Dental Fillings in Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC

Dental fillings are small pieces of material that are used to replace damaged or decayed areas of the tooth. Fillings are typically inserted into the face or chewing surface of the tooth after decay has been removed.

Small, medium, and even large cavities can be successfully treated using dental fillings. Patients with damage that has reached the tooth pulp, or cracked or broken teeth are not ideal candidates for dental fillings, however, as these issues require a more extensive form of restorative dentistry.

Dental fillings are safe for use in dental procedures. This particular dental treatment places the highest quality materials currently available in the tooth, in order to limit the spread of decay and strengthen teeth. Teeth that do not receive fillings actually pose a significant hazard to oral health.

Fillings are a beneficial type of dental care because they prevent the spread of tooth decay. Without treatment, tooth decay can lead to negative dental experiences, including the need for root canals and even tooth extractions. Fillings preserve natural teeth and strengthen areas damaged by decay.

Dental fillings are not used when teeth are cracked, broken, or chipped. In these situations, a cosmetic dental service is likely to be the best route.

Modern dental fillings are made from several materials, depending on the location of the cavity and your preferences. Composite resin is the most common choice today; it’s a tooth-colored mixture of plastic and fine glass particles that bonds directly to the tooth. Amalgam fillings are made from a blend of metals, including silver, tin, and mercury, while porcelain fillings are crafted from a ceramic material that closely mimics the look of natural enamel. Our dentists in Ballantyne near Charlotte, NC, will help you choose the right material based on the size and location of your cavity.

There isn’t a single “best” filling for every patient; it depends on the location of the cavity, your budget, and your cosmetic preferences. Composite fillings are the most popular option for patients seeking dental fillings in Ballantyne and Charlotte, NC, since they’re tooth-colored, blend in naturally, and bond well to the tooth structure. For back teeth that handle heavier chewing pressure, some patients prefer the added durability of amalgam or porcelain. 

Our dental office provides different types of fillings to meet different patients’ needs. We will walk you through the pros and cons of each material so you can choose what works best for your smile.

Amalgam and porcelain fillings last longer than composite fillings, but the former is considered unsightly and cannot be changed with teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, and the latter can be extremely expensive. Speak with your dentist to determine what type of filling best suits your needs.

While amalgam (metal) fillings are still used in some cases, many dentists, including our team, favor composite fillings for most patients. Metal fillings are more noticeable, can expand and contract with temperature changes (which may weaken the tooth over time), and typically require removing more healthy tooth structure to place.
Composite fillings, by contrast, bond directly to the tooth, blend in with your natural smile, and preserve more of the original tooth. That said, amalgam fillings are still a durable, cost-effective option in certain situations, and Dr. Aten or Dr. Garofalo can help determine if they’re right for you.

The most common signs that you may need a tooth filling include sensitivity to hot or cold foods, visible holes or dark spots on a tooth, pain when chewing, or a rough or pitted feeling on the tooth’s surface. In many cases, small cavities don’t cause any symptoms at all and are only discovered during a routine dental exam or X-ray. This is why regular checkups with Dr. Aten and Dr. Garofalo, your trusted dentists in Ballantyne near Charlotte, NC, are so important. Catching decay early means a simpler, less invasive filling instead of a more extensive procedure down the road.

Although you will not be able to feel the actual filling being placed in the tooth, you will likely feel a pinch when pain relief medication is injected and a sense of pressure when the tooth is being drilled. The filling will not provide sensation when it is placed, though your bite may feel different for a few days following filling placement. If bite displacement persists, be sure to contact your dentist.

If you keep a close eye on your fillings, you might be able to notice signs of wear and tear, or discoloration. Many people do not know where their fillings are, let alone what they look like, and may not be able to identify changes. Fillings should be replaced any time they fall out but should be checked periodically, too. Regular teeth cleanings and examinations can help stay on top of any worn or damaged fillings.

Many people believe that fillings, once placed, last forever. This is not the case, however, and all fillings will eventually need to be replaced, or you risk further damage to teeth. Depending on the material, fillings can last between 5 and 20 years.

Ideally, the process is not painful at all. Our dental practice, like most, is equipped with pain relief techniques that allow our patients to receive cavity treatment without experiencing a great deal of pain or discomfort.

Dental fillings themselves do not hurt, but the filling process might. Prior to placing a filing, your dentist will likely give you a numbing cream or shot, as the drilling and decay removal process can be painful. Once the decay has been removed and the area has been drilled, the filling will be placed.

Yes. Dentists use pain relief injections or gas to relieve pain during fillings to make sure their patients have a great experience, rather than a pain-filled one. The decay removal process is often uncomfortable (or painful), as is the process of having your tooth drilled. Pain injections remove the sensation of pain and allow dental professionals to place fillings pain-free.

Most tooth filling procedures are completed in 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of cavities being treated. Smaller, single-surface fillings can often be done in under half an hour, while larger or multiple fillings may take a bit longer. The process includes numbing the area, removing decay, and shaping and polishing the new filling. Most patients are back to their normal routine the same day.

After receiving a filling, avoid eating or drinking until the numbness has fully worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. For the first day or two, it’s a good idea to chew on the opposite side of your mouth if you experience any soreness. Continue brushing twice daily and flossing once a day as you normally would, and avoid extremely hot, cold, or hard foods if the tooth feels sensitive. If discomfort lasts more than a few days or your bite feels uneven, contact your dentist right away.

Dental filling costs will vary from material to material and case to case. The larger the point of decay is, the more a filling will cost. If a tooth has a small area that has decayed, a filling will not require as much material and will be less expensive. If a tooth has a lot of decay, or multiple points of decay, a filling will cost more. 

Typically, dental insurance will cover some amount of dental filling costs. Dental fillings are considered necessary by dentists and insurance companies, alike, and are typically at least partially covered. To determine whether or not fillings are covered, contact your insurance company.

The cost of dental fillings in Ballantyne and Charlotte, NC, varies based on the size of the cavity, the material used, and the location of the tooth. On average, fillings can range from around $100 for a small, single-surface composite filling up to $400 or more for larger or multi-surface restorations. Porcelain fillings tend to cost more than composite or amalgam. Many dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of filling costs, since they’re considered a necessary restorative treatment to protect your oral health.

For an accurate quote, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us. At Aten & Garofalo Dentistry, we’re happy to discuss financing options and help you choose the best filling materials that fit your needs and budget.