We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
Discovering you have a cavity can be disappointing, but today’s dental filling treatments offer quick, painless solutions that preserve your tooth and restore your smile. Modern cavity treatments have evolved dramatically, providing options that are more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and durable than ever before. With prompt treatment, cavities can be addressed before they progress to more serious dental issues.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, Dr. Sharma and our team have been providing exceptional cavity treatments to patients in south Austin and surrounding neighborhoods since 2014. Our approach combines gentle techniques with state-of-the-art materials to ensure your tooth is restored both functionally and cosmetically.
Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, develop when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that gradually erode your tooth enamel. This erosion creates small holes or openings in the hard surface of your teeth, which can eventually reach the softer layers beneath, causing sensitivity and pain.
The progression of tooth decay typically follows these stages:
Early intervention is crucial. The sooner a cavity is treated, the more conservative the treatment can be, preserving more of your natural tooth structure and preventing complications like infections or tooth loss.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we offer several types of filling materials, each with unique advantages. Dr. Sharma will recommend the best option based on the location of your cavity, extent of decay, your preferences, and budget considerations.
Composite resin fillings are made of a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture that bonds directly to your tooth. These natural-looking fillings are our most requested option for visible teeth, as they can be precisely matched to your natural tooth color.
Advantages of composite fillings include:
Composite fillings typically range from $150-$300 per tooth, with most dental insurance plans covering a significant portion of this cost.
While less common than in the past, amalgam (silver) fillings remain an FDA-approved option valued for their exceptional durability and strength. These fillings consist of a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury in a stable, bound form.
Advantages of amalgam fillings include:
Amalgam fillings typically range from $110-$200 per tooth and are still covered by most dental insurance plans.
For certain situations, particularly in children or for fillings below the gumline, glass ionomer fillings offer specific advantages. These fillings are made from a mixture of acrylic and glass that releases fluoride, helping to prevent further decay.
Advantages of glass ionomer fillings include:
Getting a filling at our South Austin office is a straightforward, comfortable process that typically takes less than an hour. Here’s what you can expect:
Dr. Sharma begins by examining your teeth, often using special instruments to check for soft areas. Digital X-rays may be taken to determine the extent of decay and ensure no hidden damage exists beneath the surface.
Once the cavity is confirmed, your comfort is our priority. The area around the affected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure. Many patients are surprised at how comfortable modern anesthetic techniques can be.
After the area is numb, Dr. Sharma carefully removes the decayed portion of your tooth using specialized instruments. Unlike the high-pitched drills of the past, our modern equipment is designed to be quieter and more comfortable. We take care to remove only the damaged portion, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Once all decay is removed, the tooth is cleaned and prepared for the filling material. For composite fillings, the surface is lightly etched and a bonding agent is applied. The tooth-colored resin is then carefully layered into the prepared cavity and hardened with a special curing light.
After the filling material is placed, Dr. Sharma shapes it to match your natural bite and polishes it to a smooth finish. You’ll leave our office with a fully restored tooth that looks and functions like natural.
While modern fillings are effective at restoring teeth, preventing cavities remains the best approach to dental health. At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we emphasize preventive care through:
Simple daily habits can dramatically reduce your risk of developing new cavities:
Don’t wait until you experience pain to have a potential cavity examined. Early warning signs that should prompt a visit to our South Austin office include:
Early intervention allows for more conservative treatment and better outcomes. Most small to moderate cavities can be treated with a simple filling, while delayed treatment may require more extensive procedures like root canals or crowns.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we understand that dental anxiety keeps many people from seeking treatment for cavities. Dr. Sharma and our team prioritize creating a comfortable, judgment-free environment where even the most anxious patients can receive the care they need.
We’ve been serving the South Austin community from the same location since 2014, building a reputation for gentle, effective dental care. Our patients appreciate our transparent approach to treatment options and costs, with fillings typically ranging from $150-$300 per tooth depending on size and material.
With convenient financing options through Care Credit and Cherry, treatment can often be as affordable as $100 per month. Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of filling costs, making this essential treatment accessible to nearly everyone.
Don’t let a small cavity grow into a bigger problem. Contact our South Austin dentist at Grand Oaks Dentistry today at (512) 291-1666 or through our contact form to schedule your cavity treatment consultation.
