The dentists at Madison Dental use state-of-the-art techniques and materials to perform cavity filling procedures aimed at restoring and strengthening teeth that have been damaged due to decay, helping adult and pediatric patients in Manhattan and throughout New York City preserve their healthy, beautiful teeth and avoid additional damage.

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What are tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are made of a resin composite that’s designed to be extremely strong and durable. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings can be tinted to match the surrounding tooth material so they blend in and look natural.

Are tooth-colored fillings better than traditional metal fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings offer several advantages over traditional metal amalgam fillings, including an improved cosmetic appearance compared to metal fillings, which are much more obvious and tend to become darker over time. They also can be shaped so they feel comfortable and help to support a healthy, balanced bite. Plus, the material itself adheres well to the tooth surface, using a special solution to prepare the surface so it bonds with the tooth instead of simply laying on top and enabling decay-causing bacteria to “leak in” around the edges. And of course, tooth-colored fillings contain no mercury; metal fillings contain large amounts of mercury, which can pose health dangers.

What happens in the tooth filling procedure?

Before the filling is put in place, your tooth will be evaluated to determine the extent of decay or damage. Sometimes, damage can be examined visually and with special instruments or picks, but other times, x-rays will be needed to assess the tooth structure. Next, the decayed or damaged area will need to be completely removed and the cavity will be cleaned of debris. Once the cavity is completely cleaned, the surface will be prepared using a special solution to improve adherence of the filling material. The composite material is mixed and tinted to match your surrounding teeth, and then flowed onto the surface of the tooth. A special light is used to cure the material, which is then gently shaped and buffed for a comfortable fit and natural appearance.