Dental advice ... how long should 6 fillings in between the teeth take?

I am 23 years old. I just had a baby 10 months ago. I went to the dentist today and he should that I have six very small cavities in between my back teeth. They are going to use the resin, tooth-colored fillings. However, he said that it will take ONE HOUR per CAVITY!!! ... I think that is silly, I have NEVER had work done on my teeth before. Does this sound about right? Should I get a second opinion? And does anyone know how much fillings cost approximately? I am starting to think since he wants to do the work in 3 to 6 different visits, maybe he is just trying to get more money in visits, cleaning, exam, etc. ... HELP ... Oh and after the cleaning and the exam, I am in some pain, is that normal?


Thanks for responding,


Terrified of the Dentist in Hawaii


Crystal

Dental advice ... how long should 6 fillings in between the teeth take?
To start with, use warm salt water rinses to ease the soreness your experiencing.





Sorry about that.....As for the fillings he has planned. The composites being placed in between the teeth of molars can take some time to place and finish.





First he must numb you which takes a few minutes, then he will need to excavate the decay, clean the area and place a band that will retain the material and help to shape and contour the tooth. Then the tooth will be etching and rinsing thoroughly adhesive applied and then the restoration can be placed. After it's cured he can then adjust the bite and polish the restoration so it will be smooth to your tongue. The composite materials take a little more time to do but are esthetically pleasing and last just as long as the amalgams.





When he says it will take an hour for a filling and has planned several appointments for these, he is probably saving you from being numb on both sides, upper and lower, in one visit.





What you've described is normal for interproximal restorations. Be glad he's being considerate and scheduling you for different appointments for each side, rather than trying to do them all at once. It sounds to me like you have a good dentist and should trust his sound judgment regarding your dental care. I hope I've been of some help and good luck with your pending procedures.





Cost for composite restorations vary from dentist to dentist and city to city but most all one surface restorations are approximately $110.00 and up. Your case will most likely be a two surface and somewhere around $125.00 per tooth.





Additional information: Although you have what he "considers," or "appears" to be small areas of decay, they may look that way on your x rays and with a visual exam, but the only way of knowing "how small" is once he is in the tooth excavating the soft decay, leaving you with a sound, solid tooth structure to restore. In other words, the decayed areas "may" be larger than what's anticipated and he "may" be allowing more time for what is unexpected but possible so that you aren't alarmed being in the chair for longer than what "you" expected.
Reply:Happy to be of assistance. Report It

Reply:I don't like the dentist either...and I think 6 visit's is a bit too much...he could probably do them all in about 1,1/2 hrs..but usually dentists don't like to spend more than one hour per patient, that way they make more money. (unless it's something that makes more money, root canals, surgery etc.) Filling's cost whatever floats the dentists boat. (usually start at $50, and go up...depends) I'd get a second opinion...
Reply:yes, always get a second opinion on purchases over a $1000.00.


time per filling is based on the dentist's experience.


fillings are expensive in the states, so expect $1200+ bill.


pain is based on how sensitive your gums are, people very greatly. however, if they a red by the next day, seek immediate medical attention.
Reply:Typically a dentist should book 2 (3 the most appointments) for this situation. It should take about 1 1/2 per appointment if he books two. He won't make any extra money from many visits, because he should only charge once for an exam and once for a cleaning. And the fillings aren't charged by appointment, they are charged by the size and the area on the tooth. It wouldn't be right for him to keep you in the chair for longer than 1 1/2 at a time as it would be very exhausting for you.
Reply:That does seem like a long time to do a filling, especially since your cavities are small. He might have been including the time it takes to get numb, if you are able to (not everyone is, and unfortunately some dentists won't accommodate for that); this part alone may take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Plus, he may want to do a quick exam and cleaning before he begins filling the cavities, which will also take some time. You probably don't need a second opinion, but if you would rather get all this done in one visit (that's what I'd recommend, as multiple dentist visits are stressful and just a pain in the butt), see if you can either work with your dentist to find a good time to do so or seek out another dentist who will do it all at once (some dentists actually prefer to do this and may even have special prices for a case like yours). As for the pain, try taking Tylenol, Advil, or other pain relievers before you go; just check with the dentist first to ensure that this won't interfere with anything.

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