At Greene Street Dental, we can treat tooth pain and decay with dental fillings. Once your teeth are healthy, we can help you prevent cavities with routine dental cleanings and patient education.
Traditionally, different kinds of metals are used to fill cavities; however, many offices are moving towards primarily composite fillings. Each material comes with unique advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a rundown of the four primary types of cavity fillings:
Amalgam
Probably the most common and cost-effective material, amalgam is a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, and tin. They tend to look silver, though over time they can tarnish and turn black. Amalgam fillings can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, and they last for 15 years or more (depending on your hygiene and oral habits). While amalgam makes cavity treatment more accessible, and it’s proven to be a durable and long-lasting solution, it does cause problems for some. Because amalgam is a conductive metal, it can cause tooth sensitivity. It also expands and contracts with extreme temperature, sometimes injuring the tooth or opening it up to additional decay. For most people, amalgam fillings are a long-lasting, safe, and comfortable option.
Gold
This more expensive filling material is often used in areas that see a lot of pressure such as the molars and bicuspids. Well-taken-care-of gold fillings can last 30 years, but they are less cost-accessible, as they can cost anywhere from $250 to $4,500. One huge advantage of gold over silver is that it is more malleable. This allows the dentist to make a more precise mold of the cavity, get rid of less of the natural tooth during drilling, and create a tighter, long-lasting fit.
Ceramic
About on par with gold in terms of cost, ceramic (or porcelain) fillings tend to be long-lasting and durable, and they are naturally colored. They can be tailored to match the exact shade of your existing teeth. Ceramic has a unique ability to bond to the tooth that metal fillings just don’t have. Because ceramic is custom-made for the cavity and bonded with adhesive, the fit is close and comfortable. These can last for 15 years or more with proper hygiene.
Composite
There’s a reason that many offices are moving toward exclusively providing composite fillings. While they don’t last as long as traditional fillings, they bond closely with the tooth to protect from decay and are not sensitive to hot or cold. The cost of a composite filling varies per office but may land somewhere between $135 and $300. Composite fillings are made of a plastic resin that is bonded to the tooth with UV light. They are invisible to the eye (though they may stain over time) and can last up to 10 years.
The best way to tell if you need a filling is to get looked at by our dentist. We can perform a dental check-up using X-Ray or intraoral scanners to detect signs of decay.
If you’re not sure whether you should go to a dentist, though, here are some other clues that you might have a cavity:
Don’t wait if you’re experiencing tooth pain. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your cavity will turn into a dental emergency.
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