Restore Your Teeth to Their Natural Beauty and Function
At our office, dental fillings are among the most frequently performed procedures. They serve to repair and restore teeth, effectively preventing painful decay or infections that might necessitate more extensive treatments. Our choice of composite resin fillings ensures a seamless match with your tooth’s colour. Unlike amalgam (metal fillings), tooth-coloured composite resin forms a strong bond with the tooth and is adept at filling even the tiniest spaces, resulting in reduced drilling requirements!
Why Are Fillings So Important?
The idea of undergoing a filling procedure might not be the most exciting, and you might even contemplate delaying it or questioning its necessity, particularly if your tooth isn’t causing immediate discomfort.
Nevertheless, we emphasize the importance of promptly addressing your cavities, and here’s why it’s crucial:
- Halt the progression of cavities.
- Safeguard against painful infections or abscesses.
- Strengthen and fortify weakened teeth.
- Provide long-term cost savings.
- Alleviate sensitivity to temperature changes.
- Maintain your natural smile for an extended period.
How Are Cavities Filled?
Gentle Freezing
Prior to commencing the procedure, we take special care to gently numb your gums. This ensures a comfortable experience for you as we gently freeze the treatment area. We understand that some individuals may feel a bit anxious about this step, but rest assured, the freezing process effectively numbs your teeth and the surrounding area, minimizing any discomfort during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
Once we’ve confirmed your comfort level with the numbing, we proceed to meticulously clean and prepare your tooth. An adhesive gel is applied to the affected tooth, serving as a foundation for the composite resin, which is a white filling material. This resin is expertly molded and sculpted to fit with your natural contours and bite.
Hardening the Composite
The composite resin used to fill or bond your tooth is rapidly cured and solidified using a specialized LED light. Our dentist will carefully examine the finished tooth, making any necessary refinements before giving it a final polish.
The Cost of Fillings in Stittsville
Fillings are a common and effective way to prevent dental issues, often covered by insurance. With typical insurance, costs range from $0 to $100+. If you lack dental insurance, prices can range from $120 to $300 or more, especially for multiple fillings.
When determining your treatment cost, we consider:
- Your current oral health.
- The number of fillings needed.
- Cavity location in your mouth.
- The need for new x-rays.
- Time required by our dental team.
- Necessary equipment and supplies.
Prompt cavity treatment is vital, as it prevents more invasive procedures, alleviates dental pain, and ensures your overall well-being.
Give Us A Call Today
to schedule a consultation or appointment for a filling
Our consultation includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, with a focus on assessing the condition of your fillings or cavities. We aim to understand your overall oral health and your smile’s aesthetic. Most importantly, we want to know your treatment goals so we can work together to achieve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
With regular daily brushing and flossing, along with scheduled cleanings and checkups, you can expect your fillings to maintain their integrity for more than a decade.
Fillings were traditionally made using a dental alloy known as ‘dental amalgam,’ often colloquially referred to as ‘silver’ or ‘mercury’ fillings. Although there has been ongoing debate about the safety of amalgam fillings, scientific research, as supported by the Canadian Dental Association, has not confirmed any link between dental amalgam and illness in the general population. If you currently have silver fillings, there’s no need for concern!
For temporary relief from a cavity or minor tooth damage, some over-the-counter products are available until you can visit a dentist. However, these are not permanent solutions and cannot replace a professional filling. Cavities represent permanent tooth damage that requires cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dental professional. Neglecting dental decay poses significant risks, as untreated cavities can progress to tooth loss and potentially even tooth abscess.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that interferes with your eating or sleep, it qualifies as a dental emergency, and we strongly encourage you to contact us immediately. We can provide guidance over the phone and arrange for a prompt Emergency appointment. For temporary relief from toothache, applying a cold compress to the affected area on your face may help. You can also consider taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), but it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and adhere to the medication instructions on the bottle. Keep a record of the medication, dosage, and the time taken so you can share this information with us during your visit.
Common signs of cavities include tooth sensitivity, pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold, visible holes or pits in your teeth, and discomfort while biting down.
The time required for a filling varies depending on the size and location of the cavity. On average, a filling procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
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