Restore the natural look and feel of your teeth.
In our office, dental fillings are a routine procedure that effectively repairs and restores teeth, preventing decay or infection. We prioritize the use of colour-matched composite resin fillings, which not only bond well with the tooth but also offer the added benefit of requiring less drilling compared to traditional metal fillings. This means a more comfortable experience for you while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
While getting a filling may seem like an inconvenience, it is important to address cavities promptly to prevent future complications and maintain optimal oral health. Even if your tooth doesn’t currently cause discomfort, filling cavities early helps avoid potential pain and more extensive treatment down the line. Prioritizing timely fillings is essential for preserving the health and integrity of your teeth. Here is why:
- Prevent cavity progression
- Avoid painful infections or abscesses
- Restore tooth strength and durability
- Save money by preventing the need for extensive dental work
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold
- Preserve your natural smile for the long term
How Is A Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
Before we commence, we prioritize your comfort by meticulously numbing your gums. We understand that this step can cause anxiety for some individuals. However, by administering this numbing technique, we can effectively freeze your teeth and the surrounding area, ensuring a nearly painless experience throughout the procedure. This approach minimizes any discomfort you may feel, allowing us to work smoothly and efficiently.
Filling the Tooth
Once we confirm that you are comfortably numb, we proceed by thoroughly cleaning and preparing your tooth. An adhesive gel is then applied to the affected tooth, providing a foundation for the placement of a composite resin (white filling material). The resin is meticulously shaped and sculpted to match the contours and bite of your tooth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin material used to fill or bond your tooth is efficiently cured and hardened using a specialized LED light. The dentist will then meticulously inspect the completed tooth, making any necessary finishing touches, and conclude the process with a final polish, ensuring a smooth and polished appearance.
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
Common signs of cavities include tooth sensitivity, pain when biting down, visible holes or pits on the tooth surface, and tooth discolouration.
There are different types of fillings, including amalgam (metal), composite resin (tooth-coloured) and porcelain. Each type has its advantages and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as location, aesthetics, and budget.
The process of getting a filling is typically not painful as local anesthesia is used to numb the area. You may feel slight pressure or vibrations during the procedure, but it should not be uncomfortable. If you experience any pain, it is important to inform your dentist immediately.
The longevity of fillings can vary depending on factors such as the material used, oral hygiene practices, and chewing habits. On average, composite resin fillings last around 5 to 10 years, while amalgam fillings can last longer, often up to 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. Regular dental check-ups help monitor the condition of your fillings and determine if any replacements or repairs are needed.