Natural-Looking Fillings That Blend in Melville and Long Island, NY
A cavity doesn't have to leave a dark spot in your smile. Tooth-colored fillings repair decay with a material shaded to match your natural teeth, so the repair is practically invisible. They can also replace old silver, gold, or metal fillings that have worn down or that you'd simply rather not see when you laugh. Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser place tooth-colored fillings for patients throughout Melville, Huntington, Dix Hills, and Plainview, usually in a single visit.
Noticing sensitivity, a rough edge, or an old filling you'd like to update? Call 631-423-6767 to schedule an exam.
Why Choose Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island for Fillings
A filling is one of the most common procedures in dentistry, which is exactly why the details matter: how much healthy tooth is preserved, how well the material bonds, and how closely the color matches.
- A conservative approach. Bonded composite lets us remove only the decayed portion of the tooth, keeping as much healthy structure as possible.
- Clinical skill you can measure. Dr. Dean Glasser ranked in the top 1% of all graduates on the clinical portion of the North East Regional Boards and has placed more than 10,000 cosmetic restorations since 1985.
- Materials expertise. He has published research in organometallic chemistry and has been involved in researching and evaluating dental products for manufacturers, so the materials we use are chosen with real technical understanding.
- Restorative care from two dentists. Dr. Renee Glasser completed a General Practice residency at North Shore University Hospital, focuses on general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, and teaches as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine.
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from a dental resin blended with fine ceramic-type particles such as quartz and silica. The material is shaded to match your natural teeth and bonded directly to the tooth, where it hardens in seconds under a special curing light. When composites were first introduced decades ago, they were only strong enough for front teeth. Today's materials are durable enough for the chewing forces of back teeth as well, which is why they have become the standard choice for most fillings.
Signs You May Need a Filling
Early decay often has no symptoms, which is why regular exams matter. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks- Pain when biting down on a specific tooth
- A visible hole, pit, or dark spot on a tooth
- Food that repeatedly catches between the same teeth
- A rough or sharp edge you can feel with your tongue
- An old filling that is cracked, chipped, or pulling away from the tooth
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinksBenefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Natural appearance. Composite is color-matched to your teeth, so most people can't tell a filling is there.
- More healthy tooth preserved. Because composite bonds directly to the tooth, it doesn't need the extra drilling that metal fillings require to lock in place.
- Added support for the tooth. The bonding process helps hold the tooth together, which can reduce the risk of fractures.
- Less temperature sensitivity. Composite doesn't conduct heat the way metal does, so many patients notice less sensitivity.
- No metal or mercury. Composite contains no metal, an appealing option for patients who would rather avoid metal fillings.
Replacing Old Silver and Gold Fillings
Many filling appointments are for patients who want to trade old metal fillings for something that looks like a natural tooth. Silver (amalgam) and gold fillings were the standard for generations because they're durable, but they're easy to spot when you laugh or open wide. Replacing them with tooth-colored composite can make a noticeable difference in your smile.
Patients commonly choose to replace metal fillings because:
- They want a more natural-looking smile. Dark fillings in the back teeth often show when you talk or laugh, and composite blends in.
- They prefer dental restoration without metal. Composite contains no metal at all.
- They have questions about mercury. Silver amalgam is made partly of mercury. The FDA does not recommend removing amalgam fillings that are in good condition, since removal itself can briefly release mercury vapor. For patients who prefer to avoid it, though, composite is a mercury-free choice for any filling that needs replacing.
- The old filling is wearing out. Over time, metal fillings can crack, leak at the edges, or develop new decay underneath.
- The tooth around it is cracking. Metal expands and contracts with hot and cold, which can contribute to small fractures in the surrounding tooth.
At your exam, your dentist checks the condition of each existing filling and talks through your options. Some patients replace old fillings all at once; others replace them gradually as each one wears out. If a filling is very large or the tooth is weakened, a dental crown may protect it better than a new filling, and decay that has reached the nerve may need a root canal first.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure
Most fillings are completed in a single appointment:
- Numbing. The area is numbed with local anesthetic so you stay comfortable.
- Removing decay. We remove the decayed portion of the tooth, or the old filling, and clean the area.
- Preparing the surface. The tooth is kept dry, then treated with a gentle etching solution and a bonding adhesive so the composite can attach securely.
- Placing the composite. We apply the color-matched composite in thin layers, hardening each with a curing light.
- Shaping and polishing. The filling is sculpted to match the natural shape of your tooth, your bite is checked, and the surface is polished smooth.
Composite fillings can take a little longer to place than metal ones because of the layering, but they're fully hardened before you leave the chair.
Read What Our Patients Are Saying
"Dr Glasser is very professional and knowledgeable he has performed root canals implants etc. this is the best office I have ever gone to. Going to Dr Glasser since 1991"
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How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
With good care, composite fillings commonly last many years, and often a decade or more. Their lifespan depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite, and your habits. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with routine cleanings and exams help them last. If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can protect your fillings from excess wear.
What Affects the Cost of Fillings?
Nationally, a tooth-colored filling costs about $175 to $440 per tooth, with an average of around $225. Small fillings on one surface of a tooth sit at the lower end; larger fillings covering several surfaces, or replacing an old metal filling, cost more. Costs in higher-cost areas like Long Island often fall toward the upper end of these ranges.
Many dental plans cover fillings that treat decay. Our practice does not participate in managed care plans, but we gladly accept assignment of out-of-network benefits once your copay or deductible is met, and we accept CareCredit. Our insurance and payment policy has the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restore Your Smile With Natural-Looking Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings let you treat decay and update old metal fillings without anyone noticing the repair. Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser help patients throughout Melville, Huntington, Dix Hills, and Plainview keep their teeth healthy and natural-looking.
Call 631-423-6767 to schedule your dental filling appointment. A healthier, more natural smile starts with one visit.
