Dental Tooth Filling
Chicago, IL
Dental Fillings provided by Our Team of Dental Experts
in Chicago, IL at East Village Dental Centre
Dental fillings are a common service done at dentist offices across the U.S and it is easy to see why considering 90 percent of adults have experienced a cavity. But how do so many people get cavities?
You don’t necessarily have to have poor oral hygiene to develop cavities - nobody is perfect - but cavities commonly develop due to dietary choices while forgetting to brush one too many times. Luckily, they are typically easily treated with dental fillings. At East Village Dental Centre we are happy to help any patient who has had a mishap in their oral health.
Dental Fillings Are a Non-Invasive Way to Restore a Tooth
As the name implies, dental fillings will fill a space in a tooth that is caused by cavities or other forms of damage. They can be made from composite resin, porcelain, and a variety of metals and they are installed in a single visit - typically done during a check-up if cavities are spotted.
How Are Teeth Filled?
The process of filling a tooth is relatively simple and is done practically every day at our office. First, we will numb the area using a local anesthetic injection which works to eliminate the pain felt from the teeth and surrounding gums. Next, we will use a drill or laser to remove any decayed material. After which the tooth is now ready to be filled with the chosen material. The filling process will work differently depending on the material, but generally, the material is placed in the cavity where it is formed and bonded.
Which Material Is Best?
The material that is best for you depends on your needs and budget. Amalgam is the most affordable material and is typically used for the back of the mouth where it can’t easily be seen as it is a metal-based filling. Composite resin is an especially popular choice because it blends in with the rest of your teeth and is also an affordable option.
Porcelain is the top-end choice for a filling that can last a long time (up to 20 years or more) while looking especially like a natural part of your teeth. Finally, there are higher-end metals such as gold and silver. Gold is widely considered the most durable dental filling and can last over 30 years with good care.
Fillings are generally qualified for insurance coverage and the final pricing assessment will be based on multiple factors. Generally, the material itself is what will make a big difference in the final cost, however.
Preventing Cavities with a Tooth Filling
As previously stated, nobody is perfect. Cavities can develop quite easily with the food choices modern society presents - add to the fact that many people are either really busy and forget brushing or just don’t feel like it and it is easy to see why cavities are so common. Once you get into the routine of brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day, you will develop a positive habit that can be hard to get rid of. We also recommend seeking a healthy diet full of fresh produce. If you around Chicago and would like to contact us at East Village Dental Centre to ask questions or schedule a dentist appointment, you can call our office at 773-341-9325. |
