There are many different types of filling options available today in dentistry: silver fillings or amalgam, plastic, white fillings or composites, and fillings made from porcelain. A tooth damaged by a cavity is fixed with a filling. The first step by the dentist is to remove the cavity, clean out the area that is infected, and then fill the space with dental material. The dentist near you will decide, under your direction, which option is best to fill the space based on its location and severity. The different filling materials are explained in more detail below:
Composite Fillings (Plastic)
Composite fillings are available in many different color shades, enabling the dentist to fill the cavity space with a shade that matches your tooth color perfectly.
Porcelain Fillings (Ceramic)
For more extensive cavity restorations, custom porcelain inlays or onlays are recommended and custom made in a dental lab. Porcelain also comes in many shades to match your tooth color, are more resistant to stains than composite materials and have a longer lifespan.
Amalgam (Silver Fillings)
One of the most common dental fillings that’s been used for over a century is amalgam. It is made from mercury and at least one other metal. For health reasons attributed to mercury, our office no longer offers amalgam fillings and will be happy to remove and replace with composite or porcelain fillings upon request.
How Much Do Fillings Cost?
The cost of a filling depends on various factors, such as the type of filling material chosen (composite, porcelain, or amalgam) and the size of the cavity. On average, the cost per filling ranges from $200 to $350.
