Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Dental fillings are a routine and essential procedure at our office, effectively repairing and restoring teeth to prevent the development of painful decay or infections that may require more extensive treatments. Our preferred choice is composite resin fillings, which are meticulously colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Unlike traditional metal amalgam fillings, these tooth-coloured resin fillings form a strong bond with the tooth structure and can effectively fill even smaller cavities, resulting in reduced drilling requirements. This not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of your smile but also maintains the integrity and strength of your teeth, ensuring they look and feel as natural as ever.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
While the idea of getting a filling may not be exciting, it is crucial to prioritize your dental health. Even if your tooth isn’t currently causing you pain, having a filling is highly recommended for several important reasons.
- Stop Cavities from Worsening: Fillings prevent cavities from growing larger and causing further damage to your tooth structure. By addressing cavities early, you can maintain the integrity of your teeth and avoid more extensive repairs down the line.
- Prevent Painful Infections or Abscesses: Promptly treating cavities with fillings can help you avoid the development of painful infections or abscesses. These infections can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being, often requiring more invasive treatments if left untreated.
- Restore Strength and Durability: Cavities weaken your teeth, making them more susceptible to fractures and breakage. Fillings effectively restore the strength and durability of your teeth, allowing you to chew and speak without worry.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Investing in fillings now can save you money in the long run. Delaying treatment may lead to more extensive and costly dental procedures, such as root canals or crowns, which can be avoided with timely intervention.
- Reduce Sensitivity: Fillings can help reduce sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, enhancing your comfort while enjoying your favourite foods and beverages. By sealing off the affected areas, fillings protect the nerves in your teeth from external stimuli.
- Preserve Your Natural Smile: Fillings enable you to maintain your natural smile for as long as possible. By preventing further decay and damage, you can avoid the need for more invasive treatments that may compromise your dental aesthetics.
Prioritizing fillings is essential for maintaining the health, functionality, and appearance of your teeth, ensuring a confident and pain-free smile.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
At the outset of the procedure, we prioritize your comfort by numbing the surrounding gum tissue. This gentle numbing process ensures that both your teeth and gums are insulated from any sensation, allowing you to remain relaxed and pain-free throughout the treatment. We understand that this step can cause anxiety, but rest assured, it is essential for a smooth and comfortable experience.
Filling the Tooth
Once the area is adequately numb, we proceed to thoroughly clean and prepare the affected tooth. This involves removing any decayed material and shaping the tooth to accommodate the filling. We then apply an adhesive agent to the prepared surface, followed by the application of a tooth-coloured composite resin. This resin is carefully moulded and contoured to match the natural shape and alignment of your bite, ensuring a seamless integration with your existing teeth.
Curing the Composite
After the composite resin has been properly shaped, we use a specialized LED curing light to harden and set the material quickly. This process solidifies the filling, making it durable and long-lasting. Following the curing, our dentist will meticulously inspect the filled tooth, making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal fit and comfort. Finally, a polished finish is applied, leaving your tooth restored to its natural appearance and functionality.
The Cost of a Filling in Whitby
Dental fillings are a common and essential procedure for preventing and addressing dental issues. Most insurance plans offer substantial coverage for fillings, making them an accessible option for many patients. With a standard insurance plan, your out-of-pocket expenses for a single filling can range from $0 to $100 or more. For those without dental insurance, the cost typically falls between $150 and $400 per filling, and this amount may increase if multiple fillings are required simultaneously.
Determining the exact cost of your treatment involves several important factors. Your current oral health plays a significant role, as the extent of decay and the condition of your teeth can influence the complexity of the procedure. The number of fillings you need and the specific location of each cavity in your mouth also impact the overall cost. Additionally, the necessity for new X-rays, the amount of time our dental team must dedicate to your care, and the specific equipment and materials required are all considered when calculating the final price.
Addressing cavities promptly is a priority for us, as timely fillings are highly effective in preventing more invasive treatments down the line. By treating cavities early, we can avoid the progression of decay that may lead to serious dental pain or infections. This proactive approach not only safeguards your oral health but also helps you maintain a healthy and confident 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 a consistent daily routine of brushing and flossing, coupled with regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups, your fillings can remain effective for well over ten years. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent further decay and ensure the longevity of your fillings, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and functional smile for many years.
Dental fillings were traditionally made using an alloy known as dental amalgam, often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. While there has been ongoing debate regarding the safety of amalgam fillings, the Canadian Dental Association states that scientific studies have not confirmed that dental amalgam causes illness in the general population. Therefore, if you currently have silver fillings, there is no need for concern about their safety. Your existing amalgam fillings are considered safe and effective for restoring your teeth.
While there are over-the-counter products available that claim to temporarily fill a cavity or address minor tooth damage until you can visit a dentist, these solutions are not permanent and cannot replace professional dental fillings. Cavities represent permanent damage to your teeth that requires proper cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dental professional. Attempting to use homemade or temporary fillings can lead to severe risks, including the progression of dental decay, tooth loss, and the development of abscesses. It is essential to seek professional dental care to ensure that cavities are effectively treated and to prevent further oral health complications.
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain that interferes with your ability to eat or sleep, it is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dentist immediately. For temporary relief from toothache, applying a cold compress to the affected area on your face can help reduce pain and swelling. Additionally, taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) may help alleviate discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions provided with the medication and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. It’s also helpful to note the type of medication, the amount taken, and the time it was taken so you can inform your dentist during your visit. Prompt professional treatment is necessary to address the underlying cause of the pain and prevent further dental issues.
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Dr. Peter Cares
