Cost of a Tooth Filling
If you have a cavity or other forms of damage to a tooth, it’s important to handle those issues before they get worse. One popular option for the repair of a tooth after tooth decay has occurred is a tooth filling. Below is more information about what tooth fillings are, why you may need them and the tooth filling cost.
What Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental repair prosthetic that is used to replace a portion of a tooth that has been damaged either due to injury or decay. This option allows the patient to maintain a significant portion of their healthy tooth, while also restoring the functionality.
Why Would I Need a Filling?
It is important to have a filling placed in order to increase the strength of a damaged tooth, and to return its durability. Tooth fillings will also help to prevent future decay, and will help in alleviating the pain you may be experiencing due to a damaged tooth. Once a tooth has been damaged, some form of repair is necessary, and for cavities, that option is often tooth fillings.
Temporary Fillings
There are actually different materials that you can choose from when it comes time to place your tooth filling. While many patients go with an option like amalgam, others go with options like ceramic or cast gold. Depending on the option that is chosen, a dentist will be able to place the filling immediately, or will need to wait until the tooth filling is fabricated to place it. If this is the case, a temporary filling will be used.
Temporary fillings help to protect the tooth while the permanent filling is being manufactured. It’s important to note that temporary fillings are not as durable as permanent fillings. Because of this, a patient needs to take extra special care while chewing, biting, brushing and flossing to ensure the integrity of the temporary filling.
What Factors Affect the Tooth Filling Cost?
The actual cost of a tooth filling depends on a variety of different factors. The first factor is whether or not there is a cavity that needs to be addressed. Cleaning away the tooth decay and prepping the tooth takes additional effort, which means a higher expense. The actual tooth that has been affected, the amount of damage and other issues may also be factors. Finally, there is the consideration of which materials are being used. For instance, amalgam is often more affordable than cast gold.
It’s also important to consider any dental insurance you may have. Dental insurance will often cover a portion of the tooth filling cost. Speak with your insurance company about the tooth filling cost, and what portion of the tooth filling cost they will pay.
Visit Your Dentist
In order to better understand the tooth filling cost, as well as the placement procedure and options for materials, visit your dentist. They can take a look at the damage to better determine the tooth filling cost, and can begin working on clearing away the tooth decay so they can place the filling.
Contact West Mobile Dental Care in Mobile, AL for more information about Dental / Tooth Fillings.
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