What is a Filling?
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back its normal function and shape. when a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first remove the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material.
By closing off spaces were bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay. Materials used for fillings include gold, porcelain, a composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).
If your dentist decides to fill a cavity, he or she will first remove the decay and clean the affected area. At the beginning of your filling procedure, you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. The dentist will cut through the enamel using a drill to remove any decay.
After the dentist removes the decay, the dentist will shape the space to ready it for the filling. The cleaned-out cavity will then be filled with any of the variety of materials described above. After the filling has been placed, your dentist will polish the tooth.
Only your dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. During a checkup, your dentist will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth.
Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special instruments. Your dentist may also X-ray your entire mouth or a section of it. The type of treatment your dentist chooses will depend on the extent of damage caused by decay.
Routine exams and cleanings are a great way to avoid major problems with tooth decay and keep tooth fillings to a minimum. It’s also a great way to minimize the effects of a cavity and take care of the problem while it is small.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are 3 main types of dental fillings that range in materials and cost. These include composite fillings, amalgam fillings, and ceramic fillings.
Composite fillings get their name because they are made of a tooth-colored resin material. This material is color-matched to your existing teeth so that it looks like a normal part of your smile. If you are looking to whiten your teeth soon, we can have them be a few shades lighter in preparation. Composite fillings work for both front and back teeth. We bond them directly to the tooth structure, which prevents leakage and cracking.
Amalgam fillings have a long history in the world of dentistry and are considered the most common type of filling available. They are made up of a mixture of metals. The common ingredients include traces of tin, copper, mercury, and silver. These types of fillings are generally more affordable. Amalgam fillings are also quite durable, which makes them prime candidates for fillings on molars and teeth used heavily with chewing.
If you’ve ever heard the term ‘porcelain fillings,’ these are ceramic fillings. They are made of ceramic materials designed to mirror your natural tooth enamel. Ceramic fillings are extremely resistant to stains and are better for people with sensitivities. If you are allergic to any of the other materials used in composite or amalgam fillings, ceramic fillings are the way to go.
The Dental Fillings Procedure
We will conduct an examination of the problem area to identify where the cavity is and how extensive it is. We typically use an X-ray machine at our Colorado Springs office to get a clearer look at it to figure out the best way forward.
At Pinnacle Dentistry, we take every precaution to ensure you are comfortable during any dental procedure. For fillings, we often use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area to help avoid any pain. Please let us know if you are still experiencing any painful sensations so we can adjust the level of anesthesia.
We will begin removing any decayed portion of the tooth with dental tools to prepare the area for the filling placement. The tooth and surrounding area will be cleaned and dried as well, ensuring we have a suitable area for the filling.
After the area is cleaned and prepped, we’ll place the filling (either amalgam, ceramic, or composite) into the area and shape it along the way so it matches the surrounding tooth. Any color matching will be done as well, if possible.
Your dentist can adjust the filling once placed to test out the bite alignment so you don’t experience any pain or discomfort after you leave. This step is critical because you don’t want to risk cracking the filling or any leakage of filling materials from eating food. We’ll also polish the tooth to give it a nice shine so it blends well with your other teeth.
We recommend a good oral hygiene regimen, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups/cleanings, to ensure the filling stays in place and that the rest of your teeth are kept in good health. With proper care, you can prevent having to come in for another filling.
Pinnacle Dentistry's Colorado Springs Filling Process
Contact our office to request a consultation for your filling. We’ll do an examination and determine the best type of filling for your teeth and budget.
If you are not able to do it on the same day, we’ll find a suitable appointment time for you to come in and have your filling placed. We will do our best to work with your schedule and find a convenient time. Most fillings are roughly an hour, though this depends on the severity of the cavity.
We are confident you will be satisfied with your filling and resulting smile. We will schedule any follow-up appointments to check the filling and make sure there aren’t any issues. Trust Pinnacle Dentistry to provide quality fillings in Colorado Springs.
Request Your Colorado Springs Filling Appointment
Experiencing pain or discomfort in your teeth? Don’t suffer through it! Contact Pinnacle Dentistry and we’ll get you in as soon as possible so you can get your dental fillings and get back to your beautiful, pain-free smile.
Colorado Springs Dental Filling FAQ
The price of your dental fillings ranges based on the type of material used, the location of the filling, and the severity of the cavity. Amalgam fillings are generally the most affordable. Contact us about your dental fillings in Colorado Springs to get a better idea of how much it could cost based on an examination.
Many different dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of fillings. Check with your dental insurance provider to see what is included in your coverage. Pinnacle Dentistry accepts several different dental insurance plans. We’ll go over your coverage with you beforehand to confirm pricing and what is available.
Dental fillings have several benefits. These include preventing further decay or cavities in the problem area. They also preserve the structure of your existing tooth and prevent more serious issues like crown replacement or the need for implants.
If you let cavities rot for an extended period of time, you may end up needing more extensive work. Fillings prevent this and restore your tooth’s function back to its normal operation. Lastly, fillings help restore the natural look of your teeth since cavities can lead to discoloration and leave an unsightly blemish on your smile.
Yes! We accept Care Credit plans and can help you set up a new Care Credit account if you are looking to finance the Colorado Springs filling procedure versus paying for everything upfront. Our staff can walk you through the process and make sure everything is squared away before the procedure.