
Make Teeth Look And Feel Natural Again
Newcastle Dental - Patient Testimonial - Comfortable And At Ease
At our dental office, dental fillings are one of the most common procedures we perform to repair and restore teeth. They help prevent painful decay or infection that could lead to more complex treatments. We use composite resin fillings, which are expertly colour-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. These tooth-coloured fillings offer several advantages over traditional amalgam fillings, including better bonding with the tooth and the ability to fill smaller spaces, minimizing the need for extensive drilling.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
The idea of getting a filling can feel overwhelming, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt yet. However, addressing cavities early with a filling is crucial for maintaining your oral health. Here’s why:
Stop cavities from getting bigger
Fillings prevent small cavities from becoming bigger problems. By treating the cavity early, we can stop the decay from spreading and causing more extensive damage.
Prevent painful infections or abscesses
Untreated cavities can lead to painful infections or abscesses. A filling eliminates the decay, protecting your tooth and preventing these serious issues.
Restore strength and durability
Cavities weaken teeth over time. A filling restores your tooth’s strength and durability, helping to prevent further damage and preserving its function.
Save money in the long run
Filling a cavity early is cost-effective. Left untreated, cavities can lead to more expensive and complex treatments, such as root canals or crowns.
Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold
Cavities often cause sensitivity to temperature. A filling can reduce or eliminate this discomfort, making eating and drinking more enjoyable.
Preserve your natural smile
Decay and discoloration caused by cavities can affect the appearance of your smile and your self-confidence. A filling keeps your tooth healthy and your smile natural. Getting a filling is a quick and straightforward procedure that saves you from pain, discomfort, and more significant dental expenses in the future. Don’t delay—protect your teeth and your smile today!
How Is A Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To ensure your comfort, we start by carefully numbing your gums with a topical anesthetic before administering local freezing. This step is crucial for a pain-free experience. While some patients may feel anxious about this process, it’s designed to ensure you barely feel anything during the procedure, as it numbs your tooth and the surrounding area.
Filling the Tooth
Once we confirm you’re comfortably numb, we clean and prepare your tooth for the filling. An adhesive gel is applied to the tooth, which allows the composite resin (a tooth-coloured filling material) to adhere securely. The resin is then carefully molded and shaped to match your tooth’s natural contours and bite, ensuring a seamless look and a comfortable fit.
Curing the Composite
After applying the composite resin, we use a special LED light to cure and harden it quickly. This step ensures the filling bonds securely to your tooth for lasting durability. Once the resin is set, the dentist examines the tooth to ensure it looks and feels perfect. Any necessary adjustments are made before giving the tooth a final polish, leaving it smooth, natural-looking, and ready for use. This precise and gentle process restores your tooth’s health, strength, and appearance, keeping your smile both functional and beautiful.
The Cost of a Filling in Newcastle
Fillings are a routine and effective way to prevent more serious dental problems, and many insurance plans provide substantial coverage. With typical insurance, out-of-pocket costs for a filling often range from $0 to $100+, depending on your plan. Investing in a filling when needed is a smart preventative measure that can save you from more extensive and expensive dental treatments down the road.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Filling
- The cost of a filling depends on several factors, including:
- Your current oral health.
- The number of fillings needed.
- The location of the cavity in your mouth.
- Whether new x-rays are required.
- The time needed for the procedure.
- Equipment and materials used to provide the best care.
These considerations allow us to tailor treatment to your unique needs while ensuring the highest quality of care.
Why Fillings Are Worth It
Promptly filling cavities prevents more invasive treatments, reduces the risk of serious dental pain, and helps you maintain a healthy, happy smile. By addressing cavities early, you can avoid the need for costly and complex procedures in the future while protecting your overall oral health.
At our dental office, we’re committed to offering affordable, high-quality care. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you get the care you deserve without financial strain.
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
The lifespan of a filling varies, but with proper oral care and regular dental checkups, most fillings can last 5 to 10 years or longer. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits helps extend their durability and effectiveness.
Amalgam fillings typically last 10 to 15 years, though their lifespan can be extended with excellent oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. Proper care can help these fillings outlast their standard life expectancy.
Over-the-counter products may temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage, but they are not a permanent solution. Cavities represent permanent tooth damage and require professional treatment to prevent serious complications like abscesses or tooth loss. Allowing decay to worsen can lead to significant dental problems, so it’s crucial to have cavities treated by a qualified dental professional.
Severe dental pain that affects eating or sleeping is considered a dental emergency. Contact us immediately for assistance. We can provide advice over the phone and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
To temporarily relieve toothache pain:
- Apply a cold compress to the side of your face near the painful area.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Follow the medication’s instructions and keep track of the dosage and timing so you can share this information with your dentist.
Remember, temporary relief is not a substitute for professional care. Addressing dental pain promptly helps prevent further damage and restores your oral health.
