Make teeth look and feel natural again.
Dental fillings are a routine procedure in our office, essential for repairing and restoring teeth while preventing decay or infection that could lead to more extensive treatments. We use composite resin fillings, which are color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless look. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, composite resin bonds effectively with your tooth and can fill smaller spaces, reducing the need for extensive drilling.
Why are fillings so important?
Getting a filling might seem like a hassle, but it’s crucial for maintaining dental health. Here’s why you shouldn’t delay:
- Prevent Cavities from Growing: Fillings stop cavities from worsening.
- Avoid Painful Infections: Early treatment helps prevent infections or abscesses.
- Strengthen Weakened Teeth: Fillings restore the strength and durability of your tooth.
- Save Money Long-Term: Addressing cavities early can avoid more costly procedures later.
- Reduce Sensitivity: Fillings can lessen sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve Your Smile: Maintain your natural smile and dental health for years to come.
How is a cavity filled?
Gentle Freezing
We start by numbing your gums with a local anesthetic to freeze the area. This ensures you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
Once you’re numb, we clean and prepare your tooth. An adhesive gel is applied, followed by composite resin, which is sculpted to match your tooth’s contours and bite.
Curing the Composite
The resin is hardened with a special LED light. We then examine and polish the filling for a smooth, natural finish.
The cost of a filling in Belleville
Fillings are a common procedure, often covered significantly by insurance, with out-of-pocket costs ranging from $0 to $100+ depending on your plan. Without insurance, costs typically range from $120 to $300 or more, especially if multiple fillings are needed.
The final cost depends on several factors:
- Your overall oral health
- Number of fillings required
- Location of the cavities
- Need for new x-rays
- Time and resources required for your treatment
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent more invasive procedures, reduce pain, and maintain your dental health.
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
We use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and the surrounding area, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure.
We use composite resin, which is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity and number of fillings needed.
The numbing process ensures you feel minimal pain. After the procedure, you might experience some sensitivity, which usually subsides quickly.
With proper care, composite fillings can last several years before needing replacement.
You can eat once the numbness wears off and the filling has fully set, typically a few hours after the procedure.