Although quality dental treatment may be costly, saving yourself from the pain of tooth decay more than justifies the price.
The tooth filling cost varies depending on the extent of the decay, the type of material required and the dentist.
The Australian Dental Association estimates an average tooth filling costs $172 for smaller teeth and around $374 for bigger teeth. The dental filling cost will rise if a much more complex procedure is required, for example, if the cavity is deep and goes up to the sensory nerves a root canal dental treatment should be done.
The dentist cleans the tooth of all the rot and ensures that the pain does not reach the nerves. The cavity is then sealed with a suitable filler material. Unfortunately, all the dental services involved in a root canal come at a higher cost. This procedure can cost between $2,640 and $4,488.A dental filling involving a root canal can be expensive for most people, so check your health insurance provider if you have coverage.
Dental filling materials vary in appearance, strength and cost. The most popular materials include amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, gold and porcelain fillings.
Amalgam fillings are made from several metals and can last more than ten years. An amalgam filling is affordable and preferred by most patients.
Composite fillings are filler materials made in a way that they match the original colour of your teeth. This material is preferred in most dental practices because it's tooth-coloured and gives a natural look. It's relatively expensive and less durable, specifically when used in the back teeth of adults.
Glass ionomer cement is a rarely-used filling material. It's made out of acrylic and glass and lasts for a shorter period. The material is commonly applied below the gums and produces fluoride for some time to strengthen the tooth structure. It's a weak material that's preferably applied in small cavities.
The time taken may be influenced by whether it's a direct or indirect procedure. For a direct process, the cavity is filled straight away after cleaning. The most commonly used fillers for this dental care process include amalgam material and composite resin.
For the indirect type of filling, dentists will have to record your dental impression first. This is then taken to a dental lab for customisation of the filler material to ensure it perfectly complements the existing teeth. Indirect procedures usually take more time and they are often done during the next visit. This is different to an x-ray.Although it generally takes at least 20 minutes up to one hour, the precise time may also be influenced by material type and cavity size. You may require only a single visit for direct dental work and at least two for an indirect one. It's essential to consult a dentist to ascertain how long the process will take.
People fear dental processes because of the perception that they are painful. However, they're usually painless in most cases. There are usually no sensory nerves in cavities that are to be filled. Anaesthesia is also administered to numb the region for a painless procedure. A numbing gel is used to ensure a painless injection. This is a necessary precaution to facilitate a smooth and pain-free filling. Some patients may experience a localised pain from the injection and cavity filling. This pain will not last for long and it may be gone after a day. Sometimes it may be because the mouth is still adjusting to the work and it should feel better after some time.