Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
At our office, dental fillings are a standard procedure designed to repair and restore damaged teeth, effectively halting further decay and avoiding the need for more extensive treatments. We use composite resin fillings that blend perfectly with your natural tooth colour, providing a discreet and aesthetic result. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, composite resin adheres strongly to the tooth structure and is ideal for filling smaller cavities, which often means less drilling and a more comfortable experience.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Getting a filling might seem like a hassle, and it’s easy to question the need for one, especially if you’re not in pain yet. However, addressing cavities promptly is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevent Further Damage: Fillings halt the progression of cavities, stopping them from growing and causing more significant issues.
- Avoid Painful Complications: By treating cavities early, you reduce the risk of developing painful infections or abscesses.
- Restore Tooth Strength: Cavities weaken your teeth. Fillings restore their strength and durability, helping maintain their function.
- Save Money: Addressing cavities sooner rather than later can prevent more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
- Minimize Sensitivity: Fillings help reduce discomfort caused by sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve Your Smile: Properly treated cavities help keep your natural smile intact for longer.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To start, we’ll ensure that the area around the cavity is thoroughly numbed. This involves administering a local anesthetic to gently freeze the affected area, minimizing any discomfort. Though the process might seem daunting, the freezing ensures that you’ll feel minimal sensation during the procedure, making the entire experience more comfortable.
Filling the Tooth
Once you’re comfortably numb, we’ll proceed to clean and prepare the affected tooth. An adhesive gel is applied to ensure that the composite resin, or white filling material, bonds securely. We then shape and mould the resin to match the natural contours of your tooth and align with your bite, restoring both function and appearance.
Curing the Composite
To set the composite resin, we use a specialized LED light to quickly harden the material. After the resin has cured, the doctor will carefully inspect the filled tooth and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, we give the tooth a smooth polish to ensure a natural, comfortable finish.
The Cost of a Filling in Kanata
Fillings are a standard procedure that often receives substantial coverage from dental insurance plans. Generally, if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket expense could range from $0 to around $100 or more. For those without dental coverage, the price usually varies between $120 and $300, and it may be higher if multiple fillings are needed in one visit.
When calculating the cost of your treatment, we consider several key factors:
- Your overall oral health.
- The number of fillings required.
- The location of the cavities in your mouth.
- Whether new X-rays are necessary.
- The time needed by our dental team to address your specific requirements.
- The equipment and materials needed for your treatment.
Taking care of cavities as soon as possible is a top priority for us. Promptly filling cavities not only helps prevent the need for more complex treatments but also keeps you free from serious dental pain. By addressing cavities early, we aim to keep you both healthy and satisfied with your smile.
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
With regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, fillings can typically last for over a decade. Proper care helps maintain their effectiveness and longevity, keeping your teeth protected for years to come.
In the past, fillings were commonly made from an alloy known as dental amalgam, often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. Despite ongoing discussions about their safety, the Canadian Dental Association states that scientific research has not confirmed any health risks associated with dental amalgam for the general population. If you have these types of fillings, there’s no need to be concerned.
Over-the-counter products are available for temporary fixes to minor tooth damage or cavities until you can get to the dentist. However, these solutions are only stopgaps and cannot substitute for professional care. A cavity is a serious issue that needs thorough cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dentist. Neglecting to properly treat a cavity can lead to more severe problems like tooth loss or abscesses. It’s crucial to consult a dental professional to address the issue effectively and prevent further damage.
If you’re struggling with severe tooth pain that affects your ability to eat or sleep, it’s crucial to reach out to us promptly. This kind of pain often indicates a serious issue that needs immediate attention. In the meantime, applying a cold compress to the outside of your face near the painful area can offer some relief. Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can help manage the pain temporarily. Make sure to follow the dosing instructions provided and consult your doctor if you have any questions. Keep track of the medication you take, including the dosage and timing, and share this information with us during your appointment.