Let's Talk Dental Fillings

Authored By: Greg Johnstone

Reviewed By: Gary Alex, DMD

• Dental Filling Materials

A dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing.

Enamel loss is a common component of tooth decay, and may result in tooth sensitivity. In many cases, tooth sensitivity caused by enamel loss will be significantly improved or completely eliminated once an appropriate dental filling material is placed. But in some cases, depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage, the affected tooth may require additional or alternative procedures, including:

• Dental Crowns: Teeth requiring more support than offered by a traditional filling may require a dental crown.
• Dental Implants and Dental Bridges: Irreparable tooth damage requiring tooth extraction may require an implant or bridge.
• Root Canals (perhaps along with antibiotic treatment): Infected, abscessed or nerve damaged teeth may require a root canal procedure.

Dental Fillings: The Procedure

During preventative dental hygiene checkups, or dental emergency visits prompted by a toothache, your dentist evaluates your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure. He identifies the number of tooth surfaces affected by decay or damage, and then prepares the tooth and necessary surrounding areas in order to restore the damaged area. The decay or damage is removed with a dental hand-piece or laser, and the area is cleansed to remove bacteria or debris before the restoration is completed.

The first step in performing a composite filling procedure involves isolation of the tooth. Tooth isolation is critical in a composite restoration, because it prevents moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The bonding procedure requires the placement of various adhesives followed by the composite material, which is then hardened with a special bonding light. The completed composite restoration is both functional and natural looking.

Dental Filling Costs

Composite fillings are usually more expensive than traditional amalgam fillings because they require a more sophisticated process, more expensive materials and additional office equipment. Composite materials offer an esthetic alternative to traditional amalgam materials. As such, people who have previously received amalgam fillings often return to their dentist to have them replaced with composite fillings.

The cost of dental fillings depends on a variety of factors, including:

• The dentist who performs the procedure.
• The location where it is performed.
• The type of dental insurance you have. As mentioned above, dental insurance typically does not cover the additional costs associated with composite fillings.
• The number of tooth surfaces that need filling. For example, one tooth may have only one surface affected by decay or damage, while another tooth may have one or all surfaces affected by decay or damage.

On average, amalgam fillings are expected to last approximately 12 years, while composite fillings are expected to last five to seven years. This of course is dependent on your unique considerations, the care with which you treat your oral hygiene and your commitment to continued dental visits.

• Dental Filling Materials

[Updated May 2008]

Back to Top