Make Your Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures we perform, helping to restore and preserve your teeth while preventing further decay or infection that could lead to more extensive treatments. We use composite resin fillings that are color-matched to your natural teeth, providing a seamless, discreet solution. Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite fillings bond strongly to the tooth and can fill smaller cavities, which means less drilling and a more comfortable experience for you!
Why Are Fillings So Important?
We get it—no one loves the idea of a dental filling, and it’s tempting to put it off, especially if your tooth isn’t causing you pain. However, getting your cavities filled promptly is essential, and here’s why:
- Prevent cavities from spreading: Fillings stop cavities from getting bigger and causing further damage to your tooth.
- Avoid painful infections: Untreated cavities can lead to infections or abscesses that can be much more painful and costly to fix.
- Restore tooth strength: Cavities weaken your teeth, but fillings help restore their strength and durability, keeping your smile intact.
- Save money in the long run: Addressing cavities early prevents the need for more expensive and complex procedures later.
- Reduce sensitivity: Fillings can help reduce tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile: Taking care of cavities now helps you maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible.
In short, fillings are a small investment in your long-term oral health and comfort!
How is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
We begin by numbing the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic. This ensures you feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. We take care to make sure the area is thoroughly frozen so you can relax.
Filling the Tooth
Once you’re numb, we clean and prepare the affected tooth. A special adhesive gel is applied to help the filling material bond to the tooth. Next, we use a composite resin (white filling material) to carefully sculpt and shape the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth.
Curing the Composite
To harden the filling, we use a special LED light that quickly cures the composite resin. The dentist will then check the filling to make sure it’s a perfect fit and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, we polish the tooth, leaving it smooth and natural-looking.
The Cost of a Filling in Brantford
Fillings are one of the most routine and cost-effective dental procedures. Many insurance plans cover fillings extensively, meaning you could pay as little as $0 to $100+, depending on your coverage. Without insurance, the cost for a single filling typically ranges from $120 to $300, with the price increasing if multiple fillings are required.
The final cost of your filling depends on several factors, including:
- Your current oral health
- The number of fillings required
- Where the cavity is located in your mouth
- Whether x-rays are needed
- The time needed for the procedure
- Special equipment or materials required
Filling cavities promptly helps prevent more invasive