A dental filling is one of the most common treatments for addressing a small area of tooth decay. Most are made from amalgam metals, gold composite resin, and porcelain with the strength to replicate healthy, natural tooth enamel.
The type of material and the number of procedures it takes to remove the tooth decay, fashion, and affix the material can all affect the overall price of a dental filling restoration. To better understand what type of dental filling is best for your cavity, we’ll need to open up and say aw to some crucial details.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling restoration is a common treatment where an area of tooth decayed enamel is removed, and a special material is applied in its place. The type of material the dentist uses will be based on the surface of the tooth that’s affected as well as how visible the dental filling will be in your smile.
The dental filling material can also influence the overall lifespan of the dental filling. The average filling lasts for around ten years or more. At that point, you will likely need the entire enamel layer of the tooth replaced by a dental crown.
If you’ve lost multiple teeth, or an entire row of teeth, then your dentist might recommend a partial or complete denture. The dentures cost is covered by 50 to 80% by most dental insurance policies.
What Materials Are Dental Filling Made From?
When you look at dental facts and statistics two most common materials used for dental fillings are amalgam metal fillings and porcelain resin. These are dental fillings that can typically be applied during the same treatment session where the decayed enamel is removed from the tooth. Gold and porcelain dental fillings are harder but must be made in a dental lab, requiring at least one additional dentist visit to have them installed.
Amalgam dental fillings are made from a mixture of metals such as silver, tin, and copper. They can be applied to the treated tooth in the same dentist visit where the decayed tooth enamel is removed.
Amalgam dental fillings are hard yet dark in color. This makes them a poor choice for treating an area of tooth decay that will be prevalent in your smile. However, they are great for repairing premolars and molars with two or fewer areas of tooth decay.
Composite resin dental fillings are made from a special type of durable, dental-grade plastic. Just like amalgam dental fillings, they can be applied in one treatment session.
Composite resin can be carefully color-shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel. This makes them an excellent option for restoring an area of tooth decay that will be prevalent in your smile.
Porcelain dental fillings are made from heavy-duty dental grade porcelain, which can be precisely color-matched to the surrounding tooth enamel. They are better suited for restoring a tooth with multiple areas of tooth decay that will also be prevalent in your smile.
Porcelain typically takes more than one treatment session to fashion and affix the filling. While some dentists can produce them on-site, most have to make an impression to guide the off-site dental lab that creates the porcelain dental filling. This drives up the cost to sometimes double or even triple that of a composite resin filling.
Gold dental fillings aren’t as common today as they were some 25 years ago. Though gold is incredibly durable and might be the better option for restoring an area of tooth decay on the biting surface of a molar. Just like porcelain, a gold dental filling is typically made in a dental lab and needs an additional appointment to cement it in place.
Are There Pros And Cons To Various Filling Materials?
Different dental filling materials have different pros and cons to consider. Your dentist will make the best recommendation for the size and location of the treated area of tooth decay. Though sometimes they might present you with two options to choose from.
Amalgam Dental Fillings
Made from a blend of dark and/or silvery metals, amalgam dental fillings are best suited for treating modest areas of tooth decay on back teeth.
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Usually applied in one appointment
- Good for back teeth
- Average lifespan of ten years or more
- Can be applied to the biting surface of a tooth
- Can be applied to multiple surfaces of a tooth
- Rough feeling surface
- Dark in color
- Not good for teeth that appear in your smile
- Needs 48 hours to harden completely
- If the filling falls out, often needs to be replaced by a crown
Composite Resin Dental Fillings
Composite resin dental fillings are made from a special type of dental-grade plastic, which can be color shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel.
- Inexpensive
- Can match the surrounding tooth enamel
- Usually applied in one appointment
- Good for restoring a tooth that appears in your smile
- Good for restoring the facia of a tooth
- Costs less than a porcelain-ceramic dental filling
- Limited lifespan of around ten years
- Dental stains can reveal a difference in time
- Not good for the biting surfaces of teeth
- If the filling falls out, a much larger filling needs to be added
- Not a good choice for restoring the mesial surface of a tooth
Porcelain Dental Fillings
Porcelain dental fillings are made from special dental-grade porcelain, which can be color shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel. Though they typically need to be created in a dental lab.
