A filling is a type of treatment that stops tooth decay and restores your teeth’ normal shape and function. Cavities are decaying teeth, and they need to be treated to prevent more serious issues in the future. Avoiding getting a filling can lead to serious tooth damage, infections, and even tooth loss.
What is a filling used to treat?
A filling is used to treat a small hole, or cavity, in a tooth. To repair a cavity, a dentist removes the decayed tooth tissue and then fills the space with a filling material. Tooth decay is damage to a tooth that can happen when harmful bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth enamel.
What is a tooth filling?
A tooth filling is a type of dental restoration which repairs damage caused by tooth decay and prolongs the life of the tooth. Fillings are a very common dental procedure – as many as 80% of adults end up with at least one filling during their lifetimes, and most people have several.
What type of dental fillings are best for You?
Tooth-colored, plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, your insurance coverage and your dentist’s recommendation help determine the type of filling that will best address your needs.
How often should I have dental treatment for fillings?
Once every six months, have a professional oral hygiene treatment that removes plaque and tartar and grinds the filling. The price of dental treatment will depend on the size of the filling and the material used. The cheapest materials are amalgam, plastic and cement. The most expensive are ceramic inlays.
What category does fillings fall under?
Dental fillings are considered a type of “basic” dental procedure. As such, they tend to be covered more, percentage-wise, than other types of more expensive restorations.
What are fillings called in dental insurance?
Often, coverage will only be provided for amalgam (silver) fillings, and policy holders will be responsible for paying the difference if they prefer composite fillings.
Are dental fillings a surgery?
Although cavity-filling surgery is not quite as complex as heart surgery, it is still a surgical procedure on hard tissue in the body. The process involves several surgical-related steps, including: X-rays.
Is a filling a medical procedure?
Having a filling is typically an in-office procedure. Children and anyone with severe dental anxiety may require sedation or even general anesthesia. If a person needs to prepare for the procedure in any way, their dentist will let them know beforehand.
Are composite fillings covered by medical?
While most people will be inclined to choose this option, known clinically as composite fillings, most insurances will unfortunately not cover them.
How much is a cavity filling without insurance?
The Cost of Dental Fillings Without Insurance The average cost of each type of filling, according to CostHelper, is: $50 to $150 for one to two metal (silver amalgam) fillings, and $120 to $300 for three or more. $90 to $250 for one to two tooth-colored resin fillings, and $150 to $450 for three or more.
How much should a dental filling cost?
Fillings, while more expensive than basic dental check-ups, both fix cavities and protect your mouth's future health. Most filling treatments hold stable prices in the following ranges: $50 to $150 for a single, silver amalgam filling. $90 to $250 for a single, tooth-colored composite filling.
Are tooth fillings painful?
It's not uncommon to feel fear or concern about getting a cavity filled. Dental fillings can hurt in some instances. But most cause little to no discomfort during the procedure. If you're avoiding your dental checkup over concerns about pain, take a deep breath, and read on.
Is tooth filling permanent?
A filling is used to treat an area of decay. It stops it from spreading and restores the tooth's strength. Although a filling will last for several years, it won't last forever.
Can fillings fall out?
It's true, dental fillings unfortunately do not last forever. Though they are applied in such a way that ensures they stay put for many years, life happens, and they still can come loose. If you've recently had a filling fall out, it's important not to panic.
Do fillings hurt without an injection?
No Needles, No Drill, and No Pain The reason your dentist normally numbs your mouth as part of the filling process is that they must use a drill to remove decayed tissue from inside the tooth. Without anesthesia, you may feel some twinges of pain while that is happening.
Is dental fillings safe?
A dental filling is generally very safe, but it does have risks and potential complications. It is only one method used to treat tooth decay. Discuss all of your options with your dentist to understand which options are right for you.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Toothache is a common sign that you have a dental cavity that needs a filling. You may also notice a hole in your tooth, see discolouration, or exp...
What if I have a hole in my tooth but no pain?
Tooth decay begins in the outer layer of tooth enamel, where there are no nerves. It's not until it spreads deeper inside the tooth that it will st...
How much does a filling cost in the UK?
The price of a filling in the UK varies a lot depending on how large the filling is and which materials the dentist uses. Usually, aesthetic white...
Can you have white fillings on the NHS?
Yes, in some cases, but you won't get to choose the material. Your dentist will choose between amalgam (silver) and composite (white) fillings depe...
How long after a filling can you eat?
If you've had a composite filling, you should be able to eat as normal as soon as any anaesthetic wears off. For silver fillings, it's best to avoi...
How long after a filling can I drink?
It's normally fine to drink straight after getting a composite filling, and an hour or two after a metal filling. Be aware that your filled tooth m...
What to do if your tooth hurts after a filling?
Some sensitivity is normal and may last for 2-3 weeks. If you experience severe pain or if you have mild pain that lasts for more than a couple of...
What is a dental filling?
Dental fillings are single or combinations of metals, plastics, glass or other materials used to repair or restore teeth. One of the most popular uses of fillings is to “fill” an area of tooth that your dentist has removed due to decay – “a cavity .”. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down ...
Why do fillings need to be replaced?
There are three main reasons why dental fillings would need to be replaced. Normal wear and tear: Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause dental fillings to wear away, chip or crack.
What is the material used for dental fillings?
Dental filling materials include: Gold. Porcelain. Silver amalgam (contains mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper). Tooth-colored, plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, your insurance coverage and your dentist’s recommendation help determine ...
Why do new fillings fall out?
New fillings that fall out are probably the result of improper cavity preparation, contamination of the preparation prior to placement of the restoration or a fracture of the restoration from bite or chewing trauma. Older restorations will generally be lost due to decay or fracturing of the remaining tooth.
How long does a tooth filling last?
