- 169 Dufferin St S #25, Bayshore
- Mon–Sat: 7am–8pm
- (902) 291-2291
Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Bayshore
The purpose of a dental filling is to prevent cavities from growing in size or causing permanent damage to your teeth. We offer composite fillings that are tooth-coloured and match the exact shade of your teeth, so they will not only look natural, but will also feel natural as well.
On This Page You'll Learn:
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Get Fillings That Look Natural
How we can restore your teeth's natural look and feel
In our office, dental fillings are the most common procedure we perform. In addition to repairing the tooth, dental fillings also help prevent the tooth from decaying or becoming infected, which would require more extensive tooth restorations. We use composite resin fillings that match the color of your tooth. The tooth-coloured composite resin is a much better alternative to amalgam fillings (metal fillings) because it bonds well with the tooth and is capable of filling smaller spaces, which means that the dentist needs to drill much fewer holes!
Some of the reasons why fillings are so critical
Getting a tooth filled can often seem like a daunting task for a lot of people. There is a possibility that you may find it difficult to take the time to get the work done or wonder why you need one in the first place (specifically if your tooth does not hurt yet).
We still highly recommended that you have your cavities filled as soon as possible, and the following reasons will explain why:
- To prevent your cavities from getting bigger.
- To prevent painful infections or abscesses in your mouth.
- Cavities weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to damage. By filling the cavities, you are restoring their strength and durability.
- Long-term, you'll save a lot of money
- This will reduce the sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures on your teeth.
- Preserve the natural appearance of your smile for as long as possible.
How a cavity is filled
Freeze with a gentle touch
In order for you to be comfortable during your procedure, we will take the time to carefully numb your gums before we gently freeze the area around your tooth. It is understandable that this step might be scary for some people, but you will not feel anything as the freezing process numbs your teeth and surrounding areas.
Fill the cavity
As soon as we ensure that the frozen area has been adequately numbed, we begin cleaning and preparing your tooth for filling. The affected tooth is coated in an adhesive gel before the composite resin (white filling material) is created and sculpted to match the contours of the tooth and your bite.
Cure the composite resin
With the aid of a special LED light, the composite resin material will be rapidly cured and hardened. During the final polishing process, your dentist will carefully check your finished tooth and make any necessary modifications before giving it its final polish.
Get Your Cavities Filled and Reduce the Sensivitity to Hot & Cold
The cost of a dental filling
With a typical insurance plan, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $100+. If you do not have dental insurance, you may be responsible for covering anywhere from $100 to $350+, especially if you need multiple fillings at the time of the procedure. As dental fillings are one of the most common and useful procedures that prevent and avoid dental problems, most insurance companies provide significant coverage for dental fillings.
As part of our determination of the final cost of your treatment, we take into consideration a few important factors including:
- Your current oral health.
- How many dental fillings you need.
- Where the cavity is located in your mouth.
- Whether or not any new x-rays are required.
- The amount of time the dental team needs to spend to address your specific needs.
- It is important that you know what equipment and supplies we will need to meet all your needs.
Our dentists consider it to be of the utmost importance to fill cavities quickly, since fillings are so effective at preventing more invasive procedures, preventing serious dental pain, and keeping you as happy and healthy as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long do fillings last?
When you follow a normal daily brushing and flossing routine, and have regular cleanings and checkups, your fillings or dental bonding can last for at least ten years.
Will people be able to tell that I’ve had a filling?
Our white fillings are made to match the shade of your natural teeth. This makes them virtually invisible. There are even times when we have to take a closer look!
Is there any special aftercare?
It is critical to make sure that your bonded and filled teeth are maintained in the same way as your natural teeth. Our dentists recommend brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and having regular dental checkups and cleanings.
What about amalgam, silver, and mercury fillings?
We no longer use amalgam (also called "silver" and "mercury") fillings because the new white "tooth-coloured" fillings are now the industry standard and it is preferred that the filling goes unnoticed so that you can smile with confidence.
Can I use an over the counter tooth filling?
Until you can get to the dentist, there are over the counter products that can be used to temporarily fill a cavity or repair minor tooth damage, but they are not a permanent solution and cannot take the place of a professional filling. A cavity, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss and can lead to an abscessed tooth. We recommend that you book an appointment to get your cavity properly repaired as soon as possible.
What can I do if I am experiencing dental pain caused by a cavity?
A toothache that prevents you from eating or sleeping or that prevents you from eating is considered a dental emergency. We urge you to contact us as soon as possible, to have your teeth properly repaired so that the pain will stop long term. However, for temporary relief of a toothache at-home, apply a cold compress to your face over the painful area. You could also take an anti-inflammatory medication such as acetaminophen (ex. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (ex. Advil), so that you may take the edge off your pain. Again, we recommend that you book an appointment to get your cavity properly repaired as soon as possible.
How long does sensitivity last after a tooth has been filled?
After having a filling, you may notice that your teeth are sensitive. If this occurs, it may take 2-4 weeks for the sensitivity to subside. As much as possible, avoid anything that can trigger the sensitivity of your teeth, such as sugary foods, pressure, and cold or hot liquids. In the event that the sensitivity is still present four weeks after you initially noticed it, please contact us.
What are white fillings made of?
The filling material used in white fillings (also called composites) is composed of a mixture of plastic and other materials, like silica and dimethylglyoxime, which bond to the tooth's surface; the resin has a tooth-coloured appearance. White fillings are generally considered to be more aesthetic in comparison to silver (amalgam) fillings since they match the hue of natural teeth and are therefore considered more attractive.