Fillings
Driftwood Dental Studio places dental fillings in Wilmington, NC to repair cavities and small areas of damage before they turn into bigger problems. Dr. Jenny Turek and Dr. Prasad Vasamsetti numb the tooth, remove the decay, and fill the space so the tooth is sealed and strong again, usually in a single visit. Tooth-colored (composite) fillings are matched to the shade of your natural teeth. Most dental plans cover part of the cost of a filling.
Have a sensitive or sore tooth? Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, are most often made of silver amalgam. The strength and durability of this traditional dental material makes it useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, often in the back of the mouth.
Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.
What’s right for me?
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations, including:
- The components used in the filling material
- The amount of tooth structure remaining
- Where and how the filling is placed
- The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
- The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth
Before your treatment begins, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. In preparation for this discussion it may be helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings — direct and indirect.
- Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in one appointment.
- Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The dentist then places a temporary covering over the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.
Frequently asked questions about fillings
Does getting a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does a filling last?
It depends on the size of the filling, where it is in your mouth, and the material. Many last for years, and we check every filling at your regular exams so we can repair or replace one before it fails.
How much does a filling cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost depends on the size and location of the filling and the material, and we give you an exact quote first. Most dental plans cover fillings in part. We are in-network with more than 30 dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Guardian. We check your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment. See the full list on our Financial Information page.
When does a tooth need a crown instead of a filling?
When the damage is too large for a filling to hold, or the tooth is cracked or has had a root canal, a crown protects the whole tooth. For small chips and cosmetic repairs, dental bonding is another option.
What happens if I wait to treat a cavity?
A cavity keeps growing. A small one that needs a simple filling today can reach the nerve and need a root canal and crown, or an extraction, later. Cavities are often painless early on, which is why regular exams matter.
Visit us
Driftwood Dental Studio is at 5225 Sigmon Rd, Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28403, just off Market Street near Mayfaire. We are open Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
