What determines dental filling prices?

What determines dental filling prices?

You probably know the phenomenon of excruciating pain at the worst possible moment to make your day miserable. In this case, it is possible that one of your teeth has just become sensitive. Tooth decay itself can have different symptoms, such as a sudden sharp pain or even discoloration. That is why, after the symptoms develop, you should consult a doctor immediately in order to minimize the size of the filling and the cost of the dental filling. It does matter how extensive the decay is, the bigger it is, the more your own tooth material disappears. In addition, a tooth filling may be necessary in the event of a fracture or wear, as this way the missing piece of tooth can be replaced.

Dental filling prices depend not only on you and the condition of your teeth, but also on many other factors. For example, the equipment park of the particular dental office, the expertise and experience of the specialists. In addition, it is important to take into account what additional tests dentists perform and what materials they work with during treatment.

Timely medical care can not only result in faster and more effective treatment of the dental problem, but can also contribute to minimizing the cost of dental fillings. Quality dental care can save your wallet in the long run.

What makes good dental a filling?

In order for the treatment and filling prices to be optimal, our dentists will always consult with you. After the preliminary assessment, they will tell you what you can expect, what material is recommended, and what options there are for dental fillings in case of a more complex problem. In addition, the prices of dental fillings are also discussed, so there should be no surprises when the treatment is completed.

A good dental filling must meet several different aspects in order for the tooth to fulfill its function satisfactorily in the long term and to look good aesthetically. In addition to aesthetics, durability is of particular importance, which is primarily ensured by the use of premium materials in our dentistry. Before the treatments, we will discuss which materials are available, which one has which advantage, and also how the prices for dental fillings are developing.

The quality of dental fillings is greatly influenced by the dental technology used. Modern and efficient procedures allow our doctors to perform the treatment in as few sessions as possible. This is very important, as it does matter how many treatments you should take part in. However, with the help of effective solutions, we can minimize the number of necessary sessions in addition to providing a premium service.

The available treatment technologies have different durations. It may happen that the filling can be done in just one dental visit, so the filling prices will be lower.

Regular dental checkups are important

Additional factors affecting the price of dental fillings

Among the factors that determine the price of dental fillings, special things such as the size of the decayed area play an important role, which greatly affects the amount of material required for the treatment, the number of treatments and the duration of the treatment.

In addition, another consideration is the location of the tooth, since it does matter whether we are talking about incisors or molars. The chewing teeth are exposed to a greater load during eating, so this can be important when choosing the dental filling material and the procedure used.

Why is it important to get the right treatment as soon as possible? If you wait too long or don't go for regular screenings, it can have a significant impact on the price of dental fillings. The decay can reach the pulp (the part of the tooth containing the blood vessels and nerves), when root canal treatment becomes inevitable. This also affects dental filling prices.

But what happens when the caries is only near the pulp? In this case, there is no need for root canal treatment, however, the filling gets an underlining, which only slightly increases the prices of dental fillings. With this solution, further damage to the tooth can be prevented and the pain will also disappear. It may happen that the tooth becomes more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks for a while, but this will pass with time.

Dental filling prices are made up of several factors, which will give you a confident smile later

Dental filling technologies

Below is what you need to know about the different types of fillings and how these factors affect filling prices. You should be aware of these because you can make your choice easier later on.

1. Amalgam fillings

These filling types are considered as out of date technology, their duration is about 10-15 years. Of course, this is reflected in the price of dental fillings, since such an amalgam filling is cheaper than a more modern filling, such as a composite filling. However, its big disadvantage is that its color contrasts significantly with the natural tooth color, so it can become visible during yawning, eating or even speaking.

In addition, for amalgam fillings, a larger part of the tooth has to be ground down in order to be properly applied. They react better to thermal expansion, so from this point of view they should be changed more often if you don't pay attention to the consumption of hot and cold drinks.

These types of fillings can already be placed during the visit at the doctor, so there is no need to book more appointments, which can favorably affect the price of dental filling. However, there is a law according to which such filling is not allowed in the EU for people under the age of 15. We do not use this type of filling in our dental office.

Is amalgam dangerous?

The dental amalgam used is an alloy consisting of 50% liquid mercury and 50% metal powder. The metal powder contains at least 65% silver, a maximum of 29% tin, in addition to copper, zinc and mercury.

