Cavity Treatments with Dr. Daniel Min — Upper East Side Prosthodontist Serving All Manhattan and New York City

Why Choose Dr. Min for Cavity Care

Columbia-trained prosthodontist with advanced adhesive dentistry and occlusion expertise.
Award-winning precision and military-honed planning—expect clear explanations and conservative, long-lasting solutions.
Prevention-first philosophy with personalized risk reduction (diet, saliva, hygiene, fluoride).
Digital diagnostics (photos, low-dose X-rays, intraoral scanning) for early detection and minimally invasive care.

What Is a Cavity (Tooth Decay)?

Cavities form when acids from bacteria and frequent snacking/sipping demineralize enamel and dentin.
Early “white-spot” lesions are reversible; once a hole forms, a restoration is needed to stop progression and restore strength.

Treatment Options by Severity

Remineralization (Early Stages)

  • Professional fluoride varnish and prescription gels
  • High-calcium/phosphate pastes and pH guidance
  • Sealants for deep grooves (kids, teens, high-risk adults)
  • Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to arrest active lesions when drilling isn’t ideal

Minimally Invasive Restorations

  • Tooth-Colored Fillings (Composite): For small–medium cavities; bonded, natural look, conservative prep.
  • ICON/Resin Infiltration (select cases): For certain early enamel lesions and white spots.

Structural Reinforcement

  • Inlays/Onlays (Ceramic or Composite): For larger defects or cracked cusps; stronger than large fillings while preserving tooth structure.
  • Crowns: When the tooth is extensively weakened or after root canal therapy.

Infection Control & Pain Relief

  • Root Canal Therapy: If decay reaches the pulp; disinfects canals and relieves pain, followed by a protective crown.
  • Extraction (Last Resort): Only when a tooth can’t be predictably saved—replacement options are reviewed in advance.

The Process at a Glance

Comprehensive Exam & Risk Assessment

Photos, digital X-rays as indicated, bite/occlusion review, and diet/saliva evaluation.

Clear Plan & Estimates

You’ll get a prioritized, conservative plan with itemized fees and timelines.

Comfortable Treatment

Gentle anesthesia; isolation for clean, durable bonding. Conservative removal of decay and precise restoration.

Finish & Protect

Polish and bite refinement; fluoride/sealant where helpful. Nightguard recommended for clenchers/grinders.

Prevention Roadmap

Personalized home routine, product recommendations, and recall interval based on your risk level.

Materials & Technology That Matter

Nano-hybrid composites for lifelike, durable fillings.
Lithium-disilicate or zirconia for strong, esthetic inlays/onlays/crowns.
Digital impressions for accuracy—no messy trays.
Rubber dam/isolation systems to maximize bond strength and longevity.

Comfort, Cost, and Insurance

Calm, step-by-step care with thorough numbing and desensitizing protocols.
Transparent, itemized estimates before any treatment; phased options for multiple teeth.
Most PPO plans cover fillings and a portion of crowns/root canals—our team verifies and files claims for you.

How to Prevent the Next Cavity

Brush 2×/day with fluoride toothpaste (spit, don’t rinse).
Floss daily; consider a water-flosser for tight contacts and under bridges.
Limit frequent sipping of sweet/acidic drinks; rinse with water after coffee/tea.
Use prescription fluoride or remineralizing agents if you’re high-risk or have dry mouth.
Schedule professional cleanings and periodic fluoride/sealant touch-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a filling be noticeable?
No—shade-matched composite blends with your enamel and is polished for a natural finish.

Why not just “watch it”?
Early lesions can remineralize, but once a cavitation forms, restoring promptly prevents larger, costlier treatment later.

Do cavities under old fillings happen?
Yes—margins can leak over time. Digital exams help us catch and replace failing restorations early.

Will treatment hurt?
You’ll be comfortably numb. Mild post-op sensitivity is common and typically resolves within days.

About Dr. Daniel Min

BA, University of Texas at Austin
DDS, University of Texas (American Esthetic Dental Association award; “Student of the Year” in clinical performance)
MS in Prosthodontics, Columbia University; former part-time clinical professor
U.S. Army veteran; current Army Reserve officer
Member: Academy of Prosthodontics; International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Service Area

Conveniently located on the Upper East Side and serving patients across Manhattan and the greater New York City area.

Call to Action

Tooth twinges, sensitivity, or a dark spot you’ve noticed? Book a cavity evaluation with Dr. Daniel Min for conservative, tooth-colored treatment and a prevention plan tailored to you.