Best Treatment for Tooth Cavities and Their Cost in India

Effective Treatments for Tooth Cavities in India

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness” as said by William Arthur Ward. But what will happen when your decaying tooth leaves an unsightly mark on your beautiful smile?

Tooth decay is a widespread issue, but it can be effectively treated with a dental filling, starting at just Rs. 1,000. In India, dental fillings are one of the most recommended solutions for addressing cavities.

What are the Types of Dental Fillings and Their Costs?  

In India, dental fillings come in various types, each with its own cost range. Common materials include amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, and gold. The overall price depends on the material, the size, the location of the cavity, and the dentist’s expertise.

Here, we will discuss these various types of dental fillings and their costs in detail:

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are silver-grey in colour and are therefore not aesthetically suitable for visible areas. They are typically used on back teeth (molars) where strength is prioritized and appearance is less of a concern.

It generally costs between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,500 per tooth, which is a durable and affordable option.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings, also known as tooth-coloured fillings, are a popular alternative to traditional amalgam (silver) fillings. They are made of a mixture of plastic resin and finely ground glass filler, offering a natural-looking restoration for damaged or decayed teeth.

It generally costs between Rs. 1,300 and Rs. 4,000 per tooth.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are a type of dental restoration material known for releasing fluoride, which can prevent further tooth decay. Dentists usually prefer this for small to medium-sized fillings, particularly in non-load-bearing areas and for restoration of baby teeth.

This procedure costs within a range of Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,500 per tooth.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are a premium, long-lasting option for treating tooth decay. Their use has declined due to high cost and aesthetic preferences, but they remain one of the most durable restoration materials available.

In India, it costs somewhere around Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 per tooth, depending on the cavity size and the doctor’s expertise.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings, also known as inlays or onlays, are a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for restoring damaged teeth in India. This is also comparatively more expensive than other types of conventional dental fillings.

These fillings are custom-made in a dental lab and offer a natural-looking and stain-resistant solution. It can cost between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 6,000 per tooth in India.    

What are the Benefits of Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings offer several benefits, primarily aimed at restoring damaged teeth and preventing further decay. In this section, we will highlight some of the benefits of dental fillings, which are as follows:

Preventing Further Decay

Fillings act as a barrier, preventing bacteria from reaching the inner parts of the tooth. If bacteria reach the inner parts of the tooth, they can cause more extensive decay and potential tooth loss.

Restoring Tooth Structure

Fillings primarily repair the damage to the tooth caused due to cavities, preventing misalignment of the tooth structure. Restoring the tooth’s original shape and strength allows normal chewing and biting of foods.

Improving Oral Health

A dental filling not only prevents further tooth decay but also prevents the decay of nearby teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease. Proper dental fillings improve the overall oral health.

Fillings can alleviate pain associated with tooth decay as they remove the source of irritation and seal off sensitive areas of your tooth. Depending on the materials, fillings can last for many years, providing a durable solution for restoring damaged teeth.

When is a Filling Not Enough? Advanced Cavity Treatments

A standard dental filling is only suitable when the decay is confined to the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. If the bacterial infection reaches the inner pulp (the nerve) of the tooth, it causes severe pain, infection, and an abscess. In such cases, a more extensive treatment is required to save the tooth.

• Root Canal Treatment (RCT): This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inner canals of the tooth, and then sealing them. A root canal is necessary to eliminate the infection and save the tooth from extraction.
• Estimated Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹8,000 per tooth (depending on the tooth and complexity).
• Dental Crown: After a root canal or if a cavity is very large and has weakened the tooth structure, a dental crown (cap) is needed to cover and protect the entire tooth. A crown provides the strength required for normal chewing function.
• Estimated Cost: ₹5,000 - ₹20,000+ per crown (depending on material: PFM, Zirconia, E-max, etc.)