Not knowing the cavity filling cost may hold you back from seeking treatment for your teeth. If you don’t go to the dentist soon, the damage to the teeth may become worse. Here’s what you need to know about the types as well as the cavity filling cost.
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Types of Cavity Filling
There are several options when it comes to cavity filling. Each of these types has its advantages and disadvantages. The kinds of cavity filling include glass, porcelain, composite material, silver amalgam, and gold. The best cavity filling may depend on what you prefer aesthetically, what the insurance that you have can cover, and the cost.
Many materials can be used as a cavity filling. They differ in several ways, including colour, cost, and strength. Two of the most common cavity filling types are composite and amalgam. Let’s take a closer look at the types of cavity filling.
Glass Ionomer
With this cavity filling, glass and acrylic are blended to create the filling. It can release fluoride so that it helps in protecting the teeth. However, glass ionomer cavity filling may be less durable as compared to other kinds of cavity filling. So, you have to be ready to have it replaced after five years.
Ceramic
A ceramic cavity filling is usually porcelain. It is also tooth-coloured. A benefit of choosing this cavity filling is that it is less likely to have tooth stains compared to composite cavity filling. However, the price can be a factor because ceramic fillers can be just as expensive as that of gold cavity filling. It means that you may have to prepare for the cavity filling cost of about $250 to $4,500.
Metals
Some of the common metals for cavity filling are gold and silver amalgam. With a gold filling, the cost can be ten times more expensive than the silver filling, which is at around $50 to $200. Nevertheless, many people would instead get a gold filling for aesthetic reasons. Some don’t like the look of metal fillings. But a benefit of it is that it can take more than a decade before replacement is necessary. The gold cavity filling cost may range from $300 to $5,000.
Composite Cavity Filling
These fillers are also called filled resins or just composites. Such a cavity filling type is a combination of quartz and glass fillers. It can be created in such a way that it will be able to match the tooth’s colour. Composites are also durable as well as ideal. They are an excellent choice for small or mid-sized restorations for teeth that function for moderate chewing. The range of the cavity filling cost for this type is at around $100 to $250.
Amalgam Cavity Filling
Dentists have used this type of cavity filling for the last hundred years or so. Many studies have been conducted on amalgam cavity filling as a material for filling tooth cavities. An amalgam cavity filling is sturdy and durable. They are the preferred material when it comes to filling molars, where most of the chewing is done.
The cavity filling is created from a combination of several metallic elements. So a downside is that they can be noticed when you open your mouth. An upside is that this type of cavity filling is very affordable.
Cavity Filling Replacement
Cavity filling can last for several years before replacement becomes necessary. However, cavity filling may wear out eventually because of chewing. It may wear out faster if you grind or clench your teeth. So you have to prepare for a replacement.
When you begin to notice that the cavity filling is wearing out, do see your dentist as soon as you can. If you leave the tooth without treatment, then the filling with damage will eventually cause your tooth to crack. It means that additional repair will be necessary and you will have to spend more on it.
If in case the decay begins to develop in the area surrounding the cavity filling, the dentist may recommend repairing the tooth. It may be by using a crown rather than with a second cavity filling. In any case, discuss with your dentist what the best option is for you. Discuss the options in terms of your oral health and budget.
Risks
There are also some risks when it comes to cavity filling, such as damage and infections. There may be instances where the filling can crack, break, or fall out. The damage can happen if you bite something that is too hard or when you’ve been hit in your mouth. It happens especially when you are playing contact sports. Immediately see your dentist when you notice that there are damages to your cavity filling so that you will be able to avoid any infection and irritation to the tooth.
Infection may also happen if the cavity filling pulls away from the tooth where it is attached. When this happens, a tiny space is created and can become a bacterial breeding ground. Eventually, tooth decay will ensue if this is left without treatment. Once you notice any space between the cavity filling and the tooth, go to your dentist immediately for treatment.
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Takeaway
After you get a cavity filling, you may feel a bit of pain and sensitivity to that area in your mouth. Don’t worry about it since this discomfort will eventually go away. What you have to remember is to make sure that you follow a routine for oral care. Do ask your dentist about products that are specifically designed for sensitive teeth and can protect your teeth from decay and damage. Contact Osmin Denture Clinic today!
