Make Your Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed at our office, designed to restore the health and function of your teeth. We use composite resin fillings, which are color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless and natural look. Unlike traditional metal amalgam fillings, composite resin bonds effectively with your tooth structure, allowing for smaller, more precise fillings with less drilling. This not only preserves more of your natural tooth but also helps prevent further decay and potential infections, saving you from more extensive treatments down the line.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
It’s easy to overlook the need for a filling, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt right away. However, filling cavities early can help prevent bigger issues down the road. Here’s why it’s important:
- Prevent cavities from worsening: Fillings stop cavities from spreading and causing further damage.
- Avoid painful infections or abscesses: Untreated cavities can lead to painful, costly infections.
- Restore tooth strength: Cavities weaken your teeth. Fillings restore their strength and durability.
- Save money long-term: Early treatment can help avoid more expensive dental procedures.
- Reduce sensitivity: Fillings can alleviate discomfort from hot and cold foods or drinks.
- Preserve your smile: By addressing cavities early, you maintain the integrity of your natural smile.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To ensure you’re comfortable, we begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth. This “freezing” step is designed to prevent any pain or discomfort, allowing you to feel at ease during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
Once the area is numb, we clean and prepare your tooth. An adhesive gel is applied, followed by a tooth-colored composite resin. This resin is carefully sculpted to match your tooth’s shape and bite.
Curing the Composite
The resin is then hardened using a special LED light. Once it’s set, the dentist checks the tooth to ensure everything is in place, making any adjustments if necessary, and finishes with a smooth, polished surface for a natural look and feel.
The Cost of a Filling in Brantford
Fillings are an essential part of dental care and are typically well-covered by most insurance plans. Depending on your coverage, you may pay anywhere from $0 to $100+ out-of-pocket. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost for a filling typically ranges from $120 to $300+, especially if multiple fillings are needed.
Several factors affect the cost of your treatment, including:
- Your current oral health
- How many fillings are required
- The location of the cavity
- Whether new X-rays are needed
- The time required for the procedure
- The equipment and materials needed
We believe in filling cavities promptly to help prevent the need for more invasive procedures, reduce the risk of pain, and keep you smiling with good oral health.
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, your fillings can last for over ten years. The durability depends on factors like the filling material, the location in the mouth, and how well you care for your teeth.
Amalgam fillings—often called “silver” or “mercury” fillings—have been used for many years. While there are ongoing debates about their safety, the Canadian Dental Association confirms that scientific research has not shown any harm from dental amalgam in the general population. So, if you have these types of fillings, there’s no need to worry.
Temporary over-the-counter filling products may offer short-term relief, but they cannot replace professional fillings. Cavities are permanent damage and need to be cleaned, prepared, and filled by a dentist. Untreated cavities can lead to more serious issues, like tooth loss or abscesses.
If you experience severe pain that makes it difficult to eat or sleep, this is a dental emergency. Call us immediately for advice and to schedule a visit.
For temporary relief, you can apply a cold compress to the affected area and take pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Always follow the dosage instructions and note the medication and timing to share with us during your appointment.
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