Tooth fillings become necessary when there is a cavity in the tooth or a small piece of the tooth is damaged or broken. We exclusively provide custom tooth-colored restorations at Lenox Hill Prosthodontics. 


Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations


There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin fillings or ceramic onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such repairs can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and is more robust. The result is a beautiful smile!

 

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings may ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. When indicated, these can be replaced with stronger and more esthetically pleasing tooth-colored restorations.

 

Disadvantages of Silver fillings:


Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and allows cavities to gain a foothold. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums. When indicated, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations.


Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth-Colored Restoration. 


You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations. This process requires two appointments.

 

 Your First Appointment:

  1. The old filling is removed, along with any additional decay.
  2. An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
  3. A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.

At the lab: A tooth color restoration is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.

 

 Your Second Appointment:

  1. The temporary is removed.
  2. A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new restoration.
  3. Bonding cement is placed on the tooth, and a high-intensity light bonds the restoration to the tooth.
  4. The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger, and the tooth is protected!