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All the below content has been written by NYC Dentist, Dr. Sandip Sachar.
Are Cavity Fillings Painful?
Understanding Cavities
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are areas of tooth decay that develop into small holes in teeth. They are caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which carry bacteria that produce acid and cause erosion of the tooth enamel. Cavities are a common dental issue, but are cavity fillings painful? Many people worry about the discomfort they might experience during or after the procedure, but the truth is, cavity fillings are generally painless. If left untreated, cavities can grow bigger and bigger and ultimately cause severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Cavity Fillings are Painless
Dental fillings are basically fillings that are placed in the decayed tooth after removal of the decayed part of the tooth. Cavity fillings are done using local anesthesia to numb the area so that the filling procedure is completely painless. NYC dentist, Dr Sachar, states "It is important to remove decay and place a filling in that area to ensure the cavity does not get bigger and lead to bigger problems. Cavities left untreated can cause severe pain and infections."
Once numb in the area, the cavity filling procedure is completely painless. There is no pain during and immediately after the procedure. There may be some mild sensitivity in the area for a day or so after the procedure but this is usually mild and will go away on its own in the next few days after the procedure.
At Sachar Dental NYC, we are experts in making sure your experience is as comfortable as possible. We use a numbing gel to numb the gum in the area of treatment- prior to delivering the local anesthetic. Your comfort is our priority.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Preventing cavities involves maintaining good oral hygiene and making healthy dietary choices. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities:
- Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reducing your intake of sugary snacks and beverages can help prevent plaque buildup.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings: Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and check-ups can help catch cavities early and prevent them from worsening.
- Use Dental Sealants: Sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to protect them from decay.
How is a Cavity Filled?
Filling a cavity is a straightforward procedure that involves several steps:
- Numbing the Area: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the affected tooth to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Removing Decay: The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth using a dental drill or laser.
- Cleaning the Cavity: The cavity is cleaned to remove any remaining bacteria and debris.
- Filling the Cavity: The cleaned cavity is filled with a dental filling material, such as composite resin or porcelain.
- Shaping and Polishing: The filling is shaped to match the tooth's natural contours and polished for a smooth finish.
Removal of Old Silver Fillings
Cavity fillings were traditionally filled with silver fillings (amalgam) in the past. Today, fillings are done with tooth colored materials such as composite resin or porcelain.
Old silver (amalgam) fillings can be replaced with modern, tooth-colored composite fillings. Amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, have raised health and aesthetic concerns.
At Sachar Dental NYC, we offer the safe removal of old silver fillings and their replacement with composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Cavity Fillings?
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental cavity fillings at 80%-100%, especially when they are deemed medically necessary. Coverage may vary depending on the type of filling material used. Please call us at 212-752-1163 to verify your specific coverage.
At Sachar Dental NYC, we assist our patients in understanding and maximizing their insurance benefits and we will give our patients an estimate of out-of-pocket expenses prior to an appointment whenever possible.
Why we are the Best Dentists in NYC for Fillings
Sachar Dental NYC is renowned for providing exceptional dental care in NYC, including high-quality cavity fillings. Here’s why we stand out:
- Expertise: Dr. Sachar and her team have extensive experience and training in performing dental cavity fillings.
- Advanced Technology: We use the latest dental technology like intra-oral cameras and 10X magnification loupes to ensure precise and effective treatments.
- Patient Comfort: Our priority is to ensure that all procedures are pain-free and comfortable for our patients.
- Aesthetic Results: We use materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring that your smile looks natural and beautiful.
- Comprehensive Care: We provide a full range of dental services, ensuring all your dental needs are met under one roof.
Different Types of Filling Materials
There are several types of dental filling materials, each with its advantages and suitability depending on the location and extent of the decay:
- Composite Resin Fillings: Made from a tooth-colored resin material that blends with your natural teeth. Ideal for visible areas and smaller cavities.
- Amalgam Fillings: Made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, and tin. No longer used in most dental offices due to the presence of mercury and its possibly toxic effects.
- Gold Fillings: Long-lasting and durable but more expensive and less aesthetically pleasing. Ideal for the back teeth that are not visible.
- Porcelain Fillings: Custom-made with porcelain, in a lab, to match the color of your teeth and used for larger fillings due to its greater strength.
When Do We Use Each Type of Filling?
The type of filling used depends on various factors, including the location and size of the cavity, patient preference, and budget:
- Composite Resin Fillings: Used for smaller fillings in front teeth and visible areas due to their natural appearance abd ease of placement.
- Amalgam Fillings: Used for back teeth where durability is a priority as this material is very strong. In the U.S. amalgam is nearly not used at all anymore due to the presence of mercury and its possible toxic effects. It is certainly less expensive than tooth colored fillings and so may still be used in some other countries.
- Gold Fillings: Chosen for longevity and strength, though they are less common due to cost and unesthetic appearance.
- Porcelain Fillings: Used for larger cavities and to match the tooth color precisely. These fillings are esthetic as well as durable but can be expensive.
Why choose Sachar Dental NYC for Cavity Fillings in New York City
Choosing Sachar Dental NYC for your cavity fillings ensures you receive the highest quality dental care. New York City dentist, Dr. Sachar and her team are experts in providing durable, aesthetic, and pain-free cavity fillings. We use advanced technology and the latest materials to ensure your fillings are both functional and beautiful. Our commitment to patient comfort and satisfaction makes us the premier choice for dental care in NYC.
Claire’s Positive Experience at Sachar Dental NYC
Claire, a young professional in New York City, had always been anxious about visiting the dentist, especially when it came to filling cavities. After experiencing some discomfort in one of her teeth, she decided to visit Sachar Dental NYC based on a friend's recommendation.
Dr. Sachar conducted a thorough examination and confirmed that Claire had a cavity that needed to be filled. She explained the procedure in detail, addressing all of Claire's concerns about pain and discomfort. Reassured by her expertise and the emphasis on a pain-free experience, Claire agreed to proceed with the treatment.
During the procedure, Claire mentioned several times that she was amazed at how comfortable and painless it was. The use of local anesthesia and Dr. Sachar’s gentle technique made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The composite resin filling blended perfectly with her natural teeth, and Claire was thrilled with the result.
Claire's positive experience at Sachar Dental NYC not only alleviated her dental anxiety but also restored her confidence in dental care. She now recommends Sachar Dental NYC to anyone in need of dental services in NYC, confident that they will receive the same exceptional care and comfort.
Exceptional Dental Care
If you need a cavity filling or want to replace an old one, schedule a consultation with NYC dentist, Dr. Sachar and the expert team at Sachar Dental NYC today. Discover the benefits of high-quality, aesthetic, and durable dental fillings and experience world-class dental care in New York City. Contact us to take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile.
READ MORE about Cavity Fillings on our services page.
Dental Health and Tooth Fillings
Sachar Dental NYC
20 East 46th Street
Rm 1301
(Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10017
212-752-1163
https://www.sachardental.com
drsachar@sachardental.com