When do you need a tooth filling?
You would need a tooth filling if you have decay on your tooth, or there is a hole in your tooth, or there is sensitivity. One way you can tell that you need a filling or other restoration, of course, is to see a dentist because the dentist will be the only one who can determine what you need. We have tools in the office that will help us determine what you need.
How does the dentist decide what kind of filling you need?
When you have a cavity, the dentist will decide what kind of filling you need for your tooth. First, the dentist has to assess how big your cavity or decay is, and also where it is located. But nowadays, most of the time, we only use white fillings. Before, we used to use silver fillings. Those are fillings that are usually used in the back teeth, and then white fillings on the front because that's the same color. Nowadays, we can use white fillings for both the back and the front.
What is the difference between composite fillings and amalgam fillings?
The difference between composite fillings and amalgam fillings is, first, that amalgam fillings have mercury in them, plus a combination with silver. It looks like metal. The white filling is considered white because it can mimic the same color or shade of your teeth. So there's no mercury in it, and after we do your filling, it looks like your tooth. The filling on the back teeth and the front teeth could be different in the location and the surfaces that are involved because the teeth at the back tend to be bigger than the teeth in the front. But otherwise, the material that we use for the front and for the back teeth is the same.
Do fillings hurt?
When we do fillings, usually it should not hurt because it depends on the size of your decay or how many surfaces are involved in having a filling. If it's big enough that we think you can be sensitive, we numb you up. But if it's something that's small and shallow, then we don't need to numb you up, while still making sure that you're comfortable. It should not hurt.
What should you expect during a filling procedure?
What you would expect during a procedure is, if it's like I said, a bigger filling or deeper, we will numb you up. And then when we do that, you're pretty much numb during the procedure. It depends on how big the filling will be, and it could last 30 minutes to an hour. What you can expect is we will check your bite after we put the filling in.
How long does a filling appointment take?
Normally, when we do fillings, it depends on how big the filling is. It takes us between 30 minutes to an hour. During the appointment, when you have a cleaning or exam, you may not be able to have the filling done at the same time. But it depends. In some cases, we can do it right then and there if we have time for that, but if we don't, most of the time we will just schedule you for your convenience.
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings last between 7 to 10 years normally, unless there is decay that may surface either underneath your filling or on the other side. Let's say, for example, on one side you have a filling, but then on the other side you don't have a filling. You can get a cavity on the other side, and there we have to replace your filling when there's recurring decay on this other surface of the same tooth, but on the other side.
With the white filling that we use nowadays, you can eat right away after your fillings are done. It's pretty much set, not like the silver filling before. It takes 24 hours to fully set. You just have to be very careful when you bite because you're still probably numb for a while.
How much do white fillings cost?
The white filling cost is kind of hard to tell, but it will depend on how big it is or how many surfaces are involved in filling a certain tooth. Let's say, for example, you have only one surface that's involved, like only on the chewing surface. That is cheaper than one that involves the chewing surface and then another side. That would be what we call two surfaces. Then that would be more expensive than just one surface. It's more expensive because it tends to be more complicated and more time is spent doing it than just a one-surface filling, as compared to two surfaces, especially when the surface involved is in between your teeth. We have to make sure that when we put back the filling, the contact is still tight because if it's not tight, you can easily get food trapped.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (619) 377-7586 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.