Tooth Filling
What Is A Tooth Filling?
A Tooth Filling, or Dental Filling, is a procedure used to restore the integrity, function, and appearance of a decayed or damaged tooth. This treatment involves removing decayed tooth material and filling the resulting space with a biocompatible material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer. The filling prevents further decay and restores the tooth’s normal function.
Before you deciding on whether A Dental Filling are right for you, there are some things you should know:
- Who Needs A Tooth Filling?
- What Are The Advantages Of A Tooth Filling?
- What Are Different Types Of Dental Fillings?
- How Much Does A Tooth Filling Cost?
- What Are The Steps In The Tooth Filling Procedure?
- How Long Does A Tooth Filling Last?
If you have any further questions about A Tooth Filling or other dental services offered at Atlas Dental, please contact us.
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Who Needs a Tooth Filling?
Tooth fillings are recommended for anyone with a cavity or minor tooth damage caused by decay, wear, or trauma. Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acids, which erode tooth enamel. If left untreated, cavities can lead to toothaches, infections, and eventual tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups help catch cavities early before they progress.
Signs you may need a filling include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
- Visible holes or dark spots on the teeth
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Persistent toothache
It is important to address cavities promptly. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress and lead to more extensive damage, potentially requiring more invasive and costly dental procedures in the future. If you have further questions about Tooth Fillings, please contact us.
What Are The Advantages Of A Tooth Filling?
Tooth fillings offer several benefits, including:
- Prevents Further Decay: Fillings seal off the cavity, stopping the spread of bacteria and preventing further decay.
- Restores Function: A filling strengthens the tooth, making it easier to chew and bite without pain.
- Preserves Natural Tooth Structure: By filling the cavity, you avoid the need for more invasive procedures like crowns or root canals.
- Enhances Aesthetics: Tooth-colored fillings, such as composite resin, blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a discreet solution.
- Cost-Effective: Fillings are a relatively affordable way to restore a tooth compared to more extensive treatments.
What Are Different Types Of Dental Fillings?
There are several types of dental fillings, each with its own advantages:
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored fillings blend naturally with your teeth. They are ideal for small-to-medium cavities, especially in visible areas.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, amalgam fillings are durable and long-lasting. However, their silver color makes them less popular for visible areas.
Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer
Resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) is a fast-setting filling material that releases fluoride, helping to strengthen the tooth and prevent future decay. RMGI is often used in areas where cavities are more likely to reoccur, such as the roots of teeth.
Porcelain Inlays
Porcelain Inlays are custom-made by a dental laboratory. They are used for larger cavities and are more durable than composite fillings but require two dental visits and are more expensive.
Porcelain Onlays
Porcelain Onlays are a type of dental restoration that is used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth when the damage extends beyond a simple filling but does not warrant a full dental crown. It falls in between these two options and is often referred to as a “partial crown” or “inlay-onlay.”
The choice of dental filling material should be made in consultation with your dentist, considering factors such as the location and size of the cavity, aesthetic concerns, durability requirements, and your personal preferences. If you have further questions about Tooth Filling materials, please contact us.
Cost of Teeth Fillings
Whether it is an amalgam filling, composite resin filling, or glass ionomer filling, the cost of any of these Dental Fillings are similar and will depend on the location of the tooth (anterior, bicuspid or molar), as well as the size of the filling, which is translated as the number of “surfaces” involved. Imagine each tooth as a 5 surface box. Each “surface” that gets incorporated will dictate the size (and overall cost) of the tooth filling. Therefore, the cost of a filling can range between $200-460. The codes relevant to dental fillings in the Ontario Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide appear as follows:
Permanent Anteriors:
- 23111 – One surface: $200
- 23112 – Two surfaces: $250
- 23113 – Three surfaces: $300
- 23114 – Four surfaces: $370
- 23115 – Five surfaces (maximum surfaces per tooth): $390
Permanent Bicuspids:
- 23311 – One surface: $220
- 23312 – Two surfaces: $275
- 23313 – Three surfaces: $330
- 23314 – Four surfaces: $400
- 23315 – Five surfaces or maximum surfaces per tooth: $420
Permanent Molars:
- 23321 – One surface: $240
- 23322 – Two surfaces: $300
- 23323 – Three surfaces: $360
- 23324 – Four surfaces: $440
- 23325 – Five surfaces or maximum surfaces per tooth: $460
Dental Fillings are considered a basic service under all dental insurance plans and should be covered to your maximum insurable limit, but be sure to find out from your dental insurance plan provider how much you are eligible for before going ahead with dental treatment. Our fees are consistent with the ODA Fee Guide.
For patients without dental insurance, Atlas Dental is pleased to offer dental financing through Dentalcard. Affordable payment plans start at 7.95% for terms of 6 months to 6 years. To learn more about Dentalcard dental treatment financing, follow this link.
What Are The Steps In The Tooth Filling Procedure?
The tooth filling procedure is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour:
Examination and Anesthesia: Your dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays if needed. Local anesthesia will be applied to numb the area.
Removing Decay: The decayed portion of the tooth is removed using a dental drill or laser.
Filling the Cavity: The dentist applies the chosen filling material. If a composite filling is used, it will be applied in layers and hardened with a curing light.
Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling is in place, your dentist will shape it to match the natural contours of your tooth and polish it for a smooth finish.
The duration of the procedure may vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the cavity, the type of filling material used, and the complexity of the case. If you have further questions about the Dental Filling procedure, please contact us.
How Long Does A Tooth Filling Last?
The longevity of a filling depends on the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and the location of the filling. On average:
- Amalgam fillings last 10–15 years or longer.
- Composite fillings last 5–10 years.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups will help extend the life of your filling. If you have further questions about Tooth Fillings, please contact us.
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