Dental cavities are caused by the tooth decaying due to the breaking down of the enamel. This happens because of the bacteria that lives in the mouth and produces acids which eat away at the enamel. Once the enamel is gone, the inside of the tooth is exposed and can become damaged. The inside of a cavity is soft and infected with bacteria, while the outside may be hard and filled with minerals from the decaying tooth. Cavities are especially common in children, with their baby teeth out growing.
Dentists treat dental cavities by cutting out the decayed portion of the tooth, sealing the area and filling it with dental cement. The price of cavity fillings are unique and varies according to certain factors. This blog post discusses how much do fillings cost without insurance, and what you should expect.
How much work you need
When you go to the dentist, your teeth will be checked for cavities and any that need to be filled. Some cavities may only need one filling while others may require several. There is a wide range of factors that influence the cost of dental work:
Number of teeth
Dentists will usually check all of your teeth and discuss what the best course of action is. Sometimes they may find multiple cavities or areas that require filling. If there are more teeth than just your front teeth, they may also need to see your back teeth.
Amount of decay
The amount of decay in your teeth is an important factor in the cost of fillings. The greater the amount of decay, the more work is required. This is because there is more soft tissue in the tooth and it takes longer to make the filling. Depending on how much decay there is, your dentist may have to remove healthy teeth to make room for the fillings. Cavities are classified as either Class I, II or III.
Class I cavities are those that can be easily seen by the naked eye. These cavities do not require any treatment. Class II cavities are those that can be seen only with a mirror because they appear above the gum line. Once a cavity reaches a certain depth, it becomes more difficult to treat and will need more work to get it out. Class III cavities are those that cannot be seen without a mirror or a dental instrument. These cavities require extensive work and will usually be filled by a dental specialist such as a Periodontist.
Types of Filling
Silver Amalgam
Silver amalgam fillings are the most common type of dental work, and is also the cheapest type with price ranging from $50 to $150. They were introduced in the 1950s and have since become the gold standard for dental work.
Amalgam is a mixture of mercury and silver, which is mixed together and then used to fill teeth. The amalgam is usually mixed with zinc oxide and is placed into the tooth and cured with a dental light. This causes the mercury and silver to harden and fuse together into a single piece of metal.
This type of filling can be used in any cavity or tooth that needs to be filled. They are very durable and usually last between 10-15 years. Amalgam fillings are available for children and adults. Amalgam fillings are often preferred over other types because of their high durability and cost. They also require little to no preparation for the tooth.
Tooth-Colored Resin Fillings
Dental resin is another common type of filling, with price ranging from $135 to $250. Dental resins are made of a polymer resin that is mixed with special colored glass particles. This creates a semi-transparent filling that is highly durable. This type of filling requires less work than amalgam fillings, and can be used in any cavity or tooth. This means they can be used in any tooth or area that needs to be filled. There are many types of dental resins, some being clear, while others have different colors. The color of dental resins may be chosen by the dentist. Some people prefer white resin fillings, while others prefer different colors for aesthetic reasons. The choice of color depends on the patient’s preference.
Porcelain or Cast-Gold Fillings
Porcelain or cast-gold fillings are the most expensive dental filling. They can range from $300 to $1000, depending on the type and complexity of the work. They are made from porcelain or cast-gold and are designed to look like natural teeth. These types of fillings usually require more preparation of the tooth than other fillings. This is because they are usually larger and more complex than the rest.
Porcelain is a type of ceramics that is a combination of ceramic and glass. It is a much stronger and more durable material than other types of fillings. The casting process is usually used to make dental crowns, which are used to restore teeth that have been decayed, chipped or cracked. The casting process requires several molds of the tooth, with each mold taking hours to prepare. After the molds are ready, a wax pattern is then made and the casting process begins. The wax pattern is then removed and the ceramic or cast-gold crown is applied. The final product is a dental restoration that can last 10 to 20 years and can be as strong as the original tooth.
What you should expect
Once your dentist has completed the work, he will explain how much it costs. You may be surprised to find out that the price of your work is much higher than you expected. This is especially true if you are uninsured. In some states, dentists must charge a fixed rate for a filling. In others, the dentist is allowed to negotiate the price with the patient. Many dentists will charge a flat fee for a filling. You should be aware of how much your dentist charges before you go. The amount of coverage will vary based on your plan and is discussed during your appointment. It is also possible to ask your doctor or dentist about payment options.