Treating Cavities in Upper West Side NYC

What This Page Covers:

• Prevalence: Up to 90% of adults will have at least one cavity, leading to serious dental issues if untreated.
• Laser: Laser treatments offer precise, minimally invasive cavity management, reducing discomfort and preserving healthy tooth structure.
• SDF: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can arrest early-stage cavities, preventing the need for fillings through a quick, pain-free application.
• Comprehensive: Dental West NYC offers advanced treatments like SDF and laser dentistry to effectively manage and treat cavities, ensuring optimal oral health.
• Contact us now through our contact form or by calling (212) 580-4520 to book your consultation and start your journey to optimal oral health.

Up to 90% of all adults will have at least one cavity in their lifetime. If left untreated, they can lead to serious dental problems, including pain, infection, and tooth loss. Traditional methods of treating cavities often involve drilling, which can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing for many patients. However, with advancements in dental technology, laser treatments have emerged as a modern, effective, and minimally invasive solution for managing cavities in Upper West Side NYC.

At Dental West in NYC, we work hard to help our patients prevent cavities. Our laser treatments provide a precise and comfortable alternative to traditional cavity treatment methods, targeting decay with remarkable accuracy while preserving healthy tooth structure. Whether you’re dealing with early-stage cavities or more advanced decay, our experienced team is here to provide you with the best care possible, ensuring a healthier, brighter smile.

How We Can Stop Cavities Once They’ve Started

You may have had a dentist say to you, “we’re going to watch this one,” when you have a small cavity that doesn’t necessitate a filling just yet. Historically, dentists have “kept an eye” on these early-stage lesions to monitor them until a filling is called for. But why wait and watch a cavity get bigger? At Dental West, we actively work to reverse this decay rather than waiting to see it get bigger at every appointment.

SDF

SDF, or silver diamine fluoride, is an early intervention treatment that has recently become available to dentists in the US. With decades of successful use in other countries, it has been proven to help patients delay or even avoid fillings altogether. SDF stops cavities in its tracks. The silver in SDF kills the cavity-causing bacteria, and fluoride remineralizes the tooth’s enamel to protect it.

The amount of fluoride applied for an SDF treatment is less than what is applied with fluoride varnish, but the results are much more powerful. Studies have shown that one application of SDF is equivalent to four applications of varnish! That doesn’t mean you should stop the varnish–it’s still good for prevention–but SDF goes one step further. When you have that little cavity, SDF’s job is to reverse the decay process.

Benefits of SDF include:

• Quick topical application
• Minimally invasive
• No pain
• No drilling

You’ll receive two or three applications of SDF within the first year, and then you’ll come back for yearly treatments. No drilling and no discomfort.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments target the decayed portion of the tooth with pinpoint accuracy. This precision allows for the removal of decayed tissue without affecting the surrounding healthy tooth structure. Patients often experience less discomfort during and after the procedure compared to traditional drilling methods. The laser’s focused energy minimizes the need for anesthesia, making the experience more comfortable, especially for those with dental anxiety.

One of the significant advantages of laser treatments is the reduced risk of infection. The laser sterilizes the area as it works, effectively killing bacteria in the cavity. This sterilization helps prevent further decay and supports the overall health of the tooth.

Fillings in Upper West Side NYC

When a cavity is beyond the point that it can be arrested, you may require a filling. Our team at Dental West offers both composite and amalgam fillings in Upper West Side NYC.

Why Are Fillings Necessary?

While a filling may not feel minimally invasive, it certainly is when we consider what a timely filling can prevent. Stopping decay and restoring a tooth’s structure with a filling usually prevents decay from reaching the tooth’s pulp, which could call for a root canal in the future. Tooth loss, implants, and crowns are also among the complications you can avoid or significantly postpone by receiving a filling as soon as decay is detected.

Composite Fillings

A composite filling is tooth-colored. We match the color to your teeth so that the filling is invisible.. Benefits of composite fillings include:

• Tooth-colored, esthetically superior
• Contain no metal (better for anyone sensitive or allergic to metals)

For more information on the pros and cons of composite fillings, our team is happy to help. 

Amalgam Fillings

An amalgam filling, or silver filling, is made of a mix of metals. Amalgam is not tooth-colored, but silver in appearance. Despite not blending in the way composite does, amalgam still offers numerous advantages:

• More durable, lasts longer
• Stronger
• Less technique sensitive (for patients who have a lot of saliva)
• Tried and true

Ultimately, our team will work closely with you to decide which option is right for your specific situation and unique needs.

Have a Cavity? Let Us Help You Today!

If you have a cavity, the doctors at Dental West NYC look forward to helping you choose the right treatment for you. Don’t let cavities compromise your smile and well-being. Our expert team is ready to provide you with precise, comfortable, and effective cavity treatment in Upper West Side Manhattan.

Ready to take the next step towards a healthier, brighter smile? Schedule your appointment with Dental West NYC today and discover the benefits of our innovative laser treatments. We also provide free fluoride treatments during a cleaning. Contact us now through our contact form or by calling (212) 580-4520 to book your consultation and start your journey to optimal oral health. Don’t wait – your perfect smile is just an appointment away!