Restore the look of your natural teeth
Dental fillings are one of the most common and essential procedures for repairing and restoring teeth while preventing painful decay or infection. Composite resin fillings, our preferred option, are colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your teeth. Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite resin bonds effectively to your tooth structure, requires less drilling, and provides a natural, durable finish.
Why are fillings so important?
While getting a filling might seem unnecessary, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s a vital step in protecting your oral health. Here’s why fillings are essential:
- Stop cavities from worsening: Prevent further decay that could lead to more serious dental issues.
- Prevent infections or abscesses: Avoid painful complications that may require extensive treatment.
- Restore strength and durability: Cavities weaken teeth, and fillings restore their integrity.
- Save money long-term: Treating cavities early prevents the need for costly procedures later.
- Reduce sensitivity: Fillings protect exposed areas, reducing discomfort from hot or cold foods.
- Preserve your natural smile: Maintain your teeth’s appearance and function for as long as possible.
Getting a filling promptly not only safeguards your dental health but also ensures you keep your natural teeth looking and feeling their best.
How Do Cavities Get Filled?
Painless Freezing
Before the procedure begins, we take the time to gently numb your gums and surrounding area, ensuring a painless experience. This freezing eliminates sensation in the affected tooth and nearby tissues, helping you feel at ease throughout the process.
Filling in the Tooth
Once numb, we thoroughly clean and prepare the cavity. An adhesive gel is applied to the tooth, creating a secure base for the composite resin. This tooth-coloured filling material is carefully molded and sculpted to match your tooth’s shape and bite, restoring its natural look and function.
The Curing Process
Using a special LED light, we harden the composite resin to ensure a durable, long-lasting bond. After curing, the dentist evaluates your tooth for accuracy and comfort, making any necessary adjustments before finishing with a smooth polish for a flawless result. This process ensures your tooth is restored with precision, comfort, and aesthetics in mind.
The Cost of A Filling In Wake Forest
Dental fillings are a common, effective solution for preventing and addressing cavities, and many insurance plans provide substantial coverage.
- With insurance: Costs typically range from $0 to $100+ depending on your plan.
- Without insurance: You can expect to pay between $120 and $300+ per filling, especially if multiple fillings are needed.
Factors affecting the cost:
- Current oral health
- Number of fillings required
- Cavity location in the mouth
- Need for new x-rays
- Time and resources needed for your care
- Equipment and materials used
At our practice, we prioritize prompt cavity treatment to prevent further complications, minimize discomfort, and support your overall health and happiness. Investing in a filling now can save you from more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
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 proper care, such as regular brushing and dental cleanings, a filling can last over 10 years.
Temporary over-the-counter solutions may provide short-term relief for minor tooth damage, but they are not a replacement for professional fillings. Cavities represent permanent tooth damage that requires thorough cleaning and treatment by a dentist.
Delaying professional care can lead to serious complications, such as tooth loss or abscesses, which are painful infections. It’s essential to seek professional treatment promptly to maintain oral health and avoid further damage.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, this is considered a dental emergency—contact our office immediately for guidance and care.
For temporary relief:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following dosage instructions carefully.
- Keep a record of the medication taken, including the dosage and time, to share with us during your appointment.
Prompt action is critical in managing dental emergencies, and we are here to help alleviate your pain and restore your oral health.
Silver (amalgam) fillings are durable and commonly used but are more noticeable than tooth-coloured options like composite resin. While safe and effective, they are less aesthetic and require more drilling than modern alternatives.
For permanent solutions to tooth decay or damage, professional dental fillings remain the most effective option to ensure long-term oral health. Temporary over-the-counter products should only be used until you can see a dentist for comprehensive care.
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