Tooth-colored composite fillings: Lasts at least five years (less than the 10 to 15 years of other materials), may chip off tooth depending on location, can cost up to twice as much as amalgams, can take more time to place and/or additional visits. Ceramics: Can cost as much as gold.
What is the best way to determine the type of filling for a cavity?
The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, your insurance coverage and your dentist’s recommendation help determine the type of filling that will best address your needs.
Can you have more than one appointment for a tooth filling?
If more than one appointment is needed for your filling. For example, before placement of gold fillings and for indirect fillings that use composite materials. Following a root canal. To allow your tooth’s nerve to “settle down” if the pulp became irritated.
How are chemical fillings cured?
Chemical fillings are cured through a chemical reaction that occurs when the components of the filling material are mixed. They are used to fill large cavities, such as after a tooth depopulation.
What is filling in dentistry?
Filling is the most common method of restoring damaged teeth. It is used in the treatment of cavities, pulpitis, restorations after traumatic damage (chips, fractures). In general, the filling restores the anatomical integrity of the tooth, its normal functioning, as well as prevents further development of the processes of destruction, ...
What Are the Best Fillings?
As we have already said, composite fillings, particularly light fillings, are the best quality fillings. They have good aesthetics, high enough durability, they can be used on both anterior and posterior teeth. We recommend these materials in most cases. But the disadvantages should also be noted:
What is pulpitis treatment?
Treatment of pulpitis. The temporary filling will isolate the medication left in the root canal cavity and prevent the entry of pathogenic bacteria into the tooth cavity.
Why do people put gold fillings on their teeth?
Gold fillings are installed on chewing teeth, if the thickness of the enamel is sufficiently preserved. Plastics. They are more aesthetic than metal, and also cheaper. This is where the advantages end. The disadvantages are toxicity to the pulp, rapid erasability, a tendency to discoloration and deformation.
How long does temporary filling last?
A temporary filling is installed during treatment, when it must be broken down into several stages. Accordingly, its service life is short – a maximum of 2 weeks. It is used in the following cases: Treatment of deep caries, in which it is necessary to assess the need to remove the pulp.
Where are gaps formed in tooth fillings?
Gradually the material deforms, gaps are formed at the junction between the tooth tissues and the filling , where plaque and bacteria get in, which contributes to the development of secondary caries.
What material do dentists use for fillings?
For a front tooth filling, for instance, dentists typically use a tooth-coloured material . Many of these dental adhesives are the same as those used to attach crowns, bridges and veneers.
What is a filling in a tooth?
A tooth filling is a type of dental restoration which repairs damage caused by tooth decay and prolongs the life of the tooth. Fillings are an effective way to repair damage from tooth decay. Fillings are a very common dental procedure – as many as 80% of adults end up with at least one filling during their lifetimes, and most people have several.
How do dentists treat tooth decay?
To treat a tooth with dental caries (tooth decay) in this way, a dentist first drills out all the decayed material and cleans the cavity. They then fill the hole in the tooth with one of a number of filling materials.
How long does it take for a tooth filling to be sensitive?
If your filling is still sensitive 2-3 weeks after your tooth filling procedure, you might want to visit your dentist again to have it checked.
How to remove decay from a tooth?
Step 3: Removing decay. The dentist uses a drill or another tool to remove decay. After the anaesthetic has taken effect, the dentist will remove any parts of the tooth damaged from decay. This is done using a high-speed dentist's drill, air abrasion tool, or laser.
How does a dental injection feel?
The injection itself can be slightly painful; you might feel a pinching or stinging sensation for a few seconds but then it's done. Dentists can reduce this discomfort by using a numbing gel on the gum before administering the injection.
Can gold fillings be applied?
They are very strong, and the most durable of all these filling materials, but also the most expensive. Gold fillings can't be applied and shaped directly into the tooth cavity.
Overview
A filling is used to treat a small hole, or cavity, in a tooth. To repair a cavity, a dentist removes the decayed tooth tissue and then fills the space with a filling material.
Causes
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth that can happen when harmful bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. More severe decay can cause a large hole or even destruction of the entire tooth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Treatment
There are several types of filling material currently available to repair cavities, including tooth- colored (composite) fillings and silver-colored (amalgam) fillings. Composite resin materials are increasingly used to fill teeth because many people prefer tooth-colored fillings and because composites continue to improve.
Additional Resources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Dental Amalgam (link is external) Information about dental amalgam and other types of dental filling materials from the FDA.
What is a Filling?
A filling is a type of treatment that stops tooth decay and restores your teeth’ normal shape and function. Cavities are decaying teeth, and they need to be treated to prevent more serious issues in the future. Avoiding getting a filling can lead to serious tooth damage, infections, and even tooth loss.
Why are ceramic fillings so popular?
Ceramic fillings are popular because they are very strong but also look much more natural. They are made of porcelain, which can sometimes scratch teeth around the filling if it becomes rough over time.
What to do if you have a cavity?
The best thing you can do is go to your dentist for regular checkups to catch a cavity early and get it filled and treated properly. Before you go, however, you probably have many questions about what a filling is and what to expect during the process.
How long do gold fillings last?
Gold fillings last a very long time, sometimes as long as 15 to 20 years. They are also solid and won’t corrode over time. The downside of gold fillings is that they are often noticeable on your teeth because of the color, and they are expensive.
Do silver fillings last?
Silver fillings are also firm and last a long time. However, also like gold fillings, many people don’t find them aesthetically pleasing because they are easily noticeable on your teeth.
Is it normal to have pain after cavity filling?
Some pain after a cavity filling is normal, and there are ways to manage it— click here to learn more.
Can you use acrylic fillings on children?
Acrylic fillings are often used on children whose teeth are still changing. They only last a few years, ideal for children whose teeth are growing or may still fall out.