Teeth Filling Guide: Types, Procedure, Cost, and Aftercare

A dental filling is a restorative procedure that is most frequently performed for damage caused by decay, minor fractures, or small chips. Teeth undergo structural damage when dental cavities form. Decay worsens in structural damage unless the damaged area is excised. The dentist cleans it and packs it with appropriate dental material. This restores the tooth’s structural integrity and its function.

There are several reasons why you should care for cavities in a timely manner. They cause infections and tooth loss. Fillings are important because they encapsulate the existing damage and protect the tooth from losing more structure. It also restores your ability to chew without pain. It is important to note that fillings can be done on anterior and posterior teeth.

What Is Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a procedure that is done when a cavity needs to be closed. Cavities are formed from the erosion of tooth enamel and dental decay caused by bacteria. Cavities can be very painful and can even reach the tooth pulp if left untreated.

Fillings are a way to restore the structure of a tooth after it has sustained damage from decay. It is a way to seal the cavity, and protect the tooth from future decay. Other minor injuries to a tooth such as small fractures or minor cosmetic concerns can be remedied with a dental filling.

Common Symptoms of Needing a Filling

You may need a filling if you experience the following:

• Higher sensitivity to temperature extremes or sweet foods
• Tooth pain, especially when biting
• Increasingly visible holes or darkened spots on the tooth
• Food constantly getting stuck in a specific spot
• Uneven tooth surfaces or a tooth with jagged edges
• Pain when making contact with the tooth

There are times when a developing cavity is pain free. In these instances, the best way to ensure that you are not experiencing tooth decay is to get regular checkups.

Types of Teeth Fillings

• Composite

These fillings are a popular choice because they blend with the natural tooth color. For this reason, they are a good choice for the front teeth.

These fillings bond to the tooth and are great for cosmetic improvements to chipped teeth. They are best for small to medium cavities. Large cavities that occur on your molars in the back of your mouth may be better suited for a different filling that has more longevity.

• Amalgam

These fillings are silver in color because they are a mix of metals. These are a better option for back teeth because of their color, but are strong and durable.

While they are a good choice for larger fillings because of their cost and durability, their color is a clear disadvantage. Amalgam fillings are still used in some cases where strength and cost are major factors.

• Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are generally beneficial for children, smaller cavities, and for areas that are close to the gumline. They can release fluoride, which can help prevent further decay beyond the filling.

Glass ionomer fillings are also not as strong as composite or amalgam fillings. They also may not be the best choice for large cavities or highly active areas that are prone to larger forces of biting and chewing.

• Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic or porcelain fillings are strong, the most aesthetically pleasing, and stain resistant. They are typically used for larger restorations that are inlays or onlays. Ceramic fillings are custom-made and as a result, can take more than one dental appointment.

Compared to the standard filling, they are much more costly. However, they have much more excellent aesthetics and great durability. They are also good for patients that want a filling that lasts a long time.

• Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are very strong and as a result can be used for large areas that are highly active with chewing. However, gold fillings are as a result very costly and are not as great in terms of matching the natural tooth fillings.

Because of their cost and appearance, gold fillings are not very common today. However, some patients value their strength and long lifespan.

Teeth Filling Procedure

• Usually the procedure for getting a teeth filling is quite simple and can normally be achieved in just one dental appointment. The procedure usually begins with a filling and decay examination. The dentist checks the decay and may take X-rays to see how far the decay has spread.
• If you need a filling, most procedures start with a shot of local anesthetic to numb the area. With a numbed mouth, the dentist extracts the decayed portion of the tooth.
• Afterward, the dentist cleans the cavity. This step is critical, as any remaining bacteria can contribute to worse problems in the future. 
• Once the area is clean of all decay, the empty portion of the tooth is filled with a temporary filling material.
• With a composite filling, the hardening material is placed in and packed down in layers. 
• Once the dentist is satisfied with the filling, it is shaped and hardened. The tooth is polished and the filling is checked to make sure that the bite is even and feels comfortable.

How Long Does it Take to Fill a Tooth?

The time it takes to fill a tooth can vary anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. It depends on the cavity size, the tooth filling material, the location of the tooth, as well as the number of fillings you need.

How Much Does a Tooth Filling Cost?

There are many things that can affect the cost of a tooth filling including the size of the cavity, where the cavity is located in the mouth, the filling material, and the location of the dental office.

Because composite fillings are more advanced and also match the color of your teeth, they are priced higher compared to amalgam fillings. Compared to both fillings, ceramic and gold fillings also have higher pricing because they are custom, and very long-lasting.

Also, the price of fillings can increase based on the size of the cavity, and the location of the cavity. Your dentist can give you an accurate estimate when they see the tooth.

Aftercare Tips After a Teeth Filling

When a filling is done, your dentist will numb the area, and your mouth will feel that way for a few hours. During that time, you should avoid eating.

After a filling, some amount of tooth sensitivity will be normal, and this will especially be the case for cold things, hot things, and things that put pressure on the filling. This should get better in a few days, and if it doesn’t, go see your dentist.

For a filling, you should:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss daily
• After some time, avoid hard and sticky food
• Limit sugary food and drinks
• Go see your dentist when you should
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Don’t chew on ice

If your filling feels high when you bite, an adjustment from your dentist will be needed.

The Longevity of Dental Fillings

The type of material that your filling is made from is a big factor in how long your fillings will last as well as how well you care for your teeth. Composite fillings have the potential to last for years. Amalgam fillings are strong and last a long time. In some cases, ceramic and gold fillings last longer than the rest.

Practicing good oral hygiene, regular dentist visits, and avoiding teeth grinding as well as hard foods can extend the lifespan of your filling.

When Do Fillings Need to be Replaced?

Fillings need to be replaced when they are damaged in some way. This includes the filling becoming loose, cracked, worn, etc. You will get a new filling if you experience new decay around the filling.

These are the signs that you need a new filling:

• Pain while chewing
• Tooth sensitivity
• A filling that is broken or rough
• The filling has food stuck in it
• A filling has a gap or crack
• The filling has dark edges

The best way to detect these issues is to make sure you regularly see your dentist.

Professional Teeth Filling Service by Next Care Dental Clinic

Next Care Dental Clinic provides excellent and professional filling services to treat cracks and repair damage to teeth to provide a natural looking restoration. This trusted Dental Clinic in Deira Dubai focuses on making sure the patient’s experience is comfortable, the diagnosis is correct, and the restoration will last.

Filling treatment to restore the strength and integrity of the remaining tooth, the insensitivity of the restorative material, and prevention of the ongoing process of tooth decay is performed by the best dentists in Deira. If you are searching for the best Dental Clinic in Deira, look no further than Next Care Dental Clinic.

Next Care Dental Clinic provides safe, effective, and affordable filling treatment that places the emphasis on a patient friendly smile.

Conclusion

Fillings are a great way to help reduce decay in your teeth, protect your teeth, and restore your teeth to help you chew more comfortably. There are many types of fillings that differ based on type, cost, and how they look, so there are lots of filling options for you.

To make sure your filling lasts, there are some great aftercare tips. There are good habits like brushing at least twice a day but not too much, and flossing to help with sugar. You also should see your dentist more often to catch possible tooth decay sooner.