Dental Fillings in Mineola

Enjoy a More Natural Smile with Composite Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it, and in cases where decay is unavoidable, a dental filling is an affordable, natural-looking, and safe solution. Not only are our fillings at PM Dental Care some of the most aesthetic restorations available today, but they are strong and long-lasting as well.

Dental Fillings—The Best Solution for Tooth Restoration

At PM Dental Care, we rely on high-quality materials, latest technology, and advanced techniques to create restorations for our patients that last a lifetime. Our goal is to create results that are designed to be virtually undetectable. We use tooth-colored fillings as restorations when our patients have:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth

How do I know if I need a filling?

If you are experiencing discomfort in your teeth, you may be a good candidate for a filling. Teeth sensitivity is an effective indicator of decay or fracture. When you come in for an evaluation, Dr. Druz, Dr. Sukiasian, Dr. Navre, Dr. Weinreb, Dr. Baine or Dr. Joseph direct you to the appropriate dental treatment for your situation. We typically recommend fillings as the best solution for restoring teeth that have severe tooth decay, cracks, chips and cavities.

Cavity Prevention — What can I do to prevent the need for a filling?

The best way to fight cavities and maintain healthy gums and teeth is to keep up on your daily habit of proper oral hygiene. Here are 5 ways to ward off tooth decay and prevent cavities:

• Come in to our office for a comprehensive oral exam and regular cleanings.
• Brush after meals and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Drink more water and cut back on sugary and acidic drinks.
• Develop the habit of flossing every night.
• Avoid smoking.

Dental Fillings—The Process

The procedure for placing a composite resin dental filling is a routine treatment that we do every day at PM Dental Care. Here’s how it works:

1. The assigned dentist will isolate the tooth from saliva to keep it dry.
2. Any dental decay is removed.
3. An etchant and a bonding agent are applied, followed by the composite resin.
4. A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin material.
5. After the tooth is filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a real tooth.
6. Finally, the restoration is smoothed and polished to accommodate your bite.

What’s the difference between a filling and an inlay/onlay?

A filling does what it says it does—it is filling in a cavity, a hole that has been created by decay or trauma, essentially restoring normal tooth anatomy. When we create a filling from composite resin, we shade the white material so that it blends naturally with your surrounding tooth structure. The result is a restoration that is practically invisible.

Inlays and onlays are used when the damage or decay to a tooth requires more than a filling—but less than a crown. In other words, if your tooth does not have enough tooth structure for a filling but it is not so severely damaged that it warrants a crown, you may be an excellent candidate for an inlay or onlay.

Made of porcelain, an inlay is crafted at a dental lab by an expert ceramist and cemented into or onto the center of the tooth, inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay covers the top chewing surface of the tooth. We use porcelain because it very closely mimics enamel and offers decades of strength and security.

What are composite resin fillings and restorations?

Composite resin fillings are a popular alternative to dental amalgam, often referred to as “tooth-colored” or “white” fillings. Made from an acrylic resin reinforced with powdered glass filler, they are applied in layers and cured with ultraviolet light to harden and bond to the tooth. Considered safe, composite resins can be customized to match the shade of surrounding teeth and contain no metal, making it difficult to detect that a tooth has been filled.

Benefits of Composite Resin Fillings

• Natural appearance: The white color blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
• Conservative treatment: Allows for smaller, more precise fillings, preserving more natural tooth structure.
• Decay prevention: Resin contains fluoride, helping to prevent future cavities.
• Durability: Wears like natural teeth, offering long-lasting results.
• Gum health: Does not require placement at the gum line, promoting healthier gums.

What’s wrong with metal/amalgam fillings?

In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, composite fillings are completely safe and non-toxic. However, some believe that none of these advantages ring true for metal fillings. Some research suggests that amalgam fillings—made with mercury, silver, tin, copper and other metals—may lead to health problems.

The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.

We are excited to be able to restore decayed teeth to their optimal appearance and function with fillings, inlays, and onlays. At PM Dental Care, we use dental fillings to help adult and pediatric patients preserve their healthy, beautiful teeth and avoid additional damage.

The result of high-quality composite fillings is a beautiful, healthy smile. For more information about our dental fillings, call our office today! PM Dental Care Phone Number 516-746-1111