What Is a Tooth Filling?

Also called a dental filling or cavity filling, a tooth filling is a restorative treatment designed to arrest tooth decay and fill a hole in a tooth (called dental caries or cavities) caused by decay. 

Types of Tooth Fillings

There are several types of tooth fillings made from a variety of different materials. Our dentists can talk with you about your options and help you choose the type of filling that is best for you. 

• Resin Composite Tooth Filling - Resin composite tooth fillings are the most commonly used type of dental filling, especially when a patient requires a front tooth filling. This material is dyed to match the color of the surrounding tooth enamel, making the dental filling look like a natural part of the tooth. 
• Silver Tooth Filling—Silver amalgam tooth fillings used to be the most common type of filling, but they are not as aesthetically pleasing as tooth-colored fillings and also tend not to last as long. 
• Gold Tooth Filling - Gold is a highly durable material for tooth fillings, but it is not as aesthetically pleasing as tooth-colored fillings and can also be quite expensive. 
• Porcelain Tooth Filling - Porcelain is a good choice for filling larger cavities, as it is a highly durable material that also closely resembles tooth enamel. 
• Temporary Tooth Filling - If a patient is receiving a type of filling that must be manufactured in a dental laboratory outside of our dental office, then a temporary tooth filling made of a softer material (such as glass ionomers or zinc oxide eugenol) might be applied while the patient waits for their permanent restoration. 
• Over-the-Counter Tooth Filler - In dental emergencies, over-the-counter tooth filler can be applied to a dental cavity when you are experiencing pain and tooth sensitivity. However, this is not a treatment and only provides temporary relief. If you have any oral pain, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible. 

The type of tooth filling that is right for each patient depends on several factors, such as the patient's needs, the size and location of the cavity, and preferences. In cases where the size of a cavity is so large that it has significantly weakened a tooth or compromised its interior pulp, more extensive treatments might be needed, such as root canal therapy and restoration with porcelain inlays, onlays, or dental crowns. 

Why You Might Need a Dental Filling

Our mouths are filled with bacteria, producing acid as a byproduct. Some of the foods and beverages we consume are also acidic. This repeated and almost constant exposure to acid gradually eats away at and erodes the tooth enamel (the hard, outermost layer of the teeth). This erosion is called tooth decay, and eventually, tooth decay becomes so advanced that it can create holes in the tooth enamel and deeper layers of the teeth, such as the dentin. 

When cavities form in teeth, a dental filling is needed to prevent decay and erosion from worsening, protect the tooth from further damage, and restore it to its original form. 

When to See a Dentist: Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay and Dental Caries

When you first develop tooth decay and dental cavities, patients often don't experience any symptoms. In these cases, you might not realize you have a problem until you visit the dentist for your routine dental exam and prophylaxis cleaning. 

When tooth decay is more advanced, patients might notice the following signs and symptoms of cavities:

• Persistent toothache
• Pain when biting down
• Pain when exposed to sugar or acidity
• Tooth sensitivity (general and temperature-related)
• One or more brown or black spots on the tooth
• Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
• Signs of infection around the affected tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms or notice visible signs of a cavity, you should visit the dentist right away. 

The Cavity Filling Procedure: What to Expect When Getting a Tooth Filling

We ensure that patients are completely comfortable during tooth filling procedures, using strong local anesthetic and sedation dentistry when preferred by the patient. 

The treatment process begins with the removal of dead and diseased tissue and the sterilization of the tooth. We then apply the filling material and form it to fit the tooth and ensure a comfortable bite. The filling material is then cured and set, and the patient can return to their normal daily activities. 

How Much Do Tooth Fillings Cost?

The cost of tooth fillings can vary depending on the size of the cavity and the material being used. On average, they range from about $100 to $500 per tooth. Most dental insurance policies include coverage for tooth fillings since they are considered a medically necessary restorative treatment. 

Comprehensive General and Restorative Dental Care With Tooth Fillings by Benca & Gee Dental Wellness

If you're experiencing any tooth pain or sensitivity, we encourage you to visit our dental office for a checkup right away. The earliest stages of tooth decay can sometimes be reversed with a professional fluoride treatment, but if you have already developed a cavity, we can provide you with immediate treatment to prevent the problem from worsening and compromising the integrity of your tooth. We always use the highest quality materials and most advanced treatment techniques to ensure positive treatment experiences and exceptional treatment outcomes. 

To learn more about dental fillings and your cavity treatment options, we welcome you to contact Benca & Gee Dental Wellness in Tukwila to request an appointment today.

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