Dental Filling: Types and Expenditure
Cosmetic dentistry has evolved over the years rapidly. Teeth play a vital role in human lives. Apart from helping to chew and digest the foods, teeth help to talk distinctly. Teeth also give a shape to the mouth. Smiling would not have been possible without teeth. A bright smile can boost confidence and do immense good in influencing social lives, personal relationships, and careers.
What are Dental Fillings?
Tooth decay is a common issue in modern life. Primarily due to poor oral hygiene, a film of sticky substance gets deposited on the teeth. With time this film forms a tough layer called plaque. The plaque further forms an even more tough layer called tartar. The plaque and tartar are thriving grounds of bacterial activity that releases an acidic substance that erodes the enamel.
A dental filling is a cosmetic dentistry process that restores a tooth structure damaged due to cavities or trauma. Treating a cavity is a routine part of dental care, and the tooth filling process is a non-invasive one.
Based on your choice and need, the dentist fills the decayed hollow space with a tooth filling that protects the tooth. Dentists can also use dental fillings to repair a chipped or cracked tooth.
The Process of Tooth Filling
The dental filling is performed under the influence of local anesthesia if you do not have healthy gums. The process is a non-surgical one and can be completed in a single visit to the dentist in Winter Haven, FL. Once the area is numb, an air drill, laser, or abrasion instrument is used to clean the decayed area. The hollow cavity is cleared of debris, and space is made for a dental filling.
The dentist then probes the cavity t ensure that all the decayed materials have been removed. Once the dentist is confident that all the debris is removed, the hollow cavity is prepared for a dental filling. If the decay is near the gums or root of the teeth, the dentist places a shield made from glass ionomer or composite resin to protect the nerve endings. Once the cavity is filled with a dental filling, it is polished to obtain better looks.
Types of Tooth Filling
Based on need and choice, different materials can be used as a dental filling. The dentist’s recommendations, the extent of dental decay, and the cost of filling materials also play a vital role in selecting the type of dental filling.
Silver Amalgam Filling
Silver amalgam is the most widely used form of dental filling made from a mixture of 50 percent silver and zinc, tin, and copper. The rest half constitutes mercury. Dentists choose the silver amalgam due to its durability and cheapness. This dental filling lasts more than 12 years and poses no risk of being contaminated by blood or saliva.
Composite Filling
Composite dental fillings are made from composite plastic materials that are BPA-free. These dental fillings are placed in the hollow cavity when soft and then hardened with special “blue light.” The composite fillings match well with the color of natural teeth and are a more popular form of dental filling. Composite dental filling needs replacement every 5 to 10 years.
Ceramic Dental Filling
Made from porcelain, these dental fillings are durable and aesthetically attractive. Most expensive of the lot, ceramic fillings are tooth-colored fillings that are resilient against stains and abrasion. The only disadvantage of ceramic dental fillings is that they are brittle and can break easily on subjecting to pressure or impact.
Glass Ionomer Filling
The composite mixture of glass and acrylic dental filling is suitable for children as their teeth are developing. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride that protects against decay. However, they last only for a few years but are beneficial for oral care.
Expenditure and The Dentist
Dental fillings are relatively more expensive than essential dental check-ups and treatments. Although most dental clinics do not accept insurance for a dental filling, Winter Heaven Dental offers a $49 new patient special package and accepts insurance for dental fillings.
Most dental fillings have a stable price range from $50 to $150 for a single tooth silver amalgam filling. The price ranges from $90 to $250 for composite resin filling for one tooth. Winter Heaven Dental has multilingual family-friendly staff to provide comprehensive dental care. You may book an appointment to avail of our services.