Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Dental fillings are a routine yet essential procedure in our practice. They play a crucial role in repairing and restoring teeth, effectively preventing more severe issues caused by decay or infection. We use composite resin fillings that match the colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless look. Unlike amalgam (metal) fillings, these tooth-coloured composites bond well with your teeth and can fill smaller cavities, which means less drilling is required. This method helps maintain the natural appearance of your teeth while providing effective protection and restoration.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Getting a filling might seem like a hassle, and it’s tempting to put it off, especially if you’re not feeling any pain yet. However, addressing cavities promptly is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevent Further Damage: Fillings stop cavities from expanding, which can otherwise lead to more extensive and costly dental work.
- Avoid Painful Infections: Left untreated, cavities can lead to infections or abscesses, which are not only painful but also require more invasive treatments.
- Restore Tooth Strength: Cavities weaken your tooth structure. Fillings help restore its strength and durability, making it less prone to damage.
- Save Money: By treating cavities early, you avoid the need for more expensive treatments down the line.
- Reduce Sensitivity: Fillings help alleviate sensitivity to hot and cold, making eating and drinking more comfortable.
- Maintain Your Smile: Properly filled cavities preserve the natural appearance and health of your smile for as long as possible.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To begin, we numb the area around your tooth to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. This freezing step is crucial for minimizing discomfort and helps you feel relaxed during the process.
Filling the Tooth
Once the area is numb, we clean and prepare your tooth. We then apply an adhesive gel to help the composite resin adhere properly. The resin is carefully shaped to fit the natural contours of your tooth and to match your bite.
Curing the Composite
Next, we use a special LED light to quickly harden the composite resin. This step ensures that the filling sets firmly in place. After curing, we’ll examine the filling to make any final adjustments and polish it to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth.
The Cost of a Filling in Mississauga
Fillings are a common and essential treatment to prevent dental problems, and insurance usually covers a significant portion of the cost. With a typical insurance plan, you might pay between $0 and $100 or more. Without insurance, the cost for a filling generally ranges from $120 to $300, and it can be higher if you need multiple fillings.
- Current Oral Health: Your overall dental condition affects the complexity of the treatment.
- Number of Fillings: The more fillings needed, the higher the cost.
- Location of the Cavity: Fillings in different areas of your mouth may vary in price.
- Need for X-rays: If new x-rays are required, this may impact the cost.
- Time and Expertise Required: The amount of time and the specific skills needed by our dental team will be considered.
- Equipment and Supplies: The materials and tools necessary for your treatment can also affect the final cost.
Several factors influence the actual cost of your dental filling:
Promptly addressing cavities is crucial. Timely fillings help avoid more invasive procedures, reduce the risk of severe dental pain, and ensure you remain healthy and satisfied with your care.
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 proper dental care, including regular brushing, flossing, and scheduled checkups, fillings can last significantly more than a decade. Consistent oral hygiene and routine visits to the dentist help ensure that your fillings remain effective and durable for many years.
Dental fillings were once commonly made from an alloy known as dental amalgam, often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. Despite ongoing debates about their safety, the Canadian Dental Association states that extensive scientific research has not confirmed that dental amalgam poses health risks to the general population. Therefore, if you have silver fillings, there is no need for concern.
Temporary solutions, like over-the-counter products, can help with minor tooth damage or cavities until you reach a dentist. However, these are not permanent fixes. A cavity is a serious issue that requires professional care to properly clean, prepare, and fill. Relying on homemade remedies or temporary products can lead to worsening decay, which might result in tooth loss or abscesses if left untreated. For lasting and effective treatment, consult with your dentist as soon as possible.
Experiencing severe tooth pain that affects your ability to eat or sleep is considered a dental emergency. If this is the case, please reach out to us immediately for guidance and a prompt appointment. To manage the pain temporarily, you can apply a cold compress to the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can also provide relief. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and keep a record of the medication taken, including the amount and time. Share this information with us during your visit to help us better assist you.
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