Fillings

When you experience a cavity, a filling is the most effective way to prevent further damage to your tooth. At Melillo Dental in Yonkers, New York, James Melillo, DDS, Dasny Castillo-Beltran, DDS, and the team offer durable composite fillings for people with cavities. To schedule your next filling, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Why might I need a filling? 

Tooth decay can have a major impact on the health and structure of your teeth. Over time, tooth decay can cause small, permanent openings in your teeth called cavities. Cavities and tooth decay can result from issues like a high-sugar diet, bacteria in the mouth, and poor oral hygiene.

Untreated cavities will continue to grow and cause further damage to your tooth. That damage can lead to complications like infections, gum disease, severe toothaches, and tooth loss. 

A dental filling refers to several materials that dentists use to fill the areas of damage caused by tooth decay. At Melillo Dental, the team treats cavities and tooth decay using composite fillings.

What is a composite filling? 

Composite fillings are made from a strong composite (glass or quartz) resin material. Composite fillings are versatile and can fill cavities of many different sizes. 

One of the biggest benefits of composite fillings is how closely they resemble your natural teeth. Other filling materials like gold and amalgam (silver fillings) aren’t appropriate for highly visible areas of your mouth. 

Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that can match the appearance of your natural teeth. 

What happens during the procedure?

To begin the procedure, your Melillo Dental provider administers local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort. Then, your provider removes the decay from your tooth. After removing the decay, they then make space for the filling. 

The final step is the placement of the composite resin. Your provider layers the filling material and uses a specialized light to harden it. 

What should I expect after my filling? 

After your procedure, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, but it is typically short-lived. You care for your new filling the same way you care for the rest of your teeth, with regular dentist visits and daily brushing and flossing. 

Composite fillings allow you to treat your cavities while maintaining the appearance of your smile. To find out if a filling is right for you, call Melillo Dental or request an appointment online today.