At Naples Dental Professionals, we place a strong emphasis on preventative care and patient education to ensure that our patients’ teeth and gums stay strong and healthy. Sometimes, however, teeth can still suffer from tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria and acid inside the mouth wear away tooth enamel, causing dental caries (cavities) to form in the teeth. When cavities form, the best treatment option for simultaneously preventing further decay and restoring the tooth are tooth fillings. 

What Is a Tooth Filling?

Also called a dental filling, a tooth filling is a restorative treatment for addressing dental caries by filling the hole that tooth decay has formed on the surface of a tooth. 

Types of Tooth Fillings

Tooth fillings can be made of a variety of different materials commonly used in dentistry. Some of the most common types of dental fillings include:

• Composite Resin Tooth Filling – Also called a tooth colored filling, a composite resin filling is the most popular type of filling (and the type of filling we most frequently use in our dental practice). These fillings are made of composite resin (a highly durable type of plastic) that is dyed to match the color of the natural tooth. As a result, these fillings look natural and are the most discreet way of treating a cavity. 
• Metal Tooth Filling – Metal tooth fillings (commonly made of gold, silver amalgam, or stainless steel) used to be the preferred method for filling teeth. These fillings, however, don’t last as long as composite fillings and are also much more visible. 
• Porcelain or Ceramic – Dental porcelain or ceramic can be used for dental fillings, and sometimes, this material is recommended for larger dental caries. 
• Glass Ionomer – This tooth-colored material actually releases fluoride to help strengthen and prevent surrounding tooth enamel. Despite its benefits, it’s not as strong as composite resin and is usually only recommended on some smaller dental caries. 
• Temporary Tooth Filling – A temporary tooth filling is a non-permanent filling temporarily placed to protect a damaged tooth while the patient undergoes additional treatment or tooth preparation before a permanent filling is placed. 

Signs and Symptoms: How to Know If You Need a Tooth Filling

Most often, patients are not aware that they have a cavity and need a dental filling. Sometimes, however, patients will experience symptoms. This is more often the case when a patient has a more advanced cavity (such as one that extends deeper than the tooth enamel). 

Signs and symptoms of dental cavities include:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain flossing
• Rough or uneven tooth surface
• Dark (black or brown) spot on the tooth
• Persistent bad breath
• Bad taste in the mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms,  schedule a dental examination with us as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the need for more complex and invasive treatments. 

The Cavity Filling Procedure: What to Expect When Getting a Tooth Filling

The tooth filling procedure is routine and fairly simple. We ensure that patients experience no pain and are comfortable throughout treatment by using a local anesthetic that ensures the treatment area is fully numbed. In some cases, patients might benefit from the addition of sedation dentistry services that can help them stay calm, relaxed, and happy throughout treatment, as well. 

At Naples Dental Professionals, Dr. Consuegra uses an examination and digital X-rays to evaluate the extent of damage and create a treatment plan. We then prepare the patient’s tooth for filling. This process typically includes drilling and sterilizing the decayed area of the tooth to remove all dead or diseased tissue and bacteria. 

We then dye composite resin to match the color of the natural tooth and apply it to fill the cavity in the tooth. The resin is shaped, molded, and smoothed to restore the natural contours of the tooth. We then use a special light to cure and harden the resin, completing the treatment process. 

How Much Does a Tooth Filling Cost?

Dental fillings cost an average of $100 to $500 per tooth. The price of dental fillings depends on the type of filling being used, the size of the cavity, and the type of treatment needed to prepare the tooth. For example, if a patient requires a root canal before receiving a dental filling, the total treatment cost could be higher. Most dental insurance policies include coverage for dental fillings, as they are restorative treatments needed for medical reasons. 

Our office can provide you with an estimate for your treatment costs and help you navigate your insurance policy so you can better anticipate your out-of-pocket expenses. 

Is a Tooth Filling Right for You? Other Alternative Dental Treatments

For small to moderate-sized cavities, damage, and decay, dental fillings are typically the most conservative treatment option available to arrest decay and restore a tooth. 

For teeth with more extensive damage or decay, alternative treatments might needed. In these types of cases, our dentists might recommend an alternative treatment, such as a dental crown (that completely caps and protects the exposed portion of the tooth) or an inlay or onlay (a larger tooth-colored filling designed to cover a significant portion of the top of a tooth). 

Restore Your Smile With Tooth Fillings by Naples Dental Professionals

If you have been diagnosed with dental caries or another type of damage that requires filling, our dentist at Naples Dental Professionals will ensure you have a positive experience and successful treatment outcome with tooth filling in Naples, FL. To learn more about the comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic services we offer our patients or to request an appointment, we welcome you to contact our office today.