Restore the Natural Look and Feel of Teeth
In our practice, dental fillings rank as the most prevalent treatment. They serve as a reliable solution to repair and restore teeth, effectively preventing the development of painful decay or infection that may require more invasive procedures. Our preference lies in using composite resin fillings, which closely match the color of your natural teeth. These tooth-colored fillings possess excellent bonding capabilities, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing result. Moreover, their ability to fill smaller spaces reduces the amount of drilling necessary.
Why are fillings so important?
The prospect of getting a filling can feel like a chore for many. You may find yourself putting it off or wondering why you need to have a filling in the first place, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt (yet). Nonetheless, we strongly recommend you have your cavities filled at your earliest convenience, and here is why:
- Stop cavities from getting bigger.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses.
- Cavities weaken your tooth. Fillings restore strength and durability.
- They save you money in the long run.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How is the procedure done?
Careful Freezing
Prior to initiating the procedure, we prioritize your comfort by dedicating time to meticulously numb your gums. This step is crucial, as it helps create a gentle freezing effect in the targeted area. We understand that many individuals may experience anxiety at this stage. The freezing process will effectively numb your teeth and the surrounding region, ensuring that you will barely perceive any sensation during the procedure.
The tooth then gets filled
Once we have confirmed that you are comfortably numbed, we proceed by carefully cleaning and preparing your tooth. To ensure optimal bonding, an adhesive gel is applied to the affected tooth. Over this gel, a composite resin, which is a white filling material, will be meticulously molded and sculpted. This process ensures that the filling matches your tooth contours and bite perfectly.
Finalizing the Composite
The composite resin material used for filling or bonding your tooth is promptly cured and hardened by employing a specialized LED light. Following this, the dentist conducts a meticulous evaluation of the treated tooth, addressing any required finishing touches and concluding with a meticulous polishing
The cost of a filling in Long Valley
The cost of fillings is significantly covered by most insurance companies due to their routine nature and effectiveness in preventing dental problems. Under a typical insurance plan, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250+ for fillings. Without dental insurance, the cost can range from $260 to $500 and above, particularly for multiple fillings.
When determining the cost of your treatment, we consider several crucial factors:
– Your current oral health.
– The number of fillings required.
– The location of the cavity in your mouth.
– The need for new x-rays, if any.
– The amount of time necessary to meet your specific needs.
– The equipment and supplies required to fulfill all your dental requirements.
Promptly filling cavities is of utmost importance to us as it prevents the need for more invasive treatments, reduces the risk of serious dental pain, and contributes to your overall happiness and well-being.
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 oral healthcare and regular brushing and cleaning you should expect your filling to last well over 10+ years.
In the past, fillings were commonly made using a dental amalgam alloy, which had popular names like “silver” or “mercury” fillings. The safety of amalgam fillings has been a topic of discussion, but according to scientific studies supported by the American Dental Association, there is no conclusive evidence linking dental amalgam to illness in the general population. Hence, if you have silver fillings at present, there is no need to be concerned.
While there are over-the-counter products designed to provide temporary filling for cavities or minor tooth damage, it’s important to note that they are not a permanent solution and should not replace professional dental care. Cavities represent permanent tooth damage that necessitates proper cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dental professional. Allowing dental decay to progress without treatment poses severe risks. Untreated cavities can lead to tooth loss and potentially develop into a tooth abscess. Therefore, seeking timely professional dental treatment is crucial for long-term oral health and prevention of further complications.
If you are experiencing severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping, we consider it a dental emergency and urge you to contact our office immediately. We are available to provide telephone advice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. To temporarily alleviate a toothache, you can apply a cold compress to the affected area of your face. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can also help reduce the pain. Remember to carefully follow your doctor’s advice and read the instructions on the medication bottle. Additionally, make a note of the medication name, dosage, and time taken, as this information will be helpful to share during your visit.
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