Dentists often perform dental fillings to restore the strength and appearance of a tooth after decay is removed. Alternatively, a special type of filling may be used to seal cracked or chipped teeth. The good news about dental fillings Tarzana patients receive is that they help promote better oral health by eliminating pain and adding protection against future decay. However, you will need to pay for the fillings when you or a family member require this type of treatment, and this information will help you understand more about how the cost of dental fillings is calculated.
Understand Why A Filling is Necessary
The enamel on your teeth is designed to be strong enough to withstand a great deal of wear and tear. However, enamel is still vulnerable to the effects of acids and bacteria in the mouth that cause decay. Fillings Tarzana patients receive are usually due to this type of decay. During the process of removing decay, small holes are formed in the teeth that may be visible in your smile zone, and these holes leave room for food to get stuck and cause additional decay. Your dental fillings Tarzana dentist use help make your teeth look natural again, and they fill in the holes so that food no longer gets trapped in the space.
Ask About Different Types of Fillings
The cost of your fillings will depend upon the type of material that is used during the restoration along with how many surfaces of your tooth are involved. Metal, or silver amalgram, fillings Tarzana dentists use tend to be the least expensive option. Usually, these are used in the back teeth where they may not be as noticeable. Tooth-colored composite resin fillings are slightly more expensive, but you may prefer this type if you have a cavity in a visible part of your smile. Porcelain is the most expensive type of filling, and the cost of each type of filling goes up if you need repair on more than one surface of your tooth.
Find Out What Insurance Covers
Dental insurance is an asset when you need to pay for tooth restorations. However, you should be aware that the insurance policy may only cover a portion of the cost that depends upon factors such as which type of filling material is used. For this reason, you may want to review your policy as you talk to your dentist about dental fillings Tarzana residents choose so that you can determine if a specific type can help lower the cost.
Pay for Fillings Without Insurance
At times, you may prefer to pay for fillings Tarzana families get on your own, or you may need to cover the portion that your insurance will not pay on your own. When this happens, you can choose from other financial options such as using dental discounts or money from your Flexible Spending Account. Either way, restoring your teeth after decay helps protect you from future dental expenses down the road.
When you need a dental filling, our staff is always ready to help you understand your options for covering the cost. Give us a call today to schedule your initial consultation regarding your potential need for fillings.