Fillings replace decayed portions of teeth that may be broken, cracked, or affected by cavities. Decayed teeth portions could cause toothache, sharp, throbbing pain, or sensitivity to hot/cold food and beverages without such replacements. Tooth fillings relieve you of these kinds of pain and prevent tooth decay and infections.
With modern technology, patients can aesthetically restore their natural smile, prevent fractures, and chew food easily by getting new tooth fillings or replacing existing ones. Tooth fillings are a durable and natural-looking option for dealing with cavities and improving tooth functionalities.
If you've experienced relatively minor damage to your teeth due to a cavity, tooth fillings will replace your decayed and damaged tooth materials. They will protect your teeth from further decay and reduce sensitivity by covering areas missing their protective enamel.
If your teeth are hurting or you think you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with us so we can put together a treatment plan to ease and fix your pain.
When it comes to fixing cavities, dentists have a variety of filling options to choose from. But with so many available materials, how do you know which is right for you? Let's explore the different types of dental fillings so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.
Amalgam fillings are a popular choice in Surrey. They're made from a mix of metals and look silver. They last a long time and work well for big cavities in back teeth. But traditional silver amalgam fillings might stand out, so they're not the best for front teeth.
Composite resin fillings match your teeth. They're made of a resin that can be the same color as your tooth. They're great for cavities in front teeth. Composite fillings are strong but might not last as long as amalgam for heavy chewing.
Ceramic fillings, often made from porcelain, look like real teeth and don't stain. They're a good long-term choice for people in Surrey who want their teeth to look natural. Ceramic fillings can cost more, but they're tough and look great.
Gold fillings can last over 20 years. They're not as common now, but some people still like them because they're so strong. They look different from your natural teeth and can cost more.
Most dental filling services start with the dentist examining your teeth closely. They use tools like digital X-rays to check for cavities and other problems, and they need to see exactly where the issue is. If they find cavities or damaged teeth, they explain how dental fillings can help. This step helps them make a plan just for you.
Next, the dentist prepares your tooth. They numb the tooth with a local anesthetic so you don't feel pain. Then, they carefully remove the decayed part. After cleaning the area, they put in the filling material. Composite fillings match your tooth color for a natural look. For stronger fillings, they use amalgam, especially for back teeth. The dentist shapes the filling to fit your tooth perfectly.
After the dental filling procedure is complete, taking care of it is essential. The dentist tells you how to keep your fillings and teeth healthy. Using toothpaste with fluoride can stop more decay. Regular dental visits make sure the filling stays in good shape. If your tooth feels sensitive, tell your dentist. They might need to adjust the filling or give you tips to help with the sensitivity.
The type of filling material matters—amalgam usually costs less than composite resin or ceramic.
The severity of the cavity also matters. Bigger cavities or more decayed teeth require more material and time, so they cost more.
Where the dental office is and how experienced they are can also affect the price. Clinics with fancy technology or in busy areas might charge more.
Fillings on back teeth can cost more because they're harder to reach. And if a dental lab has to make custom parts like indirect fillings, that can make it more expensive.
Dental insurance often pays for part of the cost of fillings. They usually pay more for amalgam fillings because they're cheaper than composite ones. Check what your plan covers - some pay for fillings to treat cavities, while others make you pay some of the cost yourself.
To get insurance to pay, you have to send them the dentist's treatment notes and the billing code for the filling. Make sure all the paperwork is right so there aren't any delays. Call your insurance company to find out what they cover because they might be limited by certain filling materials or procedures.
Temporary fillings are generally recommended in cases where multiple sessions are required to design and cast a permanent filling. Since walking around with an open cavity is dangerous for your oral and systemic health, a temporary filling will protect the gap while waiting for your permanent crown or filling.
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