White Pine Family Dental is a mercury-free practice. We use tooth-colored composite resin to fill cavities — restorations that bond directly to your tooth structure, look completely natural, and don’t expand or contract with temperature changes the way silver fillings do. Many patients still have old silver amalgam fillings from years past. While these are not necessarily harmful, they often become a concern as they age, wear, or crack — and replacing them with tooth-colored restorations is something we do routinely at our Reno office.
Whether you need a new filling for a cavity or want to replace an old amalgam, our team will walk you through your options clearly. Learn more about our restorative dentistry in Reno or schedule an appointment online.
The cost of a dental filling in Reno depends on the material used, the size of the cavity, and which tooth is being treated. At White Pine Family Dental, we primarily use composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings. A single composite filling typically ranges from $150 to $300 per tooth before insurance.
Most dental insurance plans cover fillings as a basic restorative service, often at 70-80% after your deductible is met. We work with Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Cigna Dental, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and several other major carriers. We are out-of-network with Delta Dental but do honor your Delta benefits.
For patients without insurance, our team can walk you through our financial options including our wellness membership plan. The most cost-effective time to treat a cavity is early — a small filling today is far less expensive than a crown or root canal later. View our insurance information page for details on coverage.
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak, or break — which means the tooth is no longer protected and new cavities can start. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands and contracts, causing micro-fractures in the tooth structure over time.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak, and cause staining on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, tooth-colored composite fillings are a safe, durable alternative we use routinely at our Reno office.
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!
The result is a beautiful smile!
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.
At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!
Modern dentistry offers superior alternatives to outdated silver fillings that compromise both the strength and appearance of your teeth. At White Pine Family Dental, our tooth-colored restorations provide a solution that seamlessly blends with your natural teeth while delivering exceptional durability and protection.
We prioritize your health and safety by using only the highest quality tooth-colored materials that contain fluoride to help prevent future decay. Our skilled dental team in Reno combines artistry with advanced dental technology to create restorations that are virtually undetectable while strengthening your tooth structure. Don’t let damaged teeth or unsightly silver fillings affect your confidence or oral health. Call White Pine Family Dental today at (775) 871-1186 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and discover how beautiful, strong tooth-colored fillings can transform your smile.
Several filling materials serve different needs. Composite resin (tooth-colored) matches natural color, bonds to tooth structure, ideal for visible areas, lasts 5–10 years, costs $150–$300. Amalgam (silver) is durable, 10–15 year lifespan, lower cost at $75–$200, but contains mercury and is not used at our practice. Glass ionomer releases fluoride, used for small cavities near gum line, lasts 5 years. Porcelain inlays offer premium appearance and durability at $500–$4,500. For most patients in Reno, composite resin provides the best balance of aesthetics and longevity. Learn more about restorative dental care in Reno from our team.
Filling lifespan varies by material: amalgam 10–15 years, gold 20–30+ years, composite resin 5–10 years, porcelain 10–15 years, and glass ionomer 5 years or less. Individual results depend on filling size, tooth location, bite force, and oral hygiene habits. If you notice sensitivity, pain, or a cracked filling, schedule a dental appointment in Reno promptly — catching a failing filling early saves you from needing a crown later.
Filling costs vary by material, size, and location. Amalgam costs $75-$200 per tooth (least expensive), composite resin $150-$300, glass ionomer $75-$200, porcelain $500-$4,500, and gold $500-$4,500 (requiring multiple appointments). Prices apply to simple, single-surface fillings—larger cavities cost more. Additional costs may include exam ($50-$200), X-rays ($25-$250), anesthesia (usually included), or sedation ($200-$600). Most insurance covers 80% of filling costs after deductible, though some plans only cover amalgam for back teeth while requiring patients pay difference for composite. Typical annual maximums run $1,000-$2,000. Coverage usually applies when medically necessary—cosmetic replacements may not be covered. Children’s insurance often covers 100% of preventive services including fillings. White Pine Family Dental verifies coverage and maximizes benefits before treatment—call (775) 871-1186.
The American Dental Association, FDA, and public health agencies affirm amalgam fillings are safe for most people despite containing 50% mercury. When combined with silver, tin, and copper, mercury’s properties change making it stable and non-toxic. Over 150 years of use and research found no credible evidence linking amalgam to Alzheimer’s, autism, or multiple sclerosis. However, FDA recommends certain populations avoid new amalgam when alternatives exist: pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 6, people with neurological conditions or impaired kidney function, and those with mercury allergies (less than 1% of population). Removing healthy amalgam solely for mercury concerns is not recommended—removal releases more mercury vapor than leaving in place, costs unnecessarily, and requires removing healthy tooth structure. Only replace when fillings fail, crack, or develop decay. White Pine Family Dental offers both amalgam and tooth-colored options—we’ll discuss pros and cons.
Getting a filling should not be painful because we numb the area with local anesthesia before starting. You may feel a slight pinch during the injection, then numbness sets in within minutes. During the procedure you may feel pressure or vibration but no pain. After the anesthesia wears off, mild soreness is normal for 1–2 days. Book a dental filling appointment in Reno — most fillings are completed in a single visit of 20–60 minutes.
Untreated cavities progressively worsen, leading to serious complications and higher costs. Early stage: small enamel cavity causes no pain, easily treated with a simple filling ($150–$300). If left untreated: cavity reaches dentin causing sensitivity, filling becomes larger and more expensive. Further neglect: cavity reaches pulp requiring root canal ($700–$1,500) plus a crown ($1,000–$3,000). Worst case: tooth cannot be saved and needs extraction. Schedule dental care in Reno at the first sign of sensitivity — early treatment is always simpler and less costly.
Most standard fillings are completed in one appointment lasting 20 minutes to one hour, depending on complexity, surfaces involved, and material chosen. Simple fillings (one surface, small cavity) take 20–30 minutes. Complex fillings (multiple surfaces, deep decay) take 45–60 minutes. Onlays and inlays require two appointments: first to prepare and take impressions, second to place the final restoration. Call our Reno dental office to book — same-week appointments are often available.
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone: (775) 825-6655
Fax: (775) 825-8691
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