
Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Struggling with cavities or damaged teeth? Composite dental fillings can effectively restore your teeth to their natural beauty and functionality.
These fillings address cavities and cracks, preventing future pain or potential infections. We use composite resin to craft fillings that seamlessly blend with your tooth colour. In contrast to amalgam (metal) fillings, composite resin adheres better to teeth and requires less drilling due to its ability to fill smaller spaces efficiently.
Why Are Teeth Fillings So Important?
Getting a tooth filling might not be at the top of your to-do list, especially if your cavities aren’t causing any pain or discomfort yet. It can be tempting to postpone that dental appointment or wonder if you even need a filling. But addressing cavities sooner rather than later is essential, and here’s why:
- Prevent Cavities from Growing: Fillings stop cavities from getting larger, preventing more extensive damage.
- Avoid Painful Infections: Untreated cavities can lead to painful infections or abscesses. Fillings help prevent these issues.
- Strengthen Your Teeth: Cavities weaken your teeth, but composite fillings restore their strength and durability.
- Save Money in the Long Run: Early treatment with fillings can save you money by avoiding more complex procedures later.
- Reduce Sensitivity: Dental fillings can reduce sensitivity to hot and cold, making eating and drinking more comfortable.
- Maintain a Natural Smile: Tooth-coloured fillings blend with your natural teeth, preserving the look of your smile.
How is a Cavity Filled?
Numbing the Area
First, we numb the gum tissue around your tooth to ensure you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. This step might cause some anxiety, but it’s quite effective—making the entire area numb so you hardly notice any sensation during the filling process.
Preparing the Tooth
After confirming the area is numb, we clean the tooth thoroughly. An adhesive gel is then applied, followed by a composite resin. This resin is carefully shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth and to fit your bite perfectly.
Setting the Filling
The composite resin is then hardened and bonded to your tooth using a special LED light. After the filling is set, the dentist will examine the tooth, make any final adjustments, and polish it. This ensures the filling blends seamlessly with your natural teeth and feels comfortable.
The Cost of Composite Fillings in Guelph
Most insurance plans cover a large portion of the cost for composite fillings, making them an affordable solution to dental issues. Typically, with insurance, you might pay between $0 and $100 or slightly more. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost usually falls between $120 and $300, depending on the number of fillings required.
When determining the actual cost of your treatment, we consider several key factors:
- Your Current Oral Health: The overall state of your teeth and gums can influence the complexity and cost of the treatment.
- Number of Fillings Needed: The more fillings required, the higher the total cost.
- Cavity Location: The position of the cavity in your mouth can affect the difficulty of the procedure.
- Need for New X-rays: Additional imaging may be necessary to properly assess and treat the cavities.
- Time Required: The duration of the procedure, based on your specific needs, impacts the cost.
- Equipment and Supplies: The materials and tools needed for your treatment are also factored into the cost.
Filling cavities promptly is essential, as composite fillings not only prevent the need for more invasive treatments but also help avoid severe dental pain. This proactive approach ensures you maintain excellent oral health and overall 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
With a consistent routine of brushing and flossing daily, along with regular dental cleanings and checkups, your fillings can last well beyond ten years.
In the past, ‘dental amalgam’ was commonly used for fillings, known as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. Despite ongoing debates about their safety, the Canadian Dental Association assures that scientific research has not found any link between amalgam fillings and illness in the general population. Therefore, if you have silver fillings, there’s no cause for concern.
Over-the-counter products might provide a temporary fix for a cavity or minor tooth damage, but they are not a long-term solution and cannot substitute professional dental treatment. Cavities are a form of permanent tooth damage that requires proper cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dentist. Neglecting dental decay can result in serious issues like tooth loss, abscesses, and severe infections.
Severe pain that disrupts your eating or sleeping is considered a dental emergency. In such cases, please call us immediately for advice and an urgent appointment. For temporary relief, you can apply a cold compress to the affected area on your face. Taking pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can help manage the pain. Always follow your doctor’s advice and the instructions on the medication. Note the medication taken, the dosage, and the time to inform us during your visit.
Sensitivity after getting a composite filling typically subsides within four weeks. If it persists beyond this period or doesn’t improve, please contact your dentist.
Tooth-coloured fillings, also known as white fillings, are made from a composite resin. This composite resin is a blend of silica and plastic, designed to mimic the natural look and shade of your teeth.
