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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Why You Should Choose Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on February 25th, 2022 at 1:25 PM
Why You Should Choose Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney

At Sleep Dentistry, we cater our services to you. Our goal is to provide you with quality dental care, while also keeping your comfort as our top priority. Whether you love the dentist, or whether you’re someone who gets tense just thinking about your next appointment, we center our care around giving you peace of mind. 

Dr. Kevin Mahoney has over 34 overs of dental care experience. He loves being able to provide quality care to the patients in Erie, however, he knows that patient comfort is a core element of a positive patient experience. At Sleep Dentistry, our team has experience with all different types of patients. Our sedation dentistry services and focus on relaxation dentistry practices set us apart from others. 

We help ease dental anxiety for all patients

Pediatric dental care

Dental checkups happen much more frequently for children in their growing stages as they reach their dental milestones. On average, children are required to visit the dentist once every six months. That can be quite the challenge if your little one gets anxious around the dentist. At Sleep Dentistry, we realize that dental health is important, however, we also strive to provide services during your visit that will make it easy and comfortable. 

At Sleep Dentistry, we offer therapy dogs for anxiety relating to the dentist’s office. Our therapy dogs, or should we say “dogtors”, are trained in providing affection and support to patients who experience dental anxiety. Dogtor Gizmo and his brother Gadget are the in-office therapy dogs at Sleep Dentistry and they make sure our patients feel peaceful during their visits. There have been plenty of times that our Dogtors have made visiting the dentist a relaxing, and even enjoyable, experience.

Special needs patients

At Sleep Dentistry, we’re used to adapting our dental treatments to accommodate the needs of our patients. We do this for everyone who walks through the door at Sleep Dentistry, including special needs dental patients. We’ve worked with patients who have autism, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, and more. We provide thorough communication during visits, physical accessibility, as well as comfort and safety measures during treatment care. 

For special needs individuals with low-income status, it may be difficult to pay for dental care. We offer financial assistance for dental services to all of our patients and work with you to determine a suitable plan for you.

Cosmetic dentistry

Sometimes patients may want to improve and enhance their smile, but dental anxiety can get in the way of achieving the smile they desire. Sleep Dentistry is here for all who have difficulty going to the dentist. Dr. Kevin Mahoney is a board-certified dental anesthesiologist, and his focuses are in family and cosmetic dentistry. Before the beginning of any cosmetic dental treatment, Dr. Mahoney can administer a safe sedative or general anesthesia, which allows for more dental work to be completed in a smaller time frame.

Nothing should be holding you back to achieve the smile of your dreams. That’s why we offer many services that help our patients feel comfortable during their visits. We offer a smile makeover treatment, a lifetime whitening program, and tooth restoration services within our cosmetic dentistry solutions.

Orthodontic dentistry

Orthodontic treatments can lead you to a healthier smile, but these treatments often take many visits that can be stress-inducing for patients with dental anxiety. Our Dogtors are always happy to see our orthodontics patients and provide them with the utmost comfort during their time in our office. Getting braces installed may provide minor discomfort to your teeth and mouth. Sleep Dentistry provides topical anesthesia, sedation, and anesthesiology so that your visit is quick, easy, and painless. 

Dental therapy dogs for dental anxiety in Erie, PA

Our dental therapy dogs can provide comfort and ease stress

The Dogtors are in the office! Our dental therapy dogs, Gizmo and Gadget, have been comforting patients in the Erie area for a few years now. These Dogtors help us provide quality relaxation dentistry to our clients. Therapy dogs have been proven to help patients who have dental anxiety. They can decrease blood pressure, lower anxiety, and aid in positive interactions within typically stressful environments.

Many of our patients love the added sense of familiarity, comfort, and companionship that’s provided by our therapy dogs. Whether you want both Dogtors in the room with you, for the whole treatment, or just for a little while, we are willing to provide dental care that adapts to your needs. Stop in and meet the Dogtors during your next appointment!

Relax in our in-office spa room

Sleep Dentistry is happy to offer a relaxing spa room as an additional benefit to our patients. It may sound odd that a dental office offers an in-office spa room, however, our commitment to our patient’s comfort has led us to provide a variety of services that benefit their experience. Our spa room allows clients to spend time relaxing right before their appointment. We offer massage chairs and paraffin wax, which can be used safely on hands. Schedule a session in the spa room for your next dentist appointment!

Your best choice for dental services in Erie, PA

Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney provides top-notch dental services in Erie, PA, all with you in mind. Our focus on patient care and comfort creates an ideal environment for anyone with dental anxiety and/or phobias. Sleep Dentistry is one of its kind, being the only dentistry in Erie, PA that offers sedation services. The next time you’re struggling with making your yearly check-up, consider Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney. We promise to provide an experience tailored to you.

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