Tooth Filling Options in Palm Beach Gardens: What Patients Should Know

When you have dental decay or damage to your tooth, you may need a filling. Dental fillings are extremely common and used to repair cavities. If you need a cavity filled, visit a dentist in Palm Beach Gardens for an exam. The dentist will be able to recommend the best material for your unique situation.

However, it’s important to understand your options when it comes to dental fillings, so you can make an informed decision. You may want to consider aesthetics, longevity, cost, insurance coverage, and more when choosing a type of dental filling. This guide will help you understand the primary types of fillings, their average costs, and other considerations.

What is a tooth filling?

A tooth filling is a restorative dentistry technique used to repair cavities, chips, and cracks in your teeth. ¹During a dental filling procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed part of your tooth and fill in the area with a dental filling material.

There are many different dental filling materials that can be used to repair cavities, including:

Amalgam
Resin composite
Glass ionomer
Gold
Porcelain

Types of tooth fillings

There are two main types of dental fillings and several materials for each type. Let’s explore the different types of tooth fillings so you can choose which one you think is the best option for your needs.

Direct fillings

This type of filling only requires a single office visit. The dentist will place a dental filling material directly in your mouth without help from the dental lab. You won’t have a temporary restoration with this type of filling.

Amalgam

These silver-colored fillings are made from a combination of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper.²This material has been used for generations by dentists when filling cavities.

It is a more affordable option than resin composite or gold fillings. Many people choose to get an amalgam filling for its affordability and effectiveness. The average cost of an amalgam filling is $108 to $256 per tooth. ³

Resin composite

Resin composite is a tooth-colored material and has a resin base with powdered quartz, silica or glass. This type of tooth filling is highly durable and fracture-resistant, making it ideal for small or mid-sized cavities.

Resin composite can be used on either front of back teeth but is popular for front teeth due to its natural tooth-like color. A resin composite filling costs $173 to $439 per tooth, on average. ³

Glass ionomer

Glass ionomer is another tooth-colored material made from silica glass powder. It is ideal for small or minor cavities on root surfaces or in baby teeth. The material bonds directly to the tooth, making it easy to place, but it isn’t as long-lasting as other types of tooth fillings.

Glass ionomer fillings often contain a component that releases fluoride over time to the tooth. ⁴The cost of a glass ionomer filling ranges from $116 to $285 on average. ³

Indirect fillings

An indirect filling requires the use of a dental lab to make the restoration before a dentist places it in your mouth. It typically takes two appointments; one for dental impressions and one for the placement. When a tooth is too damaged for a direct filling but doesn’t need a crown, an inlay or onlay will be used to fit onto your tooth.

Gold

A gold filling is entirely gold in color but is typically a mixture of gold, silver, tin, copper, and palladium. Gold fillings have been used for over 1,000 years by dentists but are more expensive and less natural-looking than other options.²

Also sometimes called a “cap”, this type of filling made of precious metals is highly durable. Gold fillings are more expensive, ranging from $361 to $817 per tooth. ³

Porcelain

Porcelain fillings are made from a mixture of minerals like feldspar, quartz, and kaolin. They are tooth-colored and appear very natural. Porcelain inlays or onlays are very durable but can be costly. They are typically bonded in two visits and can last many years. Porcelain fillings cost between $755 and $1,774 on average. ³

Discuss tooth filling options with your dentist

If you need a dental filling, work with your dentist in Palm Beach Gardens to assess the best tooth filling type for your budget and needs. A dentist will be able to guide you in your decision for better oral health.

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Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com