What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to repair and restore teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or fractures. They fill in the gaps left by the decay, helping to restore the tooth's shape and function.

Why are Dental Filling used?

Repairing Dental Decay:

Fillings are the primary treatment for cavities, which are small holes in the tooth enamel caused by decay.

Restoring Tooth Function:

They help restore the tooth's ability to bite and chew properly.

Preventing Further Damage of Tooth:

By filling in the gap, fillings help prevent further decay and protect the remaining tooth structure.

Types of Dental Fillings:

Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored):

These fillings are made of a plastic material that can be matched to the natural color of your teeth.

Amalgam (Silver):

A mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper, used for durable fillings, especially in back teeth.

Gold:

A strong and long-lasting material, often used for large fillings or in teeth that experience significant pressure from biting and chewing.

Porcelain:

Similar to gold, but with a tooth-colored appearance, used for aesthetic restorations.

Glass-Ionomer:

A tooth-colored material that is less strong than composite resin, often used for temporary fillings or for filling areas near the gums.

Temporary Fillings:

Used as a temporary measure when the tooth requires further treatment at a later appointment.

Step by Step Dental Filling procedure at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna :

Tooth Preparation:

The dentist at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, removes any decayed tooth tissue.

Cavity Shaping:

The cavity is shaped to accommodate the filling material.

Filling:

The chosen filling material is placed and shaped into the cavity.

Light Curing:

Use a dental curing light to harden the material (only for resin composite).

Setting:

The material hardens, forming a permanent restoration.

Polishing:

Polishing and smooth any rough edges

Bite Checking:

Check your bite to make sure it feels normal.

Note from Magadh Oro Dental Clinic : If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, ask about sedation options. Sedation dentistry helps keep you calm and comfortable during your procedure.

Important Considerations: Dental Fillings

Durability:

The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used and your oral hygiene maintained by the patient.

Aesthetics:

Tooth-colored fillings are preferred for their natural appearance, while amalgam is less commonly used due to its silver color.

Cost:

The cost of fillings varies depending on the material and location of the filling.

 
What are the benefits of dental fillings?

Dental fillings treat existing tooth decay and reduce the risk of future damage. Depending on the type of filling, they can also:
Strengthen weakened teeth.
Preserve your natural tooth structure.
Restore chewing function.
Enhance the appearance of your teeth.
Last for a long time (10 to 20 years).
After a dental filling procedure, it’s normal to experience minor teeth sensitivity and gum soreness in the area. These side effects are temporary and should go away in a week or two.

Complications of dental fillings?

A throbbing toothache

This could mean that decay reached your tooth pulp. You may need root canal therapy.

Pain when biting down

This type of pain can occur if your new filling interferes with your bite. Your dentist can fix this by reshaping your filling.

Pain in response to heat or cold

If you have intense pain that lingers after something hot or cold touches your tooth, it might mean the nerve inside your tooth is damaged. You may need a root canal or tooth extraction.

How long does it take to recover after a dental filling procedure?

Unless you had sedation, you should be able to return to routine activities immediately after your appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen  can help manage any soreness or sensitivity.

Can I eat after a filling?

Technically, you can eat or drink whatever you want as soon as your procedure is over. It won’t damage your new filling in any way. But waiting until the numbness wears off can keep you from accidentally biting the inside of your cheeks. If you do eat right away, chew slowly and be mindful.

When should I call my dentist?

Call your dentist right away if your dental filling breaks or you develop:
Severe pain that doesn’t go away with medication.
A swollen face or jaw.
Fever, chills or other signs of infection.

Does getting a filling hurt?

Getting a filling shouldn’t hurt because your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area. If you feel any discomfort during your procedure, let your dentist know so they can give you more numbing medication.

Do fillings remove decay?

Before a dentist places a filling, they must remove the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth. Leaving diseased tissue behind can cause the cavity to grow larger.

When is it too late to get a tooth filling?

If a cavity grows so large that it reaches the pulp of your tooth, a dental filling won’t fix the issue. In this situation, you would need a root canal.

What is Dental Filling Cost in Patna ?

The cost of a dental filling in Patna varies depending on the type of filling and the complexity of the procedure, but generally ranges from ₹1,300 to ₹4,000 per tooth. More cosmetic fillings, like direct composite veneers, can cost around ₹3,000 per tooth, while some simple amalgam fillings may be as low as ₹1,500.

Dental filling and their cost at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna

1.  Simple Amalgam Fillings

These are silver fillings and can cost around ₹1000 per tooth at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna.

Composition: Made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, copper, and tin.
Durability: Known for their strength and longevity, lasting up to 15 years or more.
Appearance: Silver color makes them more noticeable, typically used for back teeth.

2. Complex Amalgam Fillings

These are silver fillings in Class 2 Cavity and can cost around ₹1500 per tooth at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna.

3. Composite Fillings

These are tooth coloured fillings and can cost around ₹1500 per tooth at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna.

Composition: Made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles.
Aesthetic Appeal: Tooth-colored, providing a natural look that blends with surrounding teeth.
Durability: Less durable than amalgam, lasting 5 to 10 years.
Application: Suitable for both front and back teeth.

4. Glass Ionomer Fillings

These are white fillings and can cost around ₹800 per tooth at Magadh Oro Dental Clinic, Patna.

Composition: Made from acrylic and a specific type of glass that releases fluoride.
Benefits: Releases fluoride to help protect teeth from further decay.
Durability: Less durable, often used for fillings below the gum line or in children.

5. Cosmetic Veneers

Direct composite veneers can cost ₹3,000 per tooth, while laminates and veneers (LAVA, Emax) can range from ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per tooth.

6. Indirect Pulp Capping

Indirect Pulp Capping can cost around ₹2,000 per tooth.

Factors that can influence the cost of Dental Filling :

Dentist's experience and location:

More experienced dentists in established clinics may charge more.

Materials used:

Different materials have varying price points.

Complexity of the filling:

A simple small filling may be less expensive than a larger or more complex filling.

Anesthesia:

The cost of local anesthesia may be included in the overall filling cost.

Additional procedures:

If the dentist needs to perform any additional procedures, such as root canal treatment, the cost may increase.