Dental Fillings in Erie, PA

Dental fillings are an easy way to treat holes, or cavities, that develop in a tooth, typically as a result of tooth decay. They restore the structure and function of damaged teeth. They also help prevent further decay. Sleep Dentistry is your best option for professionally installed dental fillings in Erie, PA – a procedure we are often able to complete in well under an hour.

Common types of dental fillings in Erie, PA

Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages in terms of durability, cost, and aesthetics. Plus, if they are dental fillings for a child, then there are some materials that are more suitable than others. Your dentist will discuss the options with you and help you decide which type of filling is best for you.

Here are the most common materials used in making dental fillings in Erie, PA.

smiling couple

Composite fillings

These are tooth-colored fillings made of acrylic resin and either glass or quartz particles. They are durable but cost more than amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are natural-looking and suitable for use on both back and front teeth. This makes them a popular choice for dental fillings in Erie, PA and elsewhere. They work best in small to medium-sized cavities but take longer to install than amalgam fillings.

Gold fillings

Gold dental fillings are the most durable and most expensive type of filling. They were quite common in the past but their cost and the fact that they are not tooth-colored may have contributed to them becoming less popular. Many patients now place a good deal of emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of natural-looking teeth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental fillings last?

Diligent dental hygiene can help extend the life of your fillings but, generally speaking, the lifespans of the different types of dental fillings are:

  • Gold fillings – 15 to 25 years
  • Amalgam fillings – 10 to 15 years
  • Composite fillings – 5 to 10 years
  • Ceramic fillings – 10 to 20 years
  • Glass ionomer fillings – 2.5 to 5 years
How do I know my dental fillings need replacing?

There are several indicators that your dental fillings may need replacing. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your dental fillings checked if:

  • The filling has become loose, damaged, worn, or discolored.
  • You feel a sharp pain when you bite down on food.
  • You are experiencing heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. 
  • You have had recent facial trauma in the region of your filling.
Do dental fillings hurt?

No. The treatment causes little to no discomfort from start to finish. The dentist uses numbing agents so all you may feel is a slight sting in the beginning and then some discomfort, sensitivity, and mild pain afterward as the anesthetic starts to wear off. These disappear in one to two weeks.

Why would a dentist do a temporary filling?

Temporary fillings are much easier to put in than more permanent ones. Your dentist may decide to use one:

  • As an emergency treatment if your cavity is causing you severe pain and there isn’t time to do a permanent filling.
  • To seal your tooth while dental crowns are being prepared.
  • To allow you to heal after a root canal before a permanent filling is put in.

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

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More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

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