
Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Fillings are the most common procedure we perform, as they play a crucial role in repairing and restoring teeth while preventing painful decay or infections that could lead to more extensive treatments. We use composite resin fillings, which are expertly matched to the colour of your teeth, making them look natural. Unlike amalgam (metal) fillings, tooth-coloured composite resin adheres tightly to the tooth and can fill smaller cavities, which means less drilling and a more precise fit!
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Many people may view getting a filling as a tedious task and often delay it, especially if there’s no pain involved. However, it’s crucial to have cavities filled as soon as possible, and here’s why:
- Fillings prevent cavities from growing larger.
- They help stop painful infections or abscesses from developing.
- Cavities can weaken your tooth, but fillings restore its strength and durability.
- Addressing cavities early can save you money on more extensive treatments down the road.
- Fillings can reduce sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- They help maintain your natural smile for as long as possible.
How is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To ensure your comfort, we start by carefully numbing your gums before gently freezing the area. Many patients feel anxious about this step, but the freezing effectively numbs your teeth and the surrounding areas, allowing you to feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
Once we’ve confirmed that you’re fully numb, we proceed by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the tooth. An adhesive gel is applied to the affected area, followed by the application of composite resin (a tooth-coloured filling material) that is carefully moulded and shaped to match your natural bite and contours.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin is then quickly hardened using a specialized LED light. The dentist will meticulously check your restored tooth, making any necessary adjustments before giving it a final polish, ensuring a smooth and natural look.
The Cost of a Filling in Toronto
Fillings are an excellent, routine solution for preventing dental issues, and due to their effectiveness, most insurance plans provide considerable coverage. If you have insurance, your cost might range from $0 up to $100 or more. For those without dental insurance, the price can vary from $120 to $300 and upwards, especially if multiple fillings are needed in a single appointment.
- Your current state of oral health.
- The number of fillings required.
- The location of the cavity within your mouth.
- The necessity for any new X-rays.
- The time the dental team will need to address your individual needs.
- The equipment and materials required to provide comprehensive care.
When calculating the actual cost of your treatment, several key factors are considered:
Filling cavities promptly is extremely important to us because fillings play a crucial role in preventing the need for more invasive treatments. By addressing cavities early, we can help you avoid serious dental pain and ensure that your oral health remains in the best possible condition, keeping you both happy and healthy in the long run.
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 consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups and cleanings, your fillings can last well over ten years, ensuring your teeth remain protected and healthy.
In the past, dental fillings were commonly made from an alloy known as ‘dental amalgam,’ which has been widely referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. Although there has been ongoing debate about the safety of amalgam fillings, the Canadian Dental Association states that scientific studies have not confirmed that dental amalgam poses a health risk to the general population. So, if you have silver fillings, there’s no need to worry!
While there are over-the-counter products available that can temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage, these are not permanent solutions and cannot substitute for a professional filling. Cavities are permanent damage to your tooth that require cleaning, preparation, and filling by a qualified dental professional. Allowing dental decay to progress untreated carries serious risks, such as tooth abscesses or even tooth loss.
If your tooth pain is severe enough to disrupt eating or sleeping, this is considered a dental emergency, and we strongly encourage you to contact us immediately. We can provide advice over the phone and arrange to see you as soon as possible. For temporary relief, you can apply a cold compress to the area of your face over the painful tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), may also help ease the pain. Always follow your doctor’s advice and the instructions on the medication packaging. It’s helpful to keep a record of what medication you take, the dosage, and the time, so you can share this information when you visit us.