- Can perfectly match the surrounding tooth enamel
- Very durable
- Superior lifespan
- Good for restoring a tooth that appears in your smile
- Treats tooth decay affecting more than one surface of a tooth
- Can be used for inlay dental fillings
- Can be used for onlay dental fillings
- Strong enough for mesial dental filling restorations
- Dental stains can reveal a difference in time
- Need at least two appointments to complete the restoration
- Higher cost than composite dental fillings
- If the filling ever falls out often needs to be replaced with a dental crown
- Might not be compatible with future veneers
Gold Dental Fillings
Gold dental fillings are very durable but distinctly different from the appearance of natural tooth enamel. This makes them better suited for restoring large areas of tooth decay in the back of your mouth rather than for a dental filling on a front tooth. Gold dental fillings are becoming rare and typically need to be created in a dental lab.
- Very durable
- Superior lifespan
- Strong enough for an occlusal biting surface
- Can be used to treat tooth decay affecting more than one surface of a tooth
- Can be used for onlay dental fillings
- Can be used for inlay dental fillings
- Not for treating a tooth that appears in your smile
- Needs at least two appointments to complete the restoration
- Higher cost than all other dental fillings
- Less common dental filling material in recent years
- Might be delayed while dental lab prepares
- The price of gold can vary
- Not all dentists use gold for dental fillings
How Much Does A Dental Filling Cost?
Dental filling cost runs around $200 to $500 without insurance. The average cost for dental filling tends to land right around $275 to $300. Though the final cost can vary widely based on the size of the area of tooth decay, the material used for the dental filling, and the number of treatment sessions it takes for your dentist to complete the restoration.
If you’ve completely lost the tooth to severe tooth decay, a dental filling won’t be an effective treatment strategy. Instead, your dentist might recommend different types of dental implants. This will restore the full presence and function of the missing tooth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover The Cost Of Dental Fillings?
A lot of dental coverage plans cover 80% of the cost of dental fillings. Though there might be clauses that reduce this coverage if you haven’t been going to your routine dental checkups. Some customized or “Cut-Rate” policies only cover the cost of dental fillings up to 50%.
You might be wondering how much is a filling without dental insurance. If you go to the dentist without insurance expect to pay an average of $150 per tooth for an uncovered dental filling restoration.
What Is A Temporary Dental Filling And Why Would I Need One?
Temporary dental fillings are sometimes used as a short-term patch as part of a gold or porcelain dental filling restoration. They protect the treated area where the decayed enamel was removed from, while the dental lab works to prepare your new porcelain or gold dental filling.
Temporary dental fillings are usually made from softer materials such as Zinc Oxide and Eugenol. These are soft materials that are usually soothing to the recently treated tooth. Though they’re only meant to be a short-term restoration for two or perhaps three weeks.
Temporary Dental Fillings Are Used Fo
- Maintaining the integrity of a fractured tooth
- Preserving the treatment area while gold or porcelain dental filling is made
- Relieving discomfort in a chipped or cracked tooth
What Steps Are Involved In Dental Filling A Tooth?
There are several key steps to treating a tooth with a dental filling. The surface that’s affected by tooth decay, the size of the cavity, and how prevalent it is in your smile can influence how your dentist will treat the tooth. If you don’t already have a dentist, you can simply google “Dentist near me” and search through the best local option.
Dentists typically use the following steps as part of a dental filling restoration.
- Step One: Present you with your numbing options, and ensure you are comfortable.
- Step Two: Use a dental drill to carefully remove the area of decayed tooth enamel.
- Step Three: Prepare an impression for a dental lab, or start applying a composite or amalgam material.
- Step Four: If you need a gold or porcelain dental filling they will apply a temporary filling. If you are receiving composite or amalgam they will cure the filling to harden it.
A white dental filling made from composite resin is the most common type of material used for a dental filling on a front tooth.
Amalgam is a darker metal dental filling, that’s better for back teeth.
Porcelain and gold dental fillings are more common for treating large areas of tooth decay that affect multiple surfaces of a tooth.
If the tooth was previously treated and a past dental filling fell out, then the dentist might need to expand the treatment area before applying a new, larger dental filling.
Procedure Of Dental Filling
The first step in a dental filling restoration to treat tooth decay is finding a dentist who is in your insurance coverage network. If you don’t already have a dentist, you can use an internet search engine with the terms dental filling near me to find a list of dentists.
The dental filling procedure is relatively straightforward. After a cursory examination to determine the extent of the tooth decay, your dentist will present you with your numbing options. Most people choose a simple injection of Novocain into the surrounding gum tissues.
Once you are fully numb and comfortable the dentist will remove the decayed tooth enamel with a special dental drill. This will also involve preparing the surface to receive the dental filling material.
