Dental Fillings Sacramento – Where to Get Your Cavities Fixed
Cavities are one of the most common forms of tooth decay. Luckily, today we have an easy solution to this type of tooth decay: dental fillings.
Although most people receive at least one filling in their lifetime, many find fillings unpleasant. Understanding the process is the best way to alleviate any fear of getting dental fillings. If you’re curious about the dental fillings procedure, you’ve come to the right place.
At Arden Dentistry, we excel in providing tooth-colored fillings that seamlessly blend with natural teeth. Our artistic eye ensures beautiful results, while our in-depth knowledge of tooth anatomy guarantees precise shaping and contouring. With meticulous attention to detail, we create long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing fillings. Choose us for personalized care and expertise in achieving a natural and radiant smile.
This article will explain the dental filling procedure, so you know what to expect. Moreover, you’ll also learn where you can get dental fillings in Sacramento.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a procedure to repair the damage done by tooth decay. Cavities develop into tiny holes in your teeth. This is bad as it makes it easy for food and other substances to infect your tooth.
Cavities can be caused by a multitude of reasons, including:
- Inadequate brushing
- Lack of flossing
- Bacteria
- Overconsumption of sugary drinks
The consequence of these actions is pain or discomfort in your tooth. This can make it more challenging to use that tooth or lead to worse problems down the line. If your cavity worsens, you may need a more extensive procedure to fix it, such as a root canal.
A filling fills that tiny hole to prevent further damage to the tooth. Fillings are typically used to repair tooth decay – namely cavities, but they can also be used to solve other problems.
Fillings can be the recommended treatment to repair chipped, broken, or cracked teeth and teeth worn down from things like biting your nails or grinding your teeth.
The Dental Fillings Procedure – What to Expect
The first part of the cavity-filling procedure is an exam with your dentist. From there, your dentist will determine what filling material is best – and offer you all available options.
Next comes the procedure itself. The process involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, then filling it with the right dental filling solution for your type of cavity. Before this happens, however, your dentist will numb the part of your mouth that the cavity is on to minimize the pain.
Fillings are common and done by dentists every day. The process is pretty quick, usually lasting no more than 20-30 minutes. However, if you need more than one filling, you may need a longer appointment or even several appointments to freeze different parts of your mouth. Generally, expect your filling appointment to take no more than an hour from start to finish.
Once the procedure is over, your mouth might remain frozen for a few hours. However, you should feel little to no pain afterward. The slight discomfort should be manageable enough for you to return to work or school after your procedure.
If you feel any slight pain after, you can use over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help.
What Are Dental Fillings Made Of?
There are several types of dental filling. Some of the most common filling types are:
- Silver-colored fillings (dental amalgam)
- Gold fillings
- Porcelain fillings
- Composite fillings
Silver fillings are the most common type of filling. They are typically made from a material called amalgam.
A dental amalgam silver filling consists of a powdered alloy composed of tin, silver, copper, and liquid or elemental mercury.
Here’s how amalgam filling is used. Your dentist mixes the liquid mercury with the encapsulated powdered alloy to form an amalgam putty. This softened putty is then placed and shaped in the prepared cavity (after the decay has been removed), where it rapidly hardens into a solid filling.
Dental amalgam filling has been used for over a century and is strong, long-lasting, and the least expensive filling material.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Fillings are long-lasting, but they don’t last forever. It’s possible to require another dental filling in the same tooth in the future.
You can typically expect your fillings to last at least ten years without needing to be restored again. However, they can last much longer with proper dental care. If you feel discomfort or pain in the area after your filling, contact your dentist as soon as possible, as it may signify a more serious problem.
Price of Dental Fillings Sacramento
The price of dental fillings isn’t as simple as a single number. The cost of a filling will be different depending on where you go. For dental fillings in Sacramento, you should expect to pay at least $100 for a single filling, which may go up to a few hundred dollars.
The cost of your filling also depends on several factors, including the type of filling you get. As mentioned, silver amalgam fillings are usually the least expensive option, while materials such as composite filling are more expensive because they require more equipment and a more complicated process.
Moreover, needing more than one filling makes the dental fillings procedure more complicated, meaning it can end up costing you more, especially if you end up needing more than one appointment. The level of damage also plays an important factor in the cost of dental fillings.
While fillings can be pricey, it’s important to consider the cost in perspective. Getting a filling is much cheaper than a root canal, a procedure you may have no choice but to pay for if you ignore your cavity. Worse yet, you may eventually end up with no choice but to get an extraction, which may cost you more than just money.
Therefore, a filling is not only an investment in your mouth’s health but may also save you a lot more money in the long run.
Luckily, most dental insurance policies cover the cost of fillings, even if it’s just partial.
Conclusion: Dental Fillings Sacramento
To sum up, the dental filling procedure is usually quick, with an even quicker recovery.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain and suspect you need a filling, contact Arden Dentistry today for your complete dental exam.