Due to the composition, there are different opinions about this type of filling - according to some, the dissolving mercury has a bad effect on the body in the long term, however, researchers have not yet been able to prove its harmful effect on health. In addition, there is no scientific evidence that any existing health symptoms have been alleviated after replacing the fillings.

2. Gold fillings

Gold fillings are a special and fashionable solution in the field of dental fillings. The gold fillings have outstanding wear resistance, which guarantees durability and reliability in the long term.

At the same time, it is worth knowing that gold inlay, onlay and overlay type fillings are in a higher price category compared to average fillings. Therefore, dental filling prices can be more expensive, as for example in the case of an amalgam or a composite filling.

The treatment requires 2 sessions, which may also affect the prices of dental fillings. On the first occasion, the dentist takes an impression, and on the second occasion, the personalized restoration is prepared. Then the filling goes into place, where it fits perfectly and closes so that it can be used perfectly every day. The lifespan of such gold fillings is usually 10-15 years.

The natural effect of color matters a lot

3. Composite fillings

Light-binding composite fillings are of great importance in modern dentistry, and when applied, you can get a much more aesthetic result. With amalgam, we have already mentioned that its color is very different from the natural tooth color, which is also true for gold fillings.

With composites, however, it is possible to choose a color specially adapted to the individual tooth color, so they can give a truly natural effect. The lifespan of such dental fillings is 5-8 years, but it is worth having them checked regularly to make sure everything is in order.

These fillings offer a more expensive but more durable solution, and some of them also require more treatment sessions, since the restoration is made in the lab. An additional advantage of this technology is that less dental material needs to be ground down to place them, as is the case with amalgam, for example. Composite is a much more flexible and moldable material, so it fits perfectly and closes in the right places.

In terms of composite dental filling prices, this is the third most expensive dental filling technology, but it is the fastest in terms of preparation time. However, it is also worth keeping in mind that temporary tooth sensitivity after the filling procedure is considered completely normal.

In such cases, it is worth eating carefully, as suddenly hot or cold foods can cause unpleasant moments. However, this feeling will disappear soon, and the temporary sensitivity will also disappear within a few days. This technology offers the perfect choice for those who value both functionality and aesthetics, as well as those who are looking for a treatment that can be completed in a short time, and the prices of dental fillings are also affordable.

4. Ceramic fillings

The highest-level, most sophisticated dental fillings are the refined pressed ceramics (E.Max). Press ceramic fillings are superior to composites in terms of lifespan, wear resistance and durability. Its lifespan could reach 10 years.

There are 3 types of pressed ceramic fillings:

Inlay: this solution is not used on the outer part of the teeth, but when the tooth decays towards the pulp;

Onlay: this option arises when the edge of the tooth is damaged or decayed and covers at least 1 corner;

Overlay: this is a more extensive solution, since the entire surface must be repaired, and it covers all the corners.

This type of restoration is made in a laboratory after taking an impression, and then it is glued into place. In terms of aesthetics, pressed ceramic fillings are almost indistinguishable from your own tooth, which is really advantageous compared to other fillings. However, this is also reflected in the prices of dental fillings, as this is considered the most expensive filling technology.

It is important to emphasize that regular check-ups are recommended after dental fillings. In addition, if necessary, tartar removal is also recommended so that the teeth remain healthy and beautiful in the long term.

It feels good to have no more decayed teeth

Summary

Dental filling prices are therefore influenced by many factors, so it is worth seeing a doctor as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of tooth decay. The size of the filling, the condition of the dentition, the equipment of the dentist's office, the expertise and experience of the dentist, the technology used and the filling material used all affect the price.

The most popular filling types in dentistry are composite and pressed ceramic solutions. Amalgam dental fillings are cheaper, but their color differs from the original tooth color; while gold fillings belong to a higher price category, in return they have outstanding wear resistance. Composite fillings are aesthetic and can be made quickly, while pressed ceramic fillings offer the highest level of durability and aesthetics, but are also the most expensive.

If you need dental care, feel free to contact us at the 360 Dental clinic. Our employees will carry out the treatment in a friendly and professional manner so that your teeth can function well again.