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 Numbing
Before we begin, we’ll take the time to gently numb your teeth and the surrounding area. We know this step can make some patients feel a little anxious, but rest assured—our approach is calm and careful to ensure your comfort. Once the area is numb, you’ll 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
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.
It is important to note that no accurate quote can be provided over the phone, as each case is unique. Undergoing an oral exam and consulting with a dentist is necessary to determine your specific treatment options and receive an accurate cost estimate. If you have dental insurance, we are happy to provide you with a quote that you can submit to your insurance company to determine your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
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
