Composite Fillings in Buffalo, NY
Williamsville Dentist Providing Affordable Composite Fillings Throughout WNY
Composite dental fillings are commonly made of durable substances such as ceramic, glass ionomer, plastic, or a mixture of synthetic resin and glass or quartz, of which the resin option is the most frequently used. Glass ionomer has perhaps the shortest shelf life of the four materials because of its relative fragility.
It is important to note that, even though fillings do not have the same chemical structure as enamel, they can weaken and degenerate just as actual teeth can. Biting hard, inedible substances such as ice and plastic is particularly effective in reducing the strength and endurance of fillings, so it is critical that individuals who have fillings properly maintain these additions to their mouths through proper oral hygiene.
Brushing with toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash will allow both your teeth and your fillings to last as long as possible, and receiving dental cleanings and fluoride treatments during appointments with your dentist can stave off any threatening conditions and infections. Fillings are intended to allow wearers to continue as many of their hobbies and daily duties as possible, so while care should be taken to prolong the life of filings, few to no major changes to diet and everyday activities are needed.
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Once you and your dentist decide that you are a strong candidate for a filling, your dentist will select a resin or another material that most closely matches the color of your teeth. Then, your tooth will be cleaned, and any degraded area will be removed. Your dentist will apply the filling material to your tooth and mold it into the proper form before it can harden.
The procedure is typically quick to complete and both simple and noninvasive in its scope. The days immediately after the installation of a filling may be somewhat uncomfortable—you will have to become accustomed to chewing with a new addition to your mouth—so take caution as you ease back into eating, drinking, and recreation.
Most fillings are made now from composite, synthetic resin. There are many companies that manufacture this material, and due to its popularity, cost efficiency, and versatility, we use composite resin as a filling material in all our dental procedures. There has been much debate about the safety and usefulness of mercury amalgam fillings, another trendy option. There is no scientific consensus on the matter, but nevertheless, our office has not used amalgam mercury filling in over 10 years.
Fillings vary according to the size of the cavity. If you have a large cavity, we will administer local anesthesia, drill out the cavity, place a dentine bonding agent in the space, insert the white filling, and harden the filling with light. This procedure is typically smooth and simple. The cost of a filling depends on how many surfaces of the tooth it covers. Generally, the cost ranges from $100 to $200.
How long do fillings last?
Fillings will last for quite some time. The material used in fillings is strong and once it has been bonded to a tooth, the filling will remain in place for years. The exact length of time that a filling will last depends mostly on its location on the tooth. If the filling is at the gum line or the very edge of a tooth, it might not last as long as it would if it were on a flat surface.
Will I be in pain after a filling?
Once a filling is done, there is usually no pain. If the cavity was deep and near a nerve, there is a chance that the nerve could react, and you may have pain afterwards. If the pain persists, you should notify your dentist as soon as you can.
What are the types of fillings?
An indirect filling is when a dentist takes an impression of a tooth, the filling is cast, and the filling is then cemented into the tooth. There are temporary fillings, but “temporary” is the operative word. These fillings are recommended only for when you are waiting on a more permanent option to be installed at a later point.
Why Do Composite Fillings Hurt?
The pain is due to tooth sensitivity. A tooth that has recently had a filling placed will become more sensitive especially to cold and hot foods, pressure of biting and air temperature. When you have this type of pain from a filling it should go away on its own within a few weeks. If the pain does not resolve on its own it is recommended that you contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Are Composite Fillings Strong?
As mentioned above composite fillings do not last nearly as long as amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are made of a plastic and ceramic compound. These fillings are able to blend right in due to the resin mimicking the appearance of natural teeth. They are also well known for being tooth colored fillings or white fillings. Easy adhesion is also used for composite fillings, the resin bonds to the surface of your tooth.
How Much Does It Cost for Composite Fillings?
Fillings definitely range in price. Whether that be with or without insurance. The cost of fillings depends on a lot of things including how many fillings are needed along with whatever materials are used. Fillings that are tooth colored cost anywhere from $90-$250 for a single tooth or two teeth and anywhere from $150-$450 for three or more. The most expensive option is the gold or porcelain fillings, they can cost anywhere from $250-$4,500 which is all dependent on the cavity size.
If you have questions about composite fillings, or would like to schedule a regular check-up, please contact our Buffalo dental office and schedule an appointment today.
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Featured Review
I absolutely love Dr. Hamill and his staff! I have never been so happy and actually excited to go to the dentist. The quality of restoration thru fillings and crowns that he has done for me is stellar. What an amazing gift he has, it’s la work of art. – Jaimeelynn R
