Fillings and Sealants
Tooth decay and cavities are common dental issues. Receiving a tooth-colored filling to restore your tooth helps prevent the problem from developing into something worse.
Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings are a common restorative procedure used to repair teeth damaged by decay. A tooth filling involves removing decayed material and filling the cavity with a durable material to restore the tooth’s shape and function. We offer various filling materials, including composite (tooth-colored) fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings. For cavities in visible areas, composite fillings are ideal as they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We provide affordable tooth fillings with flexible payment plans and options for patients without insurance. It’s normal to experience some tooth sensitivity after a filling, but this typically resolves quickly. If your tooth filling fell out or you have prolonged discomfort, contact us immediately.
Sealants
Sealants are a preventative measure to protect your teeth from cavities. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to prevent decay. They act as a barrier, keeping food particles and bacteria out of the grooves and crevices where cavities often form. Both children and adults can benefit from sealants, and they are particularly effective for children who are still learning proper oral hygiene techniques.
-
How much does a tooth filling cost?
We aim to provide quality dental care that’s affordable for our patients. Tooth filling cost varies based on the type and number of fillings you need. Dental sealants have a standard price, listed below. Out of pocket cost for any procedure depends on your insurance coverage at the time of the procedure.
- Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: $165-$318
- Composite (White) Anterior Fillings: $190-$369
- Composite (White) Posterior Fillings: $207-$410
- Dental Sealants Cost: $70
-
How do cavity fillings work?
Cavity and tooth fillings are required because of deterioration of holes left in the tooth due to tooth decay. Left unchecked, the decay will continue to spread and damage the tooth. During the filling procedure dentists clean away the decay inside the cavity, usually with a drill to prevent further damage. But this doesn’t fix the damage that has already been created, so a filling is necessary. The intent of the filling is to replace the part of the tooth that is missing or destroyed by tooth decay. The dentist molds the filling to match the shape of the surrounding tooth, which restores the strength and integrity of the tooth and prevents further decay from happening.
-
Should I have tooth sensitivity after a filling?
When you get a filling, the area around the infected tooth is numbed by your dentist. As a result, you likely won’t feel anything for an hour or two after your appointment but once the numbing wears off it is typical to feel pain in your teeth and gums.
Pain is common when drinking or eating anything that is hot or cold. It is also common when you brush or floss near the infected tooth. Tender gums are also typical after getting a cavity filled.
Minimize Tooth Sensitivity
You can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth and gums by:
- Taking an anti-inflammatory drug like Advil or Motrin
- Temporarily avoiding hot, cold, or acidic foods and beverages such as fruit, wine, and yogurt
- Brush and floss more gently
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive
-
Who qualifies for dental sealants?
Sealants are designed for healthy teeth that have yet to develop cavities. In most cases, they’re placed on permanent molars shortly after they come in (around the ages of 6 and 12, respectively). However, adults can choose to get sealants too. It may be that their childhood sealants came off or they’re starting to develop cavities in other teeth for the first time.
Investing in affordable dental sealants can help you prevent more extensive (and expensive) oral health treatments in the future.
What are you waiting for?
At Nashoba Family Dentists, we believe in providing the best dental care at the most affordable prices. Make an appointment, contact our office, or explore all of the dental services we provide using the links below.
