Introduction
The dentist can close a hole in the tooth with many different means. In the past, amalgam fillings were the method of choice. Nowadays there are hardly any amalgam fillings on the market.
Ceramic fillings are a good alternative and offer many advantages. They are individually matched to the color of the patient’s teeth and do not discolor over time, as for example fillings with plastic. They therefore offer excellent natural aesthetics.
Furthermore, the high-quality material is characterized by its high load-bearing capacity and durability. The dentist gives a 2-year guarantee for the ceramic filling. However, these advantages demand a higher price, which the patient has to pay for himself.
Sequence of a dental filling with ceramic
A dental filling is usually used by the dentist to close a defect or hole in the tooth. If caries is the trigger for the tooth defect, it must first be removed with a drill. Then the dentist has to make sure that no more moisture gets to the tooth.
Either he uses absorbent cotton rolls which he places in the patient’s mouth or he stretches a rubber blanket over the mouth from which only the individual treated tooth is visible. This cloth is called a rubber dam. The rubber dam has the advantage that no more air or saliva can reach the tooth.
The dryer the tooth, the better the filling will hold afterwards. Then the doctor can start to layer the ceramic filling into the tooth. After each layer a light source must be used to harden the ceramic filling. This layering technique is very time consuming. That is why many dentists demand a co-payment for such fillings from patients who are insured by the public health insurance companies.
Cost of a dental filling with ceramic, gold or porcelain
Ceramic fillings are the most cost-intensive filling method. The cost of ceramic, gold or porcelain fillings varies from dentist to dentist. Only the dentist can tell you exactly what costs are involved.
However, costs in the higher three-figure range must be expected. The statutory health insurance companies bear only a small proportion of the costs. Which costs exactly arise must be clarified with the health insurance companies in advance. This happens as soon as the dentist has prepared a treatment and cost plan and sent it to the health insurance company. Even if additional insurances have been taken out, this can influence the cost of a ceramic or porcelain or gold filling.
