Fillings

 

A number of filling materials are available most notably silver amalgams and composite resins.  Decay is removed and filled with a suitable material. Broken or faulty fillings are also removed and replaced.  Amalgams are being used less each year due to its unsightly nature and resin technology is now advanced enough to  routinely use composite resins.

 

Amalgam Codes

 

8341     K02.9    One surface              R 224.40

8342     K02.9    Two surface             R 276.30

8343     K02.9    Three surface          R 336.90

8344     K02.9    Four surface            R 376.60

 

Composite Codes – Front teeth

 

8351     K02.9    One surface             R 246.10

8352     K02.9    Two surface            R 309.70

8353     K02.9    Three surface         R 370.00

8354     K02.9    Four surface           R 412.70

 

Composite Codes – Back teeth

 

8367     K02.9   One surface             R 266.90

8368     K02.9   Two surface            R 330.10

8369     K02.9   Three surface         R 398.80

8370     K02.9   Four surface           R 429.10

 

Sometimes one uses a pin to aid the retention of the filling especially if the tooth is broken down.

 

8347     K02.9   Restorative pin      R  97.00

8398     K02.9   Core with pins       R 435.40

 

Costs of codes 8109 x 2, 8110 & 8145 are associated with the above procedures Cost R 138.00

Possible post operative issues:

1. Some post operative sensitivity is normal.
2. If the filling is sensitive to biting afterwards, then the filling is too “high” or proud. A simple polishing down or  grinding is required.
3. If the tooth is cold sensitive, it may also require adjustment.
4. A tooth that is cold and hot and pressure sensitive often indicates that the nerve cannot handle the filling and a  root canal treatment may be necessary.
5. Sometimes a new filling may have to be removed and a sedative temporary placed for a few days while the pulp  recovers from the trauma and then a new permanent filling can be placed.
6. Some amalgam fillings may cause cracks in the tooth after some time due to expansion.
7. White resin fillings may cause a tooth to become sensitive for some not so definite reasons. Usually one places a  temporary for some time to see what the reaction will be.
8. Sometimes bonding a white fillings may not work due to contamination by saliva. Replacement of the filling is  required.
9. Fillings can break and then a crown or inlay may be indicated