
Restore the natural look and feel of your teeth.
At our practice, dental fillings are a standard procedure focused on repairing and restoring teeth while safeguarding them against further decay or infection. We use composite resin fillings that are carefully colour-matched to your tooth, ensuring a natural and seamless appearance. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, tooth-coloured composite resin forms a durable bond with the tooth and can effectively fill smaller areas, minimizing the need for extensive drilling.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Promptly addressing cavities with fillings is essential for several reasons:
- Stop cavity progression: Fillings halt the advancement of cavities, preventing further damage to your teeth.
- Prevent infections and abscesses: Leaving cavities untreated can result in painful infections or abscesses that require more involved treatments.
- Restore tooth strength and functionality: Fillings reinforce weakened teeth, allowing them to perform their functions effectively.
- Save money in the long run: Treating cavities early with fillings can help you avoid costly dental procedures later on.
- Reduce sensitivity to temperature: Fillings can relieve discomfort caused by sensitivity to hot and cold due to cavities.
- Protect your natural smile: Timely fillings preserve your natural teeth, reducing the risk of tooth loss and maintaining your smile.
Making cavity treatment a priority with fillings promotes the overall health and longevity of your teeth.
How Is A Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To prioritise your comfort, we carefully numb your gums, ensuring the tooth and surrounding area are desensitised. This process helps minimise discomfort and alleviates any worries or anxiety during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
After confirming you are comfortably numb, we thoroughly clean and prepare the tooth. An adhesive gel is applied to the affected area, followed by the careful application and sculpting of composite resin (white filling material) to blend seamlessly with your tooth’s natural contours and bite.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin is hardened quickly using a specialised LED light. Your dentist will then inspect the restored tooth in detail, make any final adjustments, and polish it to create a smooth, natural-looking finish.
The Cost Of A Filling
Fillings are a reliable and effective solution for preventing dental issues, and most insurance providers offer considerable coverage for this treatment. With standard insurance plans, your cost for fillings may range from $0 to $100 or more. For those without dental insurance, the expense typically varies between $120 and $300 or higher, particularly when multiple fillings are needed during the same visit.
Several key factors impact the cost of your treatment:
- The condition of your oral health at the time of treatment.
- The quantity of fillings needed to address the cavities.
- The exact location of the cavities within your mouth.
- Whether updated x-rays are essential for the procedure.
- The time necessary for the dental team to meet your unique needs.
- The equipment and materials necessary to perform your treatment effectively.
Addressing cavities promptly is our priority, as it effectively prevents the need for more complex procedures, reduces the risk of severe dental discomfort, and supports your overall happiness and well-being.
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 are a preferred choice for several reasons. They are tooth-coloured, ensuring a natural and appealing appearance. They also bond directly to the tooth structure, allowing for the preservation of more of the healthy tooth. Additionally, they are less likely to cause sensitivity to temperature changes compared to metal amalgam fillings.
The lifespan of composite fillings depends on various factors, such as their size, location, and your oral care routine. On average, they can last between 5 to 10 years, and with proper upkeep, they may last even longer.
Yes, composite fillings are a safe and reliable option. They are made from a blend of plastic and fine glass particles and have been trusted in dentistry for many years. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings do not contain mercury.
The duration of the procedure depends on the size and position of the filling, as well as other factors. Generally, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. More complex fillings or those in harder-to-reach areas might take additional time. Your dentist will provide a more detailed estimate tailored to your case.
Yes, composite fillings are an excellent choice for front teeth. They are highly aesthetic because they can be matched to the natural colour of your teeth, making them nearly undetectable. Composite fillings are often the preferred solution for repairing decayed or chipped front teeth.