Composite Fillings & Bonding In Southampton NY

Do you have a toothache? Have you noticed a dark spot on a tooth that wasn’t there before? Both are signs you may have a cavity that requires a tooth filling to resolve. 

At the dental practice of Ryan Rhodes, DDS, we emphasize the importance of addressing these concerns promptly to avoid further damage. We also know that you want a naturally looking, minimally invasive treatment, and that’s what composite fillings provide. 

What Are Composite Fillings?

The modern material used for dental fillings at our Southampton dental office is a composite resin consisting of a blend of glass, quartz, and silica fillers. This combination mimics the luster and appearance of tooth enamel and is custom-shaded to create an invisible yet durable tooth repair. 

The process for placing this type of filling is also minimally invasive and allows us to preserve healthy tooth structure for a conservative solution.

Gone are the days of silver amalgam fillings that create a noticeable dark spot in your smile. A composite filling is an aesthetic, mercury-free solution that reinforces your tooth’s structure for a more conservative repair. Unlike amalgam, which can expand and contract with temperature changes, composite resin remains stable to protect against future fractures and decay.

Steps for Getting a Tooth Filling

Your comfort is our priority when placing a tooth filling. Our gentle process includes the following steps:

• Numbing — To ensure a pain-free procedure, we use potent anesthetics to numb the treatment area. 
• Removing Decay — Dr. Rhodes carefully removes the decayed portion, preserving as much of your tooth as possible.
• Tooth Preparation — A bonding agent is applied to ensure the composite bonds to the healthy tooth structure.
• Resin Sculpting — The filling material is meticulously shaped to your tooth's contours for a seamless appearance.
• Hardening and Polishing — Hardening the material with a curing light sets it, then the tooth is polished for a smooth finish.

The result is an aesthetic tooth-colored filling that improves your oral health and leaves you with a beautiful smile.

Cavities are all too common, with statistics from the CDC showing that 90 percent of Americans age 20 and older have had at least one cavity. Postponing treatment only allows the decay to progress, reaching the inner part of your tooth, causing damage and pain, and increasing the risk for root canal therapy. 

However, with a proactive approach, Dr. Rhodes can address the cavity promptly and ensure that a minor issue doesn’t become a significant problem.

Composite Bonding for Cosmetic Repairs

Composite bonding is a process that uses the same material to create cosmetic tooth repairs. The process is similar to getting a tooth filling and is a minimally invasive, conservative alternative to veneers. We commonly use bonding to correct chips, gaps between teeth, and stubborn stains to enhance your smile's appearance. 

If you suspect you have a cavity, please contact our Southampton, NY, dental office at (631) 259-4700 as soon as possible so we can help you. We also offer emergency dentistry and prompt treatment if you are in pain.