Make teeth look and feel natural again
Dental fillings are the most common procedure performed in our office. They repair and restore your tooth and help prevent painful decay or infection that might require more serious work. We use composite resin fillings that are color matched to your tooth. Unlike amalgam, or metal fillings, composite resin bonds well with the tooth and can fill much smaller spaces, which means less drilling.
Why are fillings so important?
Getting a filling may seem like a chore, especially if your tooth does not hurt yet. However, we strongly recommend you have your cavities filled as soon as possible because fillings:
- Stop cavities from getting bigger.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses.
- Restore strength and durability to weakened teeth.
- Save you money in the long term.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
For expert care and treatment, trust your local Dentist in Allentown, Pennsylvania to restore your smile comfortably and effectively.
How is a cavity filled?
Gentle Freezing
Before starting, we carefully numb your gums so you barely feel anything during the procedure. This step often causes anxiety, but it ensures a comfortable experience.
Filling the Tooth
Once numb, your tooth is cleaned and prepared. An adhesive gel is applied, then the composite resin is molded and sculpted to match your tooth’s contours and bite.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin is quickly hardened with a special LED light. Your dentist will carefully check your bite and make any necessary finishing touches before polishing the tooth.
The cost of a filling in Allentown
Fillings are routine and effective at preventing dental problems. Most insurance plans provide significant coverage. With typical insurance, expect to pay anywhere from zero to one hundred dollars out of pocket. Without insurance, costs range from one hundred twenty to three hundred dollars or more, especially if multiple fillings are needed.
- Your current oral health.
- Number of fillings required.
- Location of the cavity in your mouth.
- Need for new X rays.
- Time required by the dental team.
- Equipment and supplies needed.
Factors affecting your treatment cost include:
Promptly filling cavities is important to prevent more invasive treatments and serious dental pain, keeping you healthy and comfortable.
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
With daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings, fillings typically last over ten years.
Amalgam fillings were common and are often called silver or mercury fillings. Despite debate, the American Dental Association reports no scientific evidence linking them to illness. If you have silver fillings, there is no need to worry.
Over the counter products can temporarily fill a cavity until you see a dentist, but they are not permanent solutions. Cavities require professional cleaning and filling to prevent worsening. Untreated cavities can lead to tooth loss and abscess.
If you have severe pain that prevents eating or sleeping, this is a dental emergency. Call us immediately. For temporary relief, apply a cold compress to the painful area and consider over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow medical advice and keep a record of medication taken to share at your appointment.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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