Fillings are performed primarily to stop the progression of a cavity in the tooth or to repair a chipped/broken part of a tooth that is small enough that it doesn’t require a crown to fix.
A filling is essentially done to protect the nerve of a tooth in an attempt to prevent the need for root canal therapy.
We use various materials for fillings that usually match the color of your teeth. Occasionally, amalgam (silver) fillings may be advised. The material type will be based on your tooth’s specific needs, with a focus on both function and aesthetics.
After a filling is placed, the most common problem is sensitivity to hot or cold. This may last only a few days, or in some rare cases it could last months. Sometimes the sensitivity can eventually turn into pain and root canal therapy may be needed to save the tooth. This may make it sound like fillings are not worth the risk. However, once a cavity on a tooth is identified and deemed big enough that it needs to be filled, the sooner it is treated the better. The smaller a filling is when it is performed, the less chance there is of having problems afterwards. Once a cavity is large enough that it is causing sensitivity to hot/cold/sweets, it is much more likely that the tooth will need more than just a filling to fix it.
Every filling is different. There are so many different sizes, shapes, and materials used for fillings that assigning a life span is quite difficult. In general, the smaller a filling is, and the more clean that it is kept, the better chance that it has of surviving long term. Diligent oral hygiene (daily brushing and flossing with proper technique) and regular professional cleanings and dental checkups are vital to ensuring the longest life for a filling.
Tooth colored fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Tooth colored fillings of course can be color matched to your own teeth, and less of the tooth has to be removed than with an amalgam filling. However, you have to keep the teeth completely dry to place tooth colored fillings. Amalgam fillings stand up against chewing forces on back teeth better, and on some back teeth that are very hard to keep dry they are the better choice. Material choices for fillings are discussed before they are placed.
| Pricing Information* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tooth Type | UCR Fee | In Office Benefits Plan fee (25% off) |
| 3 surface white filling | $221 | $165.75 |
| 3 surface silver filling | $157 | $117.75 |
* Fees shown here are for 3 surface fillings only and does not include exams or anxiety control services. Fillings are priced by how many surfaces of the tooth are involved. Firm treatment estimates can only be done after an in-office evaluation. Fees shown do not apply if you have dental insurance, in which case an exam must be done and benefits verified prior to estimates being given.