The most common procedure in our office is a dental filling. Fillings prevent decay and infections, and help to restore the tooth. We work with composite resin fillings, which we color match to your teeth. Composite resin bonds better than Amalgam (metal fillings), and it can fill smaller spaces, which reduces natural tooth drilling.
What Makes Fillings So Important?
If your tooth doesn’t hurt yet, it may be hard to see the need for a filling. Here’s why we recommend filling your cavities sooner rather than later:
- Preserves your natural teeth
- Avoids painful infections
- Prevents the cavities from growing
- It’s more cost-effective in the long-term
- Reduces temperature sensitivity
- Strengthens the teeth (they are weaker with cavities)
What are the steps to fill a cavity?
Gentle Freezing
First, we will numb your gums. This will allow us to lightly freeze the area. Freezing the teeth and surrounding area allows us to complete the procedure without you feeling any pain.
Filling the tooth
Once the area is frozen, we will clean and prepare your tooth. Then we’ll place an adhesive gel on the affected tooth, over which we’ll place the actual filling (composite resin), and we will mold it to match your contour and bite.
Curing the Composite
We will be using a special LED light to quickly cure and harden the filling material. Once done, we’ll carefully examine the tooth and bite, and if needed – we’ll make any last finishing touches, and then give it a final polish.
Filling Cost in Allentown
Insurance coverage varies by company and benefit plan. At the time of your visit, a more accurate estimate can be given. Without insurance the cost can range from $250 to $550 and more, especially for multiple fillings done at once.
These are the factors we consider when determining the actual cost:
- The number of fillings needed
- The cavity’s location
- If new X-rays are required or not
- The current oral health
- The time needed for the dental team to complete the treatment
- The supplies and equipment that will be used up during your treatment
Untreated cavities can prevent serious dental pain and invasive treatments. Because of that, we take cavity fillings seriously, and try to fix them as soon as possible.
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
Fillings should last well over ten years with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams.
In the past, most fillings were made from an alloy called “Amalgam”. It is also known under the nicknames “mercury” and “silver” fillings. Despite concerns over health hazards, according to the American Dental Association, studies have not yet confirmed amalgam to be the cause of illness among the general population.
Orthodontic wax can be used to fill a cavity or some small tooth damage temporarily. The only purpose of this is to restore the function of your tooth so you can eat and talk until you can see the dentist. It does not actually solve the cavity problem which will continue to grow, and it can lead to losing your tooth. It’s ok to use a temporary filling to restore the tooth’s function, but you should still see a dentist as soon as possible to permanently treat the tooth.
In case of severe pain, you can take a pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil. Try not to take Aspirin. you can also apply an ice pack or cold compress on the area. If your pain is so severe that you can’t eat or sleep – this is considered a dental emergency and we advise you to call us immediately. We’ll asses the situation and recommend your next best step. If you do take a pain reliever – remember or write down the medication name, dosage, and time you took it at.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Lisa Beth Keller
This was the best dental experience I have ever had. I had a broken tooth where a cavity had been filled (by a different dentist). Everyone at this practice was friendly, professional and informative. I am extremely impressed!
Very Happy with the Staff and the Office!
Very Friendly Office
