Dental Fillings Specialist in Astoria NY

Dental fillings usually last for 10 to 20 years. This time frame can be influenced by several factors, such as the type of filling, your oral hygiene, your eating habits, and whether you grind your teeth. For example, composite fillings usually last over 10 years if a patient takes good care of their oral health. Amalgam and ceramic fillings are both expected to last 15 years on average. Gold fillings are the most expensive type of restoration and they last an average of 20 years or longer.

Some people are fortunate and do not need to have their fillings replaced. However, it’s common for cracks or wear and tear to occur in the filling. In some cases, the filling may come loose and need to be replaced. While you might notice problems with your filling, most commonly, the dentist will notice them first at a routine check-up. They will let you know if it’s time for a replacement.

Various types of dental fillings are available, each with unique advantages and drawbacks.

• Gold fillings – As gold fillings are long-lasting, non-corrosive, and highly durable, they are more expensive than other types of dental fillings. They also often require more than one visit to be placed properly.
• Composite fillings – This type of dental filling is popular as it is closely matched to the color of the teeth. While composite fillings are less durable than silver amalgam fillings, they tend to be more expensive.
• Ceramic fillings – Like composite fillings, ceramic fillings are a great option for front teeth as their color blends well with the rest of the tooth. They are also resistant to staining.
• Silver amalgam fillings – While these fillings are very strong, many people find them quite noticeable when they are used on the front teeth.
• Glass ionomers fillings – These types of fillings only last about 5 years and are usually used on children as their teeth are still changing.

The cost of a tooth filling depends on several factors. These include:

• The type of filling.
• The location of the damage or decay being treated.
• The number of surfaces to be filled.
• Your dental insurance plan.

Without insurance, the cost of a dental filling ranges between $200 and $600. However, most dental insurance providers recognize the importance of restorative treatments like fillings. To get a better idea of what your out-of-pocket expenses will be, it’s advised to get in touch with your provider to understand the specifics of your plan.

During your consultation, the dentist will outline your options and point out the ones that are best suited to your needs and preferences. The expert will also provide you with a price breakdown for each option. Fillings on permanent anterior teeth are usually less expensive than fillings on permanent molars. Additionally, the number of surfaces that need to be filled during the procedure will also be reflected in the final cost.

In most cases, getting a cavity filled causes little to no discomfort. Leaving cavities untreated, on the other hand, can cause significant pain and oral health complications. At the start of the procedure, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, gum, and surrounding jaw. This will make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.

Most patients state that the most discomfort they experienced was the small pinch from the local anesthetic needle. Benzocaine gel can be administered to numb the injection site to minimize this sensation. After you get a filling and the local anesthetic wears off, it’s normal for the tooth to be slightly sore or sensitive for a day or two. However, if you experience significant swelling or pain, you should let your dentist know immediately.

Overall, when a dental filling treatment is performed by a skilled specialist, the procedure usually only causes mild discomfort. If you are nervous about your filling, let our team know. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. Our clinic is conveniently located at 30-60 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103. We serve patients from Astoria NY, Long Island City NY, Manhattan NY, Murray Hill NY, Bronx NY, South Richmond Hill NY, and surrounding areas.