Can’t Afford a Dentist for Your Cavities? 5 Facts about Filling Them

I have 2 teeth that are really sensitive because they have cavities in them. Whenever I eat or drink anything cold, the sensitivity is so great it makes me shake. I just cannot afford to go to the dentist right now. I have some dental insurance through my employer but they really don’t pay much at all. Our family has a lot going on right now and I am the only one working, so dental care is not at the top of our list. I am seeing a lot of cavity filling material online. Is this something that can really work for me? Eric

Photo of an African American man wearing a straw hat - for information on affordaable dentistry from Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.

Eric – To get your cavities correctly filled, you need to see a dentist. Although over-the-counter fillings might seem to be affordable dental care, placing filling material alone in a tooth isn’t enough. And only a dentist can correctly complete the procedure. Quality dental fillings that are properly placed will also eliminate the sensitivity you feel in your teeth now.

How Are Cavities Filled?

  • Numb the area – Local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around your tooth.
  • Remove decay – Decay and debris in your teeth have to be completely removed to prevent it from spreading, causing an infection, and increasing the sensitivity and pain.
  • Clean the area – The space left from the cavity needs to be cleaned and disinfected.
  • Filling the cavity – Tooth-colored material will be applied in layers. A special light will be applied to harden the filling.
  • Shape the filling – The filling will be shaped and smoothed to ensure proper bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together when you chew).

Filling Your Own Cavity Isn’t Affordable Dental Care

Don’t do it yourself. If you take shortcuts in treating the cavities, it can cost you more money in the long term. Instead of purchasing online or over-the-counter filling material that will prolong the real issue, you can find a dentist who will work with your budget to make the treatment affordable for you. Payment plans can be arranged to make dental care affordable.

This post is sponsored by Steven Collins, Jr., DDS of Sherwood Dental Care in Baton Rouge.