Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in the world. About 96% of us will experience it at some point in our lives. If left untreated, tooth decay not only destroys teeth, it can lead to serious, even life-threatening infections. Fortunately, tooth decay can be treated. The most common treatment for tooth decay is fillings. We utilize tooth-colored fillings that can stop the progress of decay and return your teeth to healthy, pain-free function again. Not only that, but these fillings can maintain the beauty of your teeth.
Do you have or suspect you have tooth decay? Let us treat your cavities with attractive, healthy tooth-colored fillings. Please call (212) 557-8668 today for an appointment with midtown Manhattan dentist Dr. Karthilde Appolon at Appolon Dental Group in Columbus Circle.

What Causes Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when oral bacteria secrete acids that attack your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it’s vulnerable to acids. Bacteria cling to your teeth in a soft, sticky substance known as plaque. As these bacteria consume foods in your mouth, they secrete acids. The acids remove minerals from your tooth enamel.
First, your teeth will begin to show white spots caused by demineralization. Then they will turn dark in areas where they are decaying. Eventually, the decayed areas will turn into pits, and this is what we call cavities or dental caries.
Why We Use Fillings for Cavities
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
In the past, the most common fillings were made of metal, either metal amalgam (a blend of metals made mostly of mercury) or gold. Gold fillings remain a good option, although expensive. However, these days most people want the benefits of tooth-colored fillings.
There are two types of tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings are the most common. These fillings are a blend of plastic and ceramic designed to be easy to use and capable of filling even small cavities. They start as a soft putty that can be hardened and polished to look like tooth enamel. The benefits of composite fillings include:
- Inexpensive
- Can be completed in a single visit
- Attractive
- Highly durable when used properly
For most small cavities, composite fillings are the best choice.
The other type of tooth-colored filling is a ceramic fillings. Ceramic fillings are custom-crafted in a lab to fill the prepared cavity. Then they are bonded to your natural teeth. Ceramic fillings:
- Are the most attractive fillings
- Restore strength to damaged teeth
- Resist staining
- Can be the longest-lasting fillings
For larger cavities, but not large enough that a crown is required, ceramic fillings are the best.
Do You Need a Filling?
Midtown Manhattan cosmetic dentist Dr. Karthilde Appolon offers fillings that are not just durable, they’re beautiful. If you are looking for quality fillings, please call (212) 557-8668 today for an appointment at Appolon Dental Group in Columbus Circle.