Restore The Look of Your Natural Teeth
Dental fillings stand out as the most commonly performed procedure in our office. They play a crucial role in repairing and restoring teeth while effectively preventing painful decay or infection, reducing the likelihood of requiring more serious dental work. Our preferred choice is composite resin fillings that are carefully color matched to your tooth. Unlike amalgam (metal fillings), tooth-colored composite resin exhibits excellent bonding properties and is capable of filling much smaller spaces, resulting in reduced drilling during the procedure.
Why are fillings so important?
The prospect of getting a filling can feel like a chore for many. You may find yourself putting it off or wondering why you need to have a filling in the first place, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt (yet). Nonetheless, we strongly recommend you have your cavities filled at your earliest convenience, and here is why:
- Stop cavities from getting bigger.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses.
- Cavities weaken your tooth. Fillings restore strength and durability.
- They save you money in the long run.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How Do Cavities Get Filled?
Painless Freezing
Prior to starting the procedure, we allocate sufficient time to properly numb your gums, ensuring a gentle and painless experience. We understand that this step may cause anxiety for some individuals. The numbing process effectively freezes the area, including your teeth and the surrounding region, resulting in minimal sensation and ensuring you feel virtually nothing during the procedure.
Filling in the Tooth
Once we verify that you are comfortably numb, we proceed to meticulously clean and prepare your tooth. An adhesive gel is then applied to the affected tooth, providing a foundation for the composite resin (white filling material) that will be expertly molded and sculpted to perfectly match your tooth’s contours or bite.
The Curing Process
Once we ensure your comfort by confirming that you are adequately numbed, we promptly cure and harden the composite resin material used for filling or bonding your tooth with the assistance of a special LED light. Our diligent dentist conducts a careful evaluation of your finished tooth, making any necessary final adjustments before concluding with a final polish.
The Cost of A Filling In Wake Forest
Dental fillings are a common and effective method to prevent and address dental issues, which is why many insurance companies offer substantial coverage for them. If you have insurance, the cost of a filling can range from $0 to $100+ depending on your plan. However, without dental insurance, you can anticipate paying anywhere from $120 to $300 or more, particularly if you require multiple fillings simultaneously.
When determining the actual cost of your treatment, several crucial factors come into play:
– Your current oral health.
– The number of fillings needed.
– The location of the cavity in your mouth.
– Whether new x-rays are necessary.
– The amount of time the dental team needs to cater to your specific requirements.
– The equipment and supplies required to fulfill all your needs.
At our dental practice, we prioritize prompt filling of cavities because we recognize their effectiveness in preventing more extensive treatments, reducing dental pain, and promoting your overall happiness and well-being.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
With regular cleanings and brushing regularly over 10 years is the expected length a filling should last.
While there are over-the-counter products on the market that can provide temporary relief for a cavity or minor tooth damage until you can visit a dentist, it’s important to note that they are not a permanent solution and cannot replace a professional filling. A cavity represents permanent tooth damage that requires thorough cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dental professional.
Allowing dental decay to progress without treatment poses severe risks. If left untreated, cavities can result in tooth loss and potentially lead to tooth abscess, a serious infection. It is crucial to address cavities promptly by seeking professional dental care to prevent further complications and maintain your oral health. Over-the-counter products can offer temporary relief, but they do not provide the comprehensive treatment and long-term solution that a dentist can provide.
If you are currently experiencing intense pain that hinders your ability to eat or sleep, we consider it a dental emergency, and we strongly urge you to contact our office immediately. We are available to provide immediate advice over the phone and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. Our priority is to address your situation promptly.
For temporary relief from a toothache, we recommend applying a cold compress to the affected area of your face. This can help alleviate the pain to some extent. Additionally, you may find relief by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). It is important to always follow the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist and carefully read the instructions on the medication bottle. Remember to make a note of the medication you took, the dosage, and the time it was taken. This information will be helpful for us to know when you come in for your appointment.
Please remember that contacting us without delay is crucial in addressing your dental emergency effectively. We are here to provide you with guidance, support, and the necessary dental care to alleviate your pain and ensure your well-being.
Over-the-counter products can be found to temporarily fill a cavity or address minor tooth damage until you can see a dentist. However, it’s important to note that these products are not a permanent solution and should not replace a professional filling. A cavity represents permanent tooth damage that necessitates thorough cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dental professional.
Allowing dental decay to progress without treatment poses severe risks. Untreated cavities can eventually result in tooth loss and potentially lead to a tooth abscess, which is a serious infection. It is crucial to address cavities promptly by seeking professional dental care in order to prevent further complications and preserve your oral health. While over-the-counter products may offer temporary relief, they do not provide the comprehensive treatment and long-term solution that a dentist can provide.
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