Cavities & Dental Fillings in Jericho, NY
At Jericho Dental we believe in affordable and gentle preventative dentistry. Let us help you maintain excellent oral health.
Despite their best efforts, many people end up developing a cavity at some point in their lives. Dental fillings can restore areas of decay and are one of the most common services we offer at Jericho Dental. These minimally-invasive restorations preserve the integrity of your tooth, preventing the cavity from spreading and allowing you to enjoy life without pain or the fear of losing a tooth. If looking for tooth colored dental fillings in Jericho, reach out to our team.
How do cavities form?
Tooth decay forms when bacterial plaque accumulates on the teeth and creates a small hole (cavity) in the tooth by eroding the enamel. More bacteria enter the hole, further infecting the tooth and eating away at the overall structure. With time, this infection can spread deeper into the tooth, eventually entering the nerve or adjacent teeth. Even worse, cavities can become so large that removing the tooth may be the only way to stop the infection unless it’s treated quickly.
Some common symptoms of tooth decay include:
How Do Dental Fillings Help?
Dental fillings are the first step to eliminating the damage caused by cavities. Fillings are tiny covers or patches that seal off the tooth, preventing bacteria from causing additional damage. More importantly, fillings ensure the structural integrity of a tooth, reducing its risk of breaking.
Mercury Free Dental Fillings Jericho
Some dentists use amalgam or silver fillings. Here at Jericho Dental, we only offer mercury-free, all-white fillings (made from composite) so you can preserve your smile with natural-looking treatments. In addition, composite fillings are mercury-free and minimally-invasive, making them a healthier alternative to amalgam fillings.
Your Dental Filling Treatment
After Dr. Bral identifies areas of decay, he will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Cavities are a common occurrence, so the typical procedure involves a small filling as long as they’re caught early enough.
First, Dr. Bral will numb your tooth with a local anesthetic. Since cavities are caused by a bacterial infection, he will then clean out your tooth to remove any bacteria or compromised enamel. Next, we will fill your tooth with a matching white composite resin that blends in with the surrounding tooth structure.
After a few hours, you can go back to your usual routine. However, if you have a large cavity, you may experience some sensitivity for a few days.
Affordable Dental Fillings
Cavities can cause unbearable pain. At other times, they may not hurt at all. But, left untreated, these bacterial infections can quickly spread, requiring additional, more costly treatments like a dental crown or root canal or even an extraction.
Call Jericho Dental today for a professional exam to stop decay before it spreads.