Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Restore damaged teeth with composite resin fillings that match your natural tooth color. This routine procedure prevents decay and infection, requiring less drilling and offering a more natural, durable solution than metal fillings.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Delaying fillings can seem tempting, especially when a tooth isn’t painful yet, but addressing cavities early is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevent cavities from worsening
- Avoid painful infections or abscesses
- Strengthen teeth weakened by decay
- Save money on future dental treatments
- Reduce sensitivity to temperature changes
- Protect your natural smile for years to come
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To ensure your comfort, we begin by numbing the gums with a local anesthetic. While this step may cause some anxiety, it ensures that your tooth and surrounding area are completely numb, making the procedure virtually painless.
Filling the Tooth
Once numb, we clean and prepare the tooth. An adhesive gel is applied, followed by composite resin, which is shaped to fit the contours of your tooth and bite.
Curing the Composite
A special LED light is used to harden the composite resin quickly. After it sets, the dentist refines and polishes the filling for a smooth, natural finish.
The Cost of a Filling in Meridian
Cavity Treatment Costs and Considerations
Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of cavity treatments, making them an affordable way to prevent more serious dental issues. Depending on your coverage, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $0 to $100. If you’re enrolled in a Smile Plan, the cost usually falls between $143 and $220. For patients without insurance, treatment costs can range from $186 to $408, especially if multiple fillings are needed.
Several factors can influence the final cost of your filling, including:
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Your overall oral health
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The number of fillings required
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The location of the cavity
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Whether updated X-rays are needed
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The time and complexity of the procedure
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The equipment and materials used
Treating cavities early helps prevent more complex procedures, reduces discomfort, and supports long-term dental health.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper oral hygiene, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, fillings can last for more than ten years.
In the past, fillings were commonly made from dental amalgam, also known as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. While there has been some debate about their safety, the American Dental Association states that research has not found any links between amalgam fillings and illness in the general population. If you have silver fillings, there’s no need for concern.
Temporary over-the-counter products may provide short-term relief for a cavity or minor tooth damage, but they cannot replace professional dental care. Cavities are permanent damage that requires proper cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dentist. Ignoring dental decay can lead to serious complications like abscesses or tooth loss.
If you experience severe pain that disrupts eating or sleeping, it’s considered a dental emergency call us immediately. For temporary relief, apply a cold compress and take pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), following the instructions on the label and your doctor’s advice. Be sure to track your medication, dosage, and timing so you can inform us during your visit.
Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, reducing sugary food intake, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings are key to preventing cavities.
Yes, fillings are safe and a common procedure in dentistry. The materials used, such as composite resin or amalgam, are thoroughly tested for safety and durability.
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