends into a beautiful smile. Fillings can easily be done in just one visit and are often described as “uncomfortable, but not painful.” On the downside, they typically last only around 5 years and cost a bit more than amalgam fillings.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are not as popular as other methods because of their expense, but they do offer real advantages in certain situations. Gold fillings will not corrode and has been observed to last for 15 years or longer, so patients that can afford it often find this to be an option worth considering.
Ceramic Fillings
Like gold, this filling option is more expensive than many other options, but with noteworthy benefits. Ceramic fillings not only match the color of natural teeth, but they also actively resist staining and harsh abrasion, unlike other fillings. Some patients do not spring for this option, however, largely because they are often brittle and may shatter under the pressures of chewing. In general, however, ceramic fillings last for 7 years.
Curious about which type of dental filling is right for you? Contact us today to schedule your appointment at our convenient Port Washington office, or call us directly to speak to a friendly 3V associate.
This article has been reviewed and/or authored by Dr. Irina Kellerman
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Dental fillings at 3V Dental
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Dental fillings restore damaged teeth, preventing decay progression and preserving oral health for a brighter, healthier smile.
Composite Fillings
Opt for tooth-colored composite fillings, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth for a discreet and aesthetically pleasing restoration, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
Long-Lasting
Enjoy durable and long-lasting dental fillings, providing reliable protection against decay and wear, ensuring the integrity of your restored teeth for years to come.
Minimally Invasive
Experience minimally invasive dental fillings, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible while effectively repairing cavities, promoting optimal oral health and function.
FAQ's
Your dentist at 3V Dental will make recommendations regarding the timing of dental
cleanings. At a minimum, you optimize your oral health by having dental cleanings at least twice a year. As was noted a moment ago, if you have special needs, you may want to schedule more frequent cleanings during the course of a year.
Dental cleanings are a vital part of your overall oral health regimen. There are a variety of key benefits that you obtain through regular, professional dental cleanings. At 3V Dental in Port Washington, we’re proud to offer cost effective dental cleanings for you and your family!
3V Dental Offers Complete Dental Care and Cleanings
The complete dental cleaning and checkup process includes a number different things, depending in part on how long it has been since you last had an appointment with your dentist. In addition to the actual cleaning process, your dentist will also conduct a physical examination of your teeth and gums.
X-rays may be recommended if a year or more has lapsed between your visit to the dentist. Your dentist will examine your mouth for any sign of oral cancer. Finally, your dentist will examine your bite to ensure that there are no issues.
Once these steps are completed, your dentist or a dental hygienist will do the actual teeth cleaning. Dental cleaning is designed to plaque and tartar from your teeth. The reality is that even if you follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding brushing your teeth and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in places that you just cannot effectively reach through brushing and flossing.
Reversing Gingivitis with Dental Cleanings
One of the key benefits of dental cleanings if that they can reverse gingivitis in many cases. Gingivitis is the first stage of serious gum disease that can result in permanent damage.
In some cases, you may need more than one dental cleaning to get gingivitis under control and to move towards eliminating it. Into the future, to prevent a recurrence of gingivitis, you may need to up the frequency of your visit to the dentist.
Proper intervention through dental cleanings prevents gingivitis from developing into more advanced periodontitis. Periodontitis is very serious and can result in permanent, irreversible gum damage.
Dental Cleanings Prevent Larger More Serious Issues
Dental cleanings provide the most important time at which a dentist is able to identify other problems that may afflict a patient. For example, it is during the comprehensive dental cleaning process that a dentist can identify cavities.
It is crucial that a cavity be dealt with in a timely manner. The failure to do so can result in it growing and causing bacterial infection to develop in the pulp of a tooth. Such a development can cause significant damage to a person’s tooth structure and be extremely painful.
Ready to schedule your dental cleaning and be on your way to healthy teeth and gums? Contact our office today to speak to one of our amazing associates!
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Port Washington: 516-944-7000
Massapequa: 516-507-3003