Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Are you suffering from cracked teeth, chipped teeth, or cavities? Composite dental fillings are an ideal solution for restoring damaged teeth to their former glory.
By filling in cavities and cracks, dental fillings help prevent painful decay or serious infection that might otherwise develop. We use composite resin fillings to create tooth-colored fillings matched to the exact hue of your teeth. Unlike amalgam (metal fillings), tooth-colored composite resin bonds exceptionally well with the tooth and is capable of filling much smaller spaces, which means less drilling!
Why are teeth fillings so important?
The idea of getting a tooth filling may seem like a chore. After all, cavities often cause no apparent pain or discomfort– in the beginning, at least. You may find yourself putting off your dental appointment or even wondering if you need a tooth filling altogether. But we strongly recommend you have your cavities filled at your earliest convenience, and here’s why:
- Tooth fillings stop cavities from getting bigger.
- Tooth Fillings help prevent painful infections or abscesses from forming.
- Cavities weaken your tooth. Composite fillings restore strength and durability.
- The earlier you get fillings, the more money you’ll save in the long run.
- Dental fillings reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- White fillings or tooth-colored fillings preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How is a cavity filled?
Gentle Freezing
Before we begin a tooth filling, we will take the time to carefully numb the gum tissue so we can gently freeze the area around the tooth. People often feel anxious about this step– but we assure them that they’ll feel no pain. Freezing numbs your teeth and surrounding area so you barely feel a thing during the dental filling procedure.
Filling the Tooth
Once we confirm that the area around the tooth is sufficiently numb, your tooth is carefully cleaned and prepped for the fillings. An adhesive gel is placed on the affected tooth over which a composite resin (the white teeth filling material) will be molded and sculpted to match your tooth contours and bite alignment.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin material used in the composite filling is quickly cured and bonded to the tooth with a special LED light. The doctor will carefully examine your finished tooth and make any finishing touches before giving it a final polish.
The Cost of Composite Fillings in Guelph
Composite fillings are so routine and such a great way to prevent and avoid dental problems that most insurance companies will provide significant coverage for them. With a typical insurance plan, expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $100+. If you are without dental insurance, expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 and up, especially if you require multiple tooth fillings at once.
When we determine the actual cost of your treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Your current oral health.
- How many tooth fillings you’ll need.
- Where the cavity is located in your mouth.
- Whether or not any new x-rays are required.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet your specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all your needs.
Filling cavities promptly is important to us, as composite fillings are so effective at preventing more invasive treatments, serious dental pain, and keeping you as happy and healthy as possible.
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 normal daily brushing and flossing routine and regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups, your fillings should last well over ten years.
Fillings used to be done with an alloy called ‘dental amalgam’ and had many nicknames such as “silver” and “mercury” fillings. While there is plenty of debate over the safety of amalgam fillings, according to the Canadian Dental Association, scientific studies have not verified that dental amalgam is causing illness in the general population. So if you currently have silver fillings, don’t fear!
There are over-the-counter products available to temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage until you can make it to the dentist, but they are not a permanent solution and cannot replace a professional dental filling. A cavity is permanent tooth damage that must be cleaned, prepared, and filled by a dental professional. There are severe risks associated with letting dental decay continue to worsen. If left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth loss and tooth abscess, or more serious infections.
If you are experiencing severe pain that prevents you from eating or sleeping, this is considered a dental emergency and we urge you to call us right away. We can give you advice over the phone and see you as soon as possible. For temporary relief of toothache, apply a cold compress to your face over the painful area. You may be able to take the edge off your pain by taking a pain reliever like acetaminophen (ex. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (ex. Advil). Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the instructions on the bottle when taking any medication. Make a note of what medication, how much and the time it was taken so you can let us know when you come in.
Any sensitivity following a tooth filling should not last more than four weeks. If sensitivity doesn’t lessen over time or persists after four weeks, contact your doctor.
White fillings– or “tooth-colored fillings” – are made from a composite resin material. This resin is blended with plastics and elements like silica which work to emulate the natural appearance and color of teeth.
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