Dental Fillings

If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.

Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.

Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.

We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.

Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.

Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.

A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.

The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile to help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.

Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.

Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of Schulman Dental Studio, Franklin Lakes, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.

Dental fillings are restorations that repair teeth affected by decay or minor trauma and restore their shape, strength and function. A filling removes diseased tissue and replaces it with a material that seals the tooth and helps prevent further damage. Modern fillings are designed to integrate with the remaining tooth structure rather than simply patching a hole.

Timely placement of a filling stops decay from spreading, relieves sensitivity and restores chewing efficiency so you can return to normal activities quickly. Properly bonded restorations can also reinforce weakened enamel and dentin, reducing the risk of fractures. Your dentist will explain why a filling is the recommended step and how it fits into your overall oral health plan.

Common filling materials include tooth-colored composite resin, traditional amalgam, glass ionomer cements, lab-fabricated porcelain or ceramic inlays/onlays, and gold or other metal alloys. Composites prioritize aesthetics and bond to tooth structure, while amalgam and metal alloys emphasize durability for heavy chewing surfaces. Glass ionomers offer chemical bonding and fluoride release, and ceramic inlays/onlays provide highly esthetic, wear-resistant indirect options.

Each material has trade-offs in strength, longevity and appearance, so the choice depends on the cavity size, tooth location, bite forces and cosmetic priorities. Advances in adhesive dentistry and ceramic technology allow clinicians to match shade, shape and wear to natural teeth more closely than in the past. Your dentist will review the benefits and considerations of available materials to recommend the best option for your situation.

Treatment begins with a thorough exam and, when indicated, diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of decay. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area so the procedure is comfortable, and decay is removed with rotary instruments, air abrasion or, in some cases, laser technology to preserve healthy tooth structure. The tooth is then prepared to receive the selected material, with attention to margins and retention to ensure a predictable restoration.

Placement technique varies by material: composites are applied in layers and cured with a light, glass ionomers are placed and set chemically, and indirect inlays or onlays are fabricated outside the mouth and bonded at a subsequent visit. Your dentist will adjust and polish the restoration and check your bite to ensure a smooth, natural feel. At Schulman Dental Studio, Franklin Lakes our approach emphasizes conservative preparation and patient comfort throughout the procedure.

Most patients experience little or no pain during a filling because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. For patients with dental anxiety or more complex needs, sedation options ranging from nitrous oxide to in-house general anesthesia are available to enhance comfort and reduce stress. Providers take steps to minimize discomfort during the appointment and will explain anesthesia or sedation options in advance.

After the anesthetic wears off, it is common to notice mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days as the tooth adjusts to the restoration. This sensitivity typically resolves on its own, but persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated so adjustments or further care can be made. If you experience unusual symptoms, contact the office to schedule a prompt assessment.

The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the tooth's location, chewing forces and oral hygiene habits. Direct composite restorations often last many years with proper care, while amalgam and metal alloy restorations are known for their durability in high-stress posterior teeth. Indirect restorations such as porcelain inlays and onlays or gold inlays are fabricated for long-term wear and can last even longer with routine maintenance.

Regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups help extend the life of any restoration by preventing recurrent decay at the margins. Avoiding habits like using teeth as tools or biting very hard objects will also reduce the risk of fracture. Your dentist will monitor restorations at recall visits and recommend repairs or replacement when necessary.

A filling may need attention if you notice new or persistent sensitivity, visible cracks or fractures, rough or high bite surfaces, or signs of recurrent decay around the restoration. Fillings can fail over time due to wear, breakdown of margins, changing bite forces or new decay beneath the restoration. Early evaluation of changes allows for minimally invasive repairs in many cases.

Your dentist will assess the restoration and determine whether a repair, replacement or a different restorative approach is best to protect the tooth. Preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible is a priority, so less invasive options are considered first when clinically appropriate. Timely follow-up prevents small problems from becoming more extensive treatments.

If a cavity is too large or the remaining tooth structure is compromised, indirect restorations such as inlays, onlays or full crowns may be recommended to provide greater strength and protection. When decay extends to the nerve, root canal therapy followed by an appropriate restoration can often save the tooth. In cases where the tooth cannot be reliably restored, extraction with replacement options may be discussed as a last resort.

Indirect restorations are designed to preserve tooth structure while offering improved longevity and esthetics compared with large direct fillings. When indicated, the clinical team may use advanced diagnostics such as an intra-oral scanner or CBCT imaging to plan a conservative, predictable outcome. Your dentist will explain the rationale, process and expected results so you can make an informed decision.

Good daily oral hygiene is the foundation for maintaining any restoration: brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque from margins. Avoiding hard or sticky foods immediately after placement helps protect a new filling while it fully bonds and adjusts to normal function. If your filling was placed under anesthesia, take care not to bite numb lips, cheeks or tongue until sensation returns.

Schedule and keep regular dental checkups so your provider can monitor restorations for wear, marginal breakdown or recurrent decay. Protective measures such as a night guard may be recommended if you clench or grind your teeth to reduce stress on restorations. Promptly report any changes in comfort, appearance or bite so adjustments can be made before more extensive treatment is required.

Children often benefit from materials and techniques tailored to their needs, such as glass ionomer for primary teeth where fluoride release and ease of placement are useful. Behavior management and minimally invasive approaches are priorities for pediatric patients to preserve tooth structure and reduce anxiety during treatment. Clinicians also consider the expected lifespan of the primary tooth when selecting restorative materials.

In older adults, medication-induced dry mouth, root exposure and existing restorations can influence material selection and treatment planning. Materials that bond effectively to dentin and resist recurrent decay at margins may be preferred when root caries or wear are concerns. Your dentist will factor in age-related changes, medical history and functional demands when recommending restorative options.

If you have a suspected cavity, persistent sensitivity or a filling that feels different, schedule an evaluation so the tooth can be examined and appropriate treatment planned. Our team can explain material options, the expected steps in treatment and any comfort measures that will be used to make your visit as calm and predictable as possible. A timely assessment helps preserve healthy tooth structure and prevents more extensive problems.

Contact Schulman Dental Studio, Franklin Lakes to arrange an appointment or to discuss specific concerns such as anxiety or sedation needs before treatment. Bringing a list of current medications, recent dental records and a description of your symptoms can help the clinical team prepare for an efficient visit. If you notice sudden pain, swelling or a loose restoration, call the office promptly for guidance and priority care.