Brown or black spots on the surface of your tooth, tooth pain, visible holes in the tooth, and tooth sensitivity can all be indications of a dental cavity. Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by decay. While poor dental hygiene, oral bacteria, and sugary foods are the main causes of tooth decay, the most common treatment is a filling.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are a type of cavity treatment where your dentist removes decay in your tooth and refills the tooth with materials like silver or resin. Dental fillings are also a treatment for cracked or broken teeth or teeth damaged due to teeth grinding or nail biting. Dental fillings help restore the function and integrity of the tooth so you're able to eat and chew without further damaging it.
Types of dental fillings
Dentists usually offer different filling options for different budgets and needs.
Composite filling
These resin-based fillings are usually the same color as your tooth. They are durable and strong, suitable for both minor flaws and major fillings. Composite fillings can usually be completed in just one visit. They are a popular choice among patients since they look natural.
Glass ionomer filling
Made from a glass filler, this option can be color-matched to your teeth to create a natural, seamless look. They release fluoride, which prevents further decay and is commonly used for children with cavities. Glass ionomer fillings are appropriate for small cavities only.
Silver fillings
Silver or amalgam fillings are a durable and cost-effective option for most people. Comprised of metals like mercury, silver, tin and copper, amalgam fillings can last over a decade before needing replacement. That said, they are noticeable and not tooth-colored like composite or glass ionomer options.
Temporary fillings
A temporary filling is a quick fix that dentists may use until they have time to provide a permanent solution. For example, if a patient comes in with extreme tooth pain due to a cavity, but the dentist doesn’t have time for a proper filling, they may employ a temporary filling as a temporary measure. This type of filling is softer and not very durable since it is designed to be removed.
Tooth filling procedure
Having a cavity filled is a 4-step process that can be relatively quick.
- Step 1: Local anesthetic
Your dentist will apply local anesthetic to make the procedure relatively comfortable.
- Step 2: Decay removal
Your dentist will remove any decayed tissue from your tooth to prepare it for the filling.
- Step 3: Filling
Next, your dentist will clean and fill the tooth with your chosen filling.
- Step 4: Bite check
As a final step, your dentist will conduct a bite check to ensure your teeth are properly aligned.
What do tooth fillings cost?
The average cost of a tooth filling can range from $150 to $350 per filling. The price may vary based on your filling material, your insurance coverage, the location of the cavity, or the number of teeth affected. Discuss financing options with the team at your dentist’s office if necessary.
It’s important to note that getting fillings when you need them can help you prevent tooth loss. Cavities can worsen over time and cause you to lose teeth. Losing teeth to cavities may mean you’ll need to look into solutions like upper partial dentures, implants, or dental bridges.