If the tooth will appear in your smile, but it’s relatively small, the dentist can install a composite dental filling that is shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel. If it’s a front tooth with multiple surfaces of tooth decay, the dentist might need to apply a temporary filling, while a dental lab prepares a porcelain dental filling.
If the tooth is toward the back of your mouth, your dentist might be able to apply a darker, metallic amalgam dental filling. This is more durable and suited for molars and premolars that have to deal with a lot of grinding and chewing.
If the dentist recommends a porcelain or gold dental filling, you’ll have to return for a second appointment to have it seated in place with a powerful dental-grade adhesive.
There might be a little pain after dental filling restoration. Though this is usually related to inflammation in the surrounding gums or the pulp of the tooth and should pass within 24 to 48 hours.
Aftercare And Recovery Of Dental Filling
With a lot of dental fillings, you need to stick to eating softer foods, as well as avoiding anything that’s overly hot or cold. After 24 to 48 hours the dental filling material and any dental adhesive should be completely cured and the full function of the tooth will be restored.
Your dentist will provide you with any special aftercare instructions if needed.
Tooth Pain After A Dental Filling
Most people experience little to no pain after a dental filling. Though some mild discomfort isn’t out of the ordinary in the first 24 hours. If you are still experiencing pain after a dental filling 48 hours after treatment, you should consult with your dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity After A Dental Filling
Tooth sensitivity is also somewhat common in the first 24 to 48 hours after a dental filling treatment. Especially when you eat or drink something very cold or very hot.
If you are still experiencing tooth sensitivity in the treated tooth after a few days, you should consult with your dentist.
Types Of Tooth Filling Materials
The size of the treatment area and the location of the tooth will influence the type of dental filling material that your dentist recommends to restore the tooth. This matters most if the treatment area will appear in your smile.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam dental fillings are created from a special blend of silvery metals like silver, tin, and copper. Since they are dark in color, but very hard they are better suited for treating modest areas of tooth decay on back teeth.
Composite Fillings
Composite dental fillings are made from a special type of dental-grade plastic resin. This allows them to be color shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel, which makes them a good choice for treating a front tooth that appears in your smile.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic dental fillings are made from a special type of dental-grade porcelain. This allows them to be shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel, which makes them a good choice for treating a large area of tooth decay that will appear in your smile. Though they usually need to be made in a dental lab, which requires a second appointment to cement the ceramic dental filling in place.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer dental fillings are short-lived dental fillings that are often used as sealants or to help protect a small area of tooth decay on a primary (Baby) tooth. They typically have a lifespan of fewer than 5 years and aren’t typically considered a permanent restoration for adult teeth.
Gold Fillings
Gold dental fillings aren’t as popular as they used to be. Though they are extremely tough and can be a great inlay or overlay dental filling material to treat tooth decay on the biting surface of a molar.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After Getting A Dental Filling?
It’s not uncommon for a tooth treated with a dental filling to experience a little heightened sensitivity in the days following the procedure. This is usually associated with:
- Inflammation in the gums
- Inflammation in the dentin (pulp) of the tooth
- Inflammation in the nerve
FAQ
Most people choose a Novocain injection, or some type of mild sedation to make the dental filling treatment process completely pain-free. Though you might experience some heightened sensitivity and discomfort for a few days afterward as the tooth responds to treatment.
A temporary dental filling is usually a short-term stop-gap to maintain the integrity and comfort of a tooth after the decayed enamel has been removed. The temporary filling only lasts for a week or two while a dental lab prepares the permanent dental filling made from gold or porcelain ceramic.
The average dental filling lasts around 10 years. Though your oral hygiene habits can shorten or increase that length of time significantly. Left unchecked tooth decay can turn to tooth loss and your best chance for restoring the tooth is to resort to cheap dental implants.
After a dental filling procedure, you should stick to eating softer foods. Avoid anything that is overly hot or cold to keep from shocking the nerve inside the recently treated tooth. After 24 to 48 hours the dental filling and/or any dental adhesive will have completely hardened allowing you to eat or drink normally.
After a dental filling it’s best to stick to soft foods and lukewarm beverages. You should also avoid chewing, grinding or biting on the tooth. Taking a standard dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen might also help minimize any discomfort as well as manage sensitivity.
Sources
- Amalgam (2021). Retrieved 13 February 2023, from https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/amalgam
- Dental Filling Options (2023). Retrieved 13 February 2023, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-filling-options
- Treatment Options for Dental Caries (2020). Retrieved 13 February 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings/treatment-options-dental-caries
- Dealing with tooth pain (2019). Retrieved 13 February 2023, from https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(19)30489-1/fulltext
