What To Expect If You Need A Dental Filling
If you need to get a cavity filled, you may be wondering about the procedure and what to expect. Douglas Hamill DDS has taken the time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dental fillings so you have a better idea of what you may encounter when getting your cavity filled. If you are in need of a dental filling, please contact our office today to arrange a free consultation with Dr. Hamill.
How are cavities filled?
Dental 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 per cavity.
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.
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental 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 and how well you are taking care of your oral health. 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. Practicing proper oral health care will help extend the time of your dental fillings as it will prevent further decay.
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Are dental fillings painful?
Typically during a dental filling, we give our patients the opportunity to numb the area so they will feel no pain, only pressure. Once a filling is completed, 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 types of fillings are available?
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.
If you or someone you love is dealing with tooth decay and have questions about dental fillings, please contact our Amherst dental office to schedule a free consultation. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Douglas Hamill has helped repair thousands of cavities and he can help you too. Contact us today and let us put a smile on your face!
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