Restore the natural look and feel of your teeth.
At our office, dental fillings are a routine procedure aimed at repairing and restoring teeth while preventing further decay or infection. We utilize composite resin fillings that are precisely colour-matched to your tooth, resulting in a seamless blend. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, tooth-coloured composite resin forms a strong bond with the tooth and can effectively fill smaller spaces, minimizing the need for extensive drilling.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Getting your cavities filled promptly is important for the following reasons:
- Stop cavity growth: Fillings prevent cavities from worsening and causing more extensive damage to your teeth.
- Prevent infections and abscesses: Untreated cavities can lead to painful infections or abscesses, which require more complex treatment.
- Restore tooth strength and durability: Fillings strengthen weakened teeth, enabling them to function properly.
- Long-term cost savings: Addressing cavities early with fillings helps avoid more expensive dental procedures in the future.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold: Fillings can alleviate tooth sensitivity caused by cavities.
- Preserve your natural smile: Timely fillings help maintain your natural teeth, preventing potential tooth loss and preserving your smile.
Prioritizing the timely treatment of cavities through fillings ensures the overall health and longevity of your teeth.
How Is A Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To ensure your comfort, we will carefully numb your gums, effectively numbing the teeth and surrounding area. This minimizes any sensation during the procedure, easing any concerns or anxiety.
Filling the Tooth
Once we confirm that you are comfortably numb, we proceed to clean and prepare your tooth meticulously. An adhesive gel is applied to the affected tooth, followed by the application and shaping of composite resin (white filling material) to match your natural contours and bite.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin material used to fill or bond your tooth is rapidly cured and hardened using a specialized LED light. Your dentist will then conduct a thorough examination of the completed tooth, making any necessary finishing touches, and provide a final polish for a seamless finish.
The Cost Of A Filling
Fillings are a common and effective method for preventing dental problems, and many insurance companies provide substantial coverage for them. With a typical insurance plan, you may pay between $0 to $100+ for fillings. Without dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, particularly if multiple fillings are required simultaneously.
When determining the cost of your treatment, several crucial factors are considered:
- Your current oral health condition.
- The number of fillings needed.
- The location of the cavities in your mouth.
- Whether new x-rays are required.
- The time required by the dental team to address your specific needs.
- The necessary equipment and supplies to fulfill your treatment requirements.
Promptly filling cavities is a priority for us, as it is highly effective in preventing more extensive treatments, reducing the risk of severe dental pain, and promoting 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
There are several reasons why someone might choose composite fillings over other options. Firstly, composite fillings are tooth-coloured, providing a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result. Secondly, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth material. Additionally, composite fillings are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity to temperature changes compared to metal amalgam fillings.
The lifespan of composite fillings can vary depending on factors such as the size of the filling, the location in the mouth, and oral hygiene habits. On average, composite fillings can last between 5 to 10 years or even longer with proper care.
Yes, composite fillings are considered safe. They are made of a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, and the material has been used in dentistry for many years. Composite fillings are free of mercury, unlike silver amalgam fillings.
The time required to place a composite filling can vary depending on the size and location of the filling, as well as other factors. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete the procedure. However, more extensive fillings or those in hard-to-reach areas may take longer. Your dentist will provide a more accurate time estimate based on your specific case.
Yes, composite fillings are commonly used for front teeth. They are highly aesthetic because they can be colour-matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. Composite fillings are often the preferred choice for restoring decayed or chipped front teeth.