If you have a cavity or other tooth damage, you may need to get a tooth filling. Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures and an important way to repair teeth and prevent further decay. Here is some important information about getting a tooth filling in Pennsylvania.
Types of Fillings
There are several different materials dentists use for fillings in Pennsylvania:
Composite Resin - This tooth-colored filling material is the most commonly used today. It can match the shade of your natural teeth and blends in seamlessly. Composite fillings are strong, durable, and require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure.
Amalgam - Often called "silver fillings," amalgams are a metal mixture of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and zinc. They have been used for over 150 years and are strong and long-lasting. However, mercury has raised some health concerns, causing many patients to favor composite instead.
Glass Ionomer - These fillings release fluoride to help prevent cavities. They bond well to teeth but are not as strong as composite or amalgam. They are often used for fillings in baby teeth.
Gold - Gold is durable, strong, and non-corrosive. While still used, gold fillings are not as common today due to their high cost and unsightly metallic appearance.
Ceramic - Ceramic fillings match the color of natural teeth and are metal-free. However, they are not as strong as some other filling options.
The Dental Filling Process
Getting a filling in Pennsylvania involves just a few steps:
Numbing - The dentist will first numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. This prevents you from feeling any pain during the procedure.
Tooth Preparation - The dentist uses a drill to remove any decay and shape the tooth into a preparation to hold the filling. For small fillings, only minor reshaping is needed. Larger fillings require more removal of tooth structure.
Filling Placement - The dentist then places the filling material into the prepared space and sculpts it into the proper shape. The material will be cured with a special dental light.
Polishing - Once cured, the dentist will polish the filling using dental instruments to smooth it down and make sure it matches the contour of the rest of the tooth.
The filling procedure usually takes less than an hour. While no anesthesia is totally pain-free, the procedure should not be significantly uncomfortable. Let your dentist know if you have any sensitivities during the appointment.
Cost of Tooth Fillings in Pennsylvania
The cost of tooth fillings in Pennsylvania can range from $75 to $300 per filling depending on the type of material used:
Composite Fillings - $75 to $200
Amalgam Fillings - $75 to $150
Gold Fillings - $250 to $300+
Ceramic Fillings - $100 to $300
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants at no charge and fillings at 50% to 80%. Without insurance, payment plans or dental discount programs can help reduce costs.
Some factors that affect the filling price are the specific tooth, how complex the procedure is, how much tooth needs removed, and whether a specialty dentist like an endodontist performs the filling. Molars, which have multiple roots and canals, are often more expensive to fill than single-root teeth.
Follow-up Care for Tooth Fillings
It's important to properly care for a new filling to ensure it lasts. Be gentle brushing and flossing around the area for a few days. Stick to soft foods and avoid very hot or cold foods which could cause sensitivity.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist within six months to make sure the tooth and filling are functioning properly. Call your dentist right away if you notice any problems like cracking, pain, or loosening of the filling.
With proper oral care and regular dental visits, a high-quality tooth filling can last 5-15 years or even longer before needing replacement. Getting a cavity filled quickly prevents more tooth structure loss and expensive treatments like crowns or root canals.
Visiting the Dentist
Getting a filling or any other dental work in Pennsylvania is easy and convenient with the wide range of qualified dentists across the state. When choosing a dentist, look for one that accepts your insurance, has convenient office hours and location, makes you feel comfortable, and follows proper safety procedures.
Protect your smile by brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, eating healthy foods low in sugar, and scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams. Catching problems early with routine care can prevent more complex procedures like fillings down the road. Be proactive about your dental health!
Best Dental Clinic for Dental Filling in Easton PA
If you live in the Easton, PA area and need a dental filling or any other dental services, be sure to consider Haddad Dental. Dr. Kamal Haddad and his exceptional dental team have been providing high-quality comprehensive dental care to Easton families for over 15 years. Patients love Haddad Dental for our friendly staff, state-of-the-art technology, relaxing office environment, convenient appointment scheduling, and always going above and beyond for patient comfort. We offer a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry solutions for patients of all ages. From professional cleanings to dental fillings and crowns, you can trust the experienced dentists at Haddad Dental to take great care of your smile. Visit our office in downtown Easton or learn more about their services at www.haddaddental.com to schedule your next appointment.
