Make teeth look and feel natural again.
Dental fillings are the most common procedure performed in our office. They repair and restore the tooth and help prevent painful decay or infection that would require more serious work. We use composite resin fillings that are color matched to your tooth. Unlike amalgam (metal fillings), tooth-colored composite resin bonds really well with the tooth and is capable of filling much smaller spaces which means less drilling!
Why are fillings so important?
The prospect of getting a filling can feel like a chore for many. You may find yourself putting it off or wondering why you need to have a filling in the first place, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt (yet). Nonetheless, we strongly recommend you have your cavities filled at your earliest convenience, and here is why:
- Stop cavities from getting bigger.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses.
- Cavities weaken your tooth. Fillings restore strength and durability.
- They save you money in the long run.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How is a cavity filled?
Gentle Freezing
Before we begin, we will take the time to carefully numb your gums so we can gently freeze the area. People often feel anxious about this step. Freezing will numb your teeth and surrounding area so you barely feel a thing during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
After we confirm that you’re comfortably frozen, your tooth is carefully cleaned and prepped. An adhesive gel is placed on the affected tooth over which a composite resin (white filling material) will be moulded and sculpted to match your contours or bite.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin material used to fill or bond your tooth is quickly cured and hardened with a special LED light. The doctor will carefully examine your finished tooth and make any required finishing touches before giving it a final polish.
The cost of a filling in Knoxville
Fillings are so routine and such a great way to prevent and avoid dental problems that most insurance companies will provide significant coverage for them. With a typical insurance plan you could expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $100+. If you are without dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 and up, especially if you require multiple fillings at once.
When we determine the actual cost of your treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Your current oral health.
- How many fillings you need.
- Where the cavity is located in your mouth.
- Whether or not any new x-rays are required.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet your specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all your needs.
Filling cavities promptly is very important to us, as fillings are so effective at preventing more invasive treatments, preventing serious dental pain and keeping you as happy and healthy as possible.
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
