Tooth Filling: Cost, Procedure, Benefits and Risks Associated

Are you experiencing pain in your tooth, and you probably need a tooth filling treatment? To help you out, this experienced dentist in Drummoyne suggests tooth filling cost and other treatment procedures to address tooth problems.

What is tooth filling?

A tooth or dental filling is a kind of restorative dentistry. The dentists use this treatment in repairing minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay, as well as damaged surfaces in the teeth. Tooth issues that require filling can also occur due to misuse of the tooth, such as nail-biting or teeth grinding.

Dental fillings use materials including the composite, porcelain and the silver amalgam to ensure that the tooth surfaces are even. As a result, the patient can have a better bite or chewing. The dentist will remove the decayed portion from the tooth, and that’s when they will apply the filling procedure.

How much does a tooth filling cost?

The cost of dental fillings varies due to several factors associated with the procedure. Below are the factors that can affect the cost of dental fillings.

1. The dentist who will conduct the procedure can affect the total expense of the filling procedure. Every dentist has different specializations, which also makes them differ with their fees.
2. Your chosen location where you will have your procedure is also a factor of cost variation.
3. The condition of your tooth will also affect the cost. It will depend on the number of surfaces per tooth that requires filling.
4. On the other hand, there are additional procedures that you need to undergo before proceeding with the dental filling treatment. These other expenses also contribute to the increase of the procedure’s cost.
5. Some dental insurances do not cover the expenses for dental fillings, especially if the option chosen is composite filling. A composite filling is quite expensive compared to the traditional amalgam fillings. It uses a composite resin material that provides a strong bond to your tooth. The use of composite resin and the procedure itself requires a more sophisticated process as well as additional equipment.

How does the procedure take place?

Before proceeding to the dental filling procedure, itself, the dentist will do an initial evaluation of your teeth. There might be cases that you have to undergo a series of tests, such as an X-ray. If everything is clear and good, the dentist will now start with the process of filling.

The dentist will now prepare the tooth subject for treatment, including the surrounding teeth to repair the damaged area. They will remove the decay or damage using a dental hand-piece or laser. Additionally, the affected tooth will undergo cleaning to remove bacteria or left debris in the tooth.

If the nerve is exposed, the dentist will put in material to protect the nerve. Dental fillings are applied in layers and use a special light to cure or harden each layer. If the multilayering process is already completed, the dentist will then shape the material to the desired result by trimming off the excess materials and apply polish for the final restoration.

What are the benefits of the dental filling procedure?

1. The main benefit of undergoing a dental filling procedure is that you will be able to prevent decay from progressing.
2. If you have minimal decays and tooth fractures, a dental filling is the best option for you. In this case, you would be able to prevent further deterioration of the affected tooth. A dental filling can protect the teeth against harmful bacteria.
3. A dental filling does not only replace the damaged part of the tooth but also restores the majority of the tooth structure.
4. The dental procedure only requires a single visit to complete the treatment. However, for larger decayed areas, a dental filling will not be able to cover it up. In this case, the dentist needs to apply a different procedure, which is using dental crowns.
5. A dental filling can last for several years. Nonetheless, not as long as the lifespan of dental crowns. The lifespan of a dental filling also depends on the filling you chose.

Aside from being beneficial, there are also associated risks or disadvantages in undergoing a dental filling procedure.

Common risks or disadvantages of tooth filling

Despite being beneficial, we seldom encounter some risks after the procedure has been completed. However, these risks can be manageable. Otherwise, you will need to return to your dentist.

1. You will be experiencing tooth sensitivity, either from cold or hot foods and beverages.
2. There will be an instance to feel tenderness in your gums as well.
3. The filling may cause pain to the surrounding teeth.
4. You can still experience pain when eating, brushing or flossing.
5. You can even notice changes in your bite, which can also cause pain after the procedure.

Conclusion

Discuss the details with your dentist. They can always provide you with the best options, such as choosing the filling for your teeth.