Tooth-Colored Fillings in New York City

Even patients with the most diligent at-home oral hygiene regimes can sometimes have a cavity. Some patients are not even aware that they have tooth decay in their mouth. At Everlasting Smile, we check for cavities at your annual dental exam in the hopes of catching problems early, which may avoid painful tooth infections and extensive restorations. Our general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Andrew Reingold, offers tooth-colored fillings (composite resin) instead of the metal fillings (amalgams) of the past. We can color match your teeth to the resin, and fill your cavities with the exact color of your teeth. Using a local anesthetic and/or nitrous oxide sedation, Dr. Reingold can painlessly and quickly perform your procedure in one office visit. With proper care, your fillings can last about 10 years.

We also offer tooth-colored filling services for patients who would like their old amalgam restorations replaced, and get the dark, metal spots out of their teeth for cosmetic reasons. To learn more about our tooth-colored fillings, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Reingold today.

A tooth-colored fillings can be performed in the dentist's office with the patient under local anesthesia for any pain and discomfort. Once the patient is prepared, the dentist can use a drill to carefully remove the decayed area of the enamel. Then, the dentist will etch with tooth with an acid gel to help bond the tooth-colored filling when it is placed. The resin is applied and hardened with a special light. The dentist will continue to apply layers of resin and harden them with the light until the tooth is strong and even. Any excess resin can be polished and smoothed with the drill.

Immediately after the filling is placed and dried, the dentist will finish and polish the tooth for smooth edges. Once the anesthesia wears off, patients may notice sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, pressure, and more. This sensitivity is only temporary and should not last more than 1 – 2 weeks. Patients should continue a good home oral care routine, including brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental exams and cleanings. The dentist will monitor the condition of your filling at each visit and help you determine when you need a replacement.

Most dental insurance companies cover part of the cost of a tooth-colored filling whether it is a new filling or a replacement for an old silver amalgam (metal) filling. Our office will help patients determine their coverage and personal cost during the consultation. Patients who don't have or don't want to use their insurance have several payment and financing options through our office.

Cavities can happen to anyone, but they don't have to ruin the appearance and function of your teeth with tooth-colored fillings. Resin composite fillings cover areas of tooth decay and strengthen the tooth while matching your natural tooth color to blend seamlessly. Talk to Dr. Reingold at Everlasting Smile in NYC about how tooth-colored fillings can repair your teeth while keeping your smile beautiful.