Getting A Tooth Filling? What To Know About Types & Procedures

Fillings are the best way to treat minor cavities, restore your tooth, and adjust tooth shape, size, color, and proportions. As a conservative dentist in Durham, NC, Dr. Mauro Nunes always prefers to restore teeth with tooth-colored fillings rather than opting for more invasive procedures like dental crowns.

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But whether it’s your first time getting a filling or it’s just been a while since you’ve had a tooth filled, you may have some questions about the process. What are dental fillings? Are there different types? How much do they cost? In this guide, we’ll answer all of these questions and many more.

What Is A Dental Filling?

Also called a “tooth filling,” a dental filling uses an artificial material to replace damaged tooth structure and restore your tooth. Fillings are most commonly used to repair teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay (cavities).

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However, fillings can also be used to restore teeth in a few other situations. For example, a filling may be a good option for restoring a tooth with small cracks, minor chips, wear or other damage. 

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With a dental filling from Dr. Nunes at Max Dental Studio, you’ll be able to eliminate any damaged tooth structure, restore the natural shape and function of your teeth, and get your oral health back on track. If you think you need a filling in Durham, NC, our team is here to help!

Understanding Common Types Of Tooth Fillings

There are several different types of fillings that are used in dentistry, and they each have their own pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview of the most common filling types:

Metal amalgam fillings

 Metal amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of mercury, tin, copper, and silver. They are very strong and durable and have a lifespan of 10+ years. Their main drawback is that they are gray-silver in color, which discolors your tooth. Amalgam fillings don’t bond to teeth and expand and contract differently, which can lead to cracks over time.

Tooth-colored fillings

Also called “composite fillings,” tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of crushed glass and dental resin. As the name suggests, they can be matched precisely to the color of your teeth for a seamless restoration. 

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At our office, Dr. Mauro Nunes prefers to restore teeth with tooth-colored fillings. They offer superior aesthetic results and typically require the removal of less natural tooth material, which makes them a great alternative to metal fillings. However, composite fillings require more careful control of the treatment area (no moisture) and are more technique-sensitive than amalgam fillings.

Temporary fillings 

Temporary fillings are typically made from zinc phosphate cement or glass ionomer cement (GIC). These materials are strong, but this type of filling is not meant to be permanent. Temporary fillings are usually used to protect a tooth until the final dental filling can be placed, and are not meant to be permanent. For example, after a root canal, a temporary filling may be placed to protect your tooth until you can get a permanent porcelain crown.

What To Expect From The Filling Treatment Process

Initial consultation

First, you’ll need to come to Max Dental Studio for a consultation with Dr. Mauro Nunes. Dr. Nunes will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and determine if you need a dental filling. 

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If you have a severe cavity or tooth damage that’s too extensive to treat with a filling, an alternative like a root canal and dental crown may be recommended instead. Fillings are very versatile, but a crown will provide superior protection if a tooth is severely damaged.

Numbing and tooth prep

If Dr. Nunes approves you for a filling, you’ll schedule another visit at Max Dental Studio to have your tooth filled. In some cases, the filling can even be done during the same appointment. The process is super simple, and you don’t need to do anything special to prepare for your visit.

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To begin the process, Dr. Nunes will numb your mouth to keep you comfortable and clean your tooth. Then, he will use a dental drill to gently remove tooth material from your cavity. As a minimally invasive dentist, Dr. Nunes will always do his best to preserve as much of your tooth as possible, using a microscope for better view and illumination, along with electric handpieces for greater precision and comfort.

Placing your filling

Once he has finished preparing your tooth, Dr. Nunes will select a composite material that matches your tooth perfectly. Then, he will place it into the cavity, shaping and forming it to restore the shape of your tooth. Once the overall shape of the filling looks right, he will harden it with a blue light, then trim it and refine it to ensure a seamless result.

Finishing up

Once he’s finished placing your filling, Dr. Nunes will check your bite to make sure that your new filling fits into your smile perfectly. He will make any final adjustments, if needed. Then, you’ll be sent home to enjoy your newly restored tooth! The entire filling process typically takes only 30-45 minutes at Max Dental Studio.

Caring For Your Smile After A Dental Filling

Once you get a filling, you’ll be able to get back to your normal routine immediately. Unless you choose to be sedated during your visit, you’ll be able to drive yourself back home, or even go back to work or school right after your visit.

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You can eat as soon as your numbing wears off, and you can start brushing and flossing your new tooth right away, too. There’s no need to make any major adjustments to your lifestyle after you get a filling from Max Dental Studio.

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As far as future oral hygiene goes, just make sure that you brush twice a day for at least two minutes, floss once a day, and see Dr. Mauro Nunes for six-month checkups at Max Dental Studio. Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, these steps will keep your new filling healthy for years to come.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?

The cost varies depending on the size of the filling, its location, the material used, and a variety of other factors. Generally speaking, though, a metal filling will cost between $100 to $200 in North Carolina. 

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Composite fillings are usually a little bit more expensive, with typical costs between $150 and $300. However, they are definitely worth the additional investment, especially if you want to keep your teeth looking bright, white, and shiny.

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Costs can also vary depending on your dental insurance coverage. Most insurance plans will cover 80% of the cost of medically-necessary fillings up to any applicable deductibles or yearly limits. At Max Dental Studio, we’re happy to help you understand your insurance benefits and submit claims on your behalf so that you can maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

Need Dental Fillings In Durham, NC? Come To Max Dental Studio!

If you think you’ve got a cavity and need a dental filling, Dr. Mauro Nunes and the team at Max Dental Studio are here to help. The sooner you get help and restore your tooth, the more likely it is that you can avoid complications like tooth pain and infections.

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So don’t wait. At our office, Dr. Nunes practices minimally invasive dentistry and can repair your tooth with a lifelike, tooth-colored composite filling in Durham, NC. Give us a call at (919) 383-7020 or contact us online to book your first visit and get the expert dental care you need to restore your smile.

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