Make teeth look and feel natural again.
Dental fillings are the most common procedure performed in our office. They repair and restore the tooth and help prevent painful decay or infection that would require more serious work. We use composite resin fillings that are colour matched to your tooth. Unlike amalgam (metal fillings), tooth-coloured composite resin bonds really well with the tooth and is capable of filling much smaller spaces which means less drilling!
Why Are Fillings So Important?
When you have a cavity, it’s important to get it filled as soon as possible. Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt yet, filling the cavity can help prevent it from getting worse and causing painful infections or abscesses. Fillings also make your tooth stronger and can save you money in the long run. Plus, they can reduce sensitivity to hot and cold and help preserve your natural smile. So don’t put off getting a filling if you need one! Nonetheless, we strongly recommend you have your cavities filled at your earliest convenience, and here is why:
- Stop cavities from getting bigger.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses.
- Cavities weaken your tooth. Fillings restore strength and durability.
- They save you money in the long run.
- Reduce sensitivity too hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How is a cavity filled?
Gentle Freezing
Before we begin, we will take the time to carefully numb your gums so we can gently freeze the area. People often feel anxious about this step. Freezing will numb your teeth and surrounding area so you barely feel a thing during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
After we confirm that you’re comfortably frozen, your tooth is carefully cleaned and prepped. An adhesive gel is placed on the affected tooth over which a composite resin (white filling material) will be moulded and sculpted to match your contours or bite.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin material used to fill or bond your tooth is quickly cured and hardened with a special LED light. The doctor will carefully examine your finished tooth and make any required finishing touches before giving it a final polish.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite fillings typically last between 5-10 years but can last even longer with proper care and maintenance. Good oral hygiene habits and avoiding habits that can damage your teeth can help prolong the lifespan of your fillings.
In the past, dental fillings were commonly made using an alloy called “dental amalgam” and were often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. Despite ongoing debates regarding their safety, scientific studies conducted by the Canadian Dental Association have not found any evidence that dental amalgam causes illness in the general population. So if you have silver fillings, there’s no need to worry!
Although there are over-the-counter products to temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage, they are not a permanent solution and cannot replace a professional filling. Cavities are a form of permanent tooth damage that require cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dental professional. Neglecting to address dental decay can lead to severe risks, including tooth loss and abscess. Therefore, it’s important to seek timely treatment from a dental professional.
In case you’re experiencing severe pain that interferes with your eating or sleeping, it qualifies as a dental emergency, and we strongly encourage you to contact us immediately. We can provide you with advice over the phone and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. To alleviate toothache temporarily, you can apply a cold compress to the affected area on your face. Painkillers such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) may also provide some relief. However, it’s vital to follow your physician’s advice and carefully read the instructions on the medication bottle before using any medication. Additionally, make a note of the medication, dosage, and time it was consumed so that you can inform us when you come in.
What Our Patients are Saying
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
Totally Thrilled with the Results!
Patient is Very Happy with the Outcome
I am so happy with my smile
