Lake Success NY local dentist
Tooth decay caused by plaque and tartar results in tiny holes forming in your enamel; or what are called dental cavities. When that happens, our
Lake Success NY local dentist needs to fill that cavity so that the tooth will remain strong and viable. Dental fillings also assist in protecting the inner part of your tooth from an infection that could cause you to need root canal therapy.
At one time, metal fillings (amalgam) were the standard. Gold and silver are still used, but far less than in the past due to concerns about mercury. In addition, metal stands out, making a filling more obvious. In contrast to that are white or tooth-colored fillings. Among them are composite resin and ceramic. They are all great at matching the color of you teeth, so they blend in excellently. Compared to metal, for example, composite resin bonds much better with your tooth material. This means that our Lake Success NY local dentist can do less drilling. That's always a plus, especially if the drill causes you anxiety. You also maintain more of your natural tooth material in the process of getting your dental filling. You can expect composite fillings to last about 5 years. If you really want a filling that will last, consider ceramic. It can last up to 15 years or even longer. It's more expensive than composite resin, but you get a lot for your money. In addition, ceramic is resistant to staining. If you engage in any of the common habits that stain teeth and filling material, including smoking, drinking coffee and tea, eating berries or curry, among other products, you can depend on your ceramic dental fillings from our
Lake Success NY local dentist lasting a lot longer while retaining their color.
Schedule your twice-yearly visit to our office for your dental exam. Cavities detected early are more easily filled and tend to be associated with a higher degree of longevity for the tooth.
By Alan S. Kuznick, DMD
June 22, 2017
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