Cavity Fillings NYC — Tooth-Colored Composite Restorations

Filling cost depends on the tooth's location and how many surfaces are involved — a single-surface filling costs less than a two- or three-surface restoration. We provide an itemized estimate before treatment and process insurance claims as a courtesy.

Most PPO plans cover composite fillings on front teeth at the same percentage as amalgam (typically 70–80%). For back teeth, some plans pay only the amalgam fee and the patient covers the difference for composite. Centre Dental is non-participating with most PPO plans — you pay us directly and submit for out-of-network reimbursement. We provide an itemized receipt with all relevant codes.

Published data puts the average lifespan of a well-placed composite filling at 7–10 years, with many lasting much longer when hygiene is consistent and there is no heavy bruxism. The most common failure is recurrent decay at the margin where the filling meets the tooth, which is why we examine all margins at every hygiene visit.

For most fillings, yes — local anesthetic numbs the tooth and adjacent gum tissue. Very small or surface-level cavities can sometimes be filled without anesthesia. We discuss the option before starting; most patients prefer to be fully numb.

Mild cold sensitivity for one to three weeks is normal as the pulp settles after decay removal. If sensitivity is sharp, increasing, or includes pain on biting, the filling may be sitting slightly high — a quick bite adjustment with articulating paper usually resolves it in one visit. If sensitivity persists beyond three to four weeks, we evaluate for irreversible pulp inflammation.

Composite fillings are fully cured before you leave the chair, so you can eat as soon as the anesthesia wears off — typically two to four hours. We recommend chewing on the opposite side for the rest of the day if the tooth feels tender.

No. Centre Dental places only tooth-colored composite. Existing amalgam fillings are not removed unless they fail or recurrent decay develops underneath — routine "amalgam removal" without a clinical indication is not something we recommend.