White Fillings vs Metal Fillings
Composite fillings provide numerous advantages, such as their safety, cost-effectiveness, and natural appearance. Furthermore, they can typically be completed in just one visit, making them an ideal choice for individuals with busy lifestyles.
At our dental clinic, we use composite fillings carefully crafted to closely match the shade of your natural teeth, ensuring your smile remains as natural-looking as possible. Composite fillings require removing less of the tooth’s structure to address cavities, helping to preserve more of your natural tooth and support better long-term oral health. When cared for properly, composite fillings can last for ten years or longer, offering greater durability compared to amalgam fillings.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Although the thought of getting a filling might feel overwhelming to some, it’s essential to recognize the advantages of addressing cavities promptly. While it may seem like an inconvenience or an unnecessary cost, especially if the affected tooth isn’t causing pain, seeking treatment as soon as possible is highly recommended. Here’s why:
- Treating a small cavity early can prevent it from worsening and causing significant damage to your tooth.
- It helps avoid painful infections or abscesses that can result from neglecting the issue.
- A filling restores your tooth’s strength and durability, safeguarding it from further harm.
- Addressing cavities early is more cost-effective over time, reducing the likelihood of requiring more extensive and expensive dental procedures.
- It can reduce sensitivity to hot and cold, enhancing comfort when eating or drinking.
Here’s how it’s done:
Numb the Gums
We begin by ensuring your comfort by gently numbing the area. This process effectively numbs your teeth, tooth nerves, gums, and surrounding tissue to eliminate any discomfort during the procedure.
Filling the tooth
The affected tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared before applying an adhesive gel. Over this, a composite resin is carefully shaped and moulded to restore the tooth’s functionality and enhance your smile’s appearance.
Curing the Composite
A specialized LED light is used to harden the composite resin material quickly. Once cured, the dentist meticulously examines the tooth and performs any final adjustments before polishing it to unveil a refreshed, natural-looking smile.
The Cost Of A Filling
Since fillings are a common and highly effective way to prevent dental problems, many insurance providers offer substantial coverage, with typical costs ranging from $0 to $100 or more. It’s important to note that investing in a filling now can help you avoid more expensive dental procedures later, making it a valuable choice for maintaining long-term oral health.
When determining the cost of your treatment, we take into account several key factors, including your current oral health, the size and location of the fillings required, whether new x-rays are needed, the time required to address your specific needs, and the equipment and materials necessary to deliver the best possible care.
We emphasize the importance of addressing cavities promptly to avoid the need for more invasive treatments, relieve significant dental pain, and support your overall health and well-being. Early intervention helps preserve your oral health and minimizes the likelihood of requiring extensive dental work in the future.
Our dental clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable dental care that is personalized to meet your unique needs.
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
Yes, you can maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine after receiving a filling. Practising good oral hygiene is essential to prevent further decay and to ensure your filling lasts as long as possible.
It’s advised to wait at least an hour before eating or drinking after a filling, as the material may still be setting and could be easily damaged. After this waiting period, you can return to your normal eating and drinking habits.
Yes, composite resin is completely safe and effective, providing you with a healthier, more confident smile. We exclusively use composite resin for our fillings because it offers excellent benefits for both patients and dental care providers.
The time needed to complete a dental filling depends on factors like the cavity’s size and location, the filling material, and the number of fillings required. Typically, the procedure can be finished in one appointment lasting about an hour.
Indicators that you might need a filling include sensitivity to hot or cold, discomfort when biting down, visible holes or pits in your teeth, or discolouration and stains. Your dentist can assess your teeth and determine whether a filling is required.
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of fillings, although the extent of coverage depends on your specific plan. Some plans may cover only part of the cost or specific types of fillings, like amalgam. Others may include coverage for a broader range of materials, such as composite resin fillings. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.
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