Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings Defined

Tooth cavities are caused by tooth decay and if not treated can lead to the tooth needing to be extracted. Dental fillings allow dentists to remove decay from inside teeth cavities and seal the hole inside the tooth to prevent any further damage. Dentists can repair damaged teeth using amalgam (metal) fillings or white composite fillings.

 

Dental Fillings Procedure

After the area surrounding the tooth has been numbed and isolated to protect it from moisture, dentists firstly clean out the decay from the tooth and remove any bacteria and plaque to ensure the area is clean. A composite resin material is commonly used to fill the tooth and the surface is smoothed to ensure the bite is not affected. The tooth-colored material is then hardened using a special light and the filling is complete.

 

Patients who had previously been fitted with amalgam (also known as metal or mercury) fillings could be advised to have a porcelain composite filling fitted in its place to replicate a natural look.

 

If the tooth cavity is very deep, more invasive restorative dental work such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be required.

 

Risks And Side Effects Of Dental Fillings

Repairing cavities in teeth with dental fillings is not a painful procedure but it may cause some discomfort. Your dentist will isolate the tooth and numb the area before the procedure begins. The area around the tooth will be numb for a couple of hours following the procedure and the tooth surface may feel slightly foreign for a few days. After you have adjusted to the feel of the filling in your tooth, sensitivity should decrease and there should be no pain.

Dental Fillings Results

Teeth that are damaged from decay, are fractured or have lost protective tooth enamel may be sensitive and even painful. Dentists use dental fillings to prevent further decay and to strengthen the tooth, ridding you of pain and sensitivity. Your bite will be improved after dental fillings to reconstruct decaying teeth and your teeth will be less sensitive to heat and cold.

Cost Of Dental Fillings

The cost of dental fillings varies depending on the amount of work needed to prepare the tooth before the filling is placed and the type of dental filling used. Costs for dental fillings range from $75 to $200 in most dental clinics.