Make Teeth Look And Feel Natural Again.
At our dental office, dental fillings are the most commonly performed procedure. They are used to repair and restore teeth, preventing painful decay or infection that could require more extensive treatment. We use composite resin fillings that are colour matched to your tooth, so they blend in seamlessly. These tooth-coloured fillings are superior to amalgam (metal fillings) because they bond well with the tooth and can fill smaller spaces, reducing the need for extensive drilling.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
For many people, the thought of getting a filling can be overwhelming. It might feel like a hassle or an unnecessary expense, especially if the tooth doesn’t hurt (yet). However, we highly recommend that you get your cavities filled as soon as possible, and here’s why:
- Stop cavities from getting bigger: A filling can prevent a small cavity from growing into a bigger problem. By filling the cavity, we can stop it from spreading and causing more damage to your tooth.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses: Cavities can lead to painful infections or abscesses if left untreated. By filling the cavity, we can prevent these painful issues from occurring.
- Restores strength and durability: Cavities can weaken your tooth over time. By filling the cavity, we can restore the strength and durability of your tooth, preventing further damage.
- Save you money in the long run: Treating a cavity early on with a filling can save you money in the long run. If left untreated, a cavity can lead to more extensive and expensive dental work.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold: Cavities can cause sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. By filling the cavity, we can reduce this sensitivity and make eating and drinking more comfortable for you.
- Preserve your natural smile: By getting a filling, you can preserve your natural smile for as long as possible. A cavity can cause discoloration and decay, which can be unsightly and affect your self-confidence.
So, don’t put off getting a filling! It’s a quick and easy procedure that can save you from a lot of pain and expense down the road.
How Is A Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, we will take the time to carefully numb your gums before we begin. We understand that some people may feel anxious about this step, but it is important for a pain-free experience. Freezing the area will numb your teeth and the surrounding area, making it so you barely feel anything during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
Once we confirm that you’re comfortably numb, we will carefully clean and prepare your tooth for the filling procedure. An adhesive gel is applied to the tooth, which helps the composite resin (white filling material) adhere to the tooth. The composite resin is then molded and sculpted to match the contours or bite of your tooth, ensuring a natural look and comfortable fit.
Curing the Composite
After the composite resin has been applied to your tooth, it is quickly cured and hardened using a special LED light. This process ensures that the filling material sets properly and bonds securely to the tooth. Once the filling has been cured, the dentist will carefully examine the finished tooth to ensure that it looks and feels right. If any finishing touches are required, the dentist will make them before giving the tooth a final polish to leave it looking its best.
The Cost Of A Filling In Newcastle
Fillings are a routine and effective way to prevent dental problems, and as such, most insurance companies provide significant coverage for them. With a typical insurance plan, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $100+ for a filling.It’s important to keep in mind that getting a filling is a preventative measure that can save you money in the long run by avoiding more extensive dental work. It’s worth investing in your dental health by getting a filling when needed.
When determining the cost of your treatment, we take into account several important factors. These include your current oral health, the number of fillings you need, where the cavity is located in your mouth, whether or not new x-rays are required, the amount of time required by the dental team to meet your specific needs, and the equipment and supplies that will be needed to provide the best care possible.
We believe that filling cavities promptly is crucial, as it is an effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, prevent serious dental pain, and keep you as happy and healthy as possible. By taking care of cavities as soon as they are detected, we can help ensure that you maintain good oral health and avoid more extensive dental work in the future.
At our dental office, we strive to provide affordable and high-quality dental care. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and fits within your budget.
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
While the lifespan of fillings can vary, with proper care and regular checkups, they can last for many years (5 – 10 yrs or longer) and provide effective protection against further dental issues.
Amalgam fillings can last up to 10 to 15 years. However, with proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, fillings can last much longer than their expected lifespan.
While there are over-the-counter products available to temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage, they are not a permanent solution and cannot replace a professional filling. It’s important to understand that a cavity is permanent tooth damage and there are serious risks associated with letting dental decay continue to worsen. If left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth loss and tooth abscess. It’s crucial to have a cavity treated by a dental professional to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that’s making it hard for you to eat or sleep, it’s considered a dental emergency. We strongly recommend that you call us right away for assistance. We can provide you with advice over the phone and schedule an appointment to see you as soon as possible.
To help alleviate the pain of a toothache temporarily, place a cold compress on your face over the painful area. Taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) may also help reduce the pain. Remember to always follow your doctor’s advice and read the instructions on the bottle before taking any medication. Keep track of the medication, dosage, and time you took it, so you can let us know when you come in.
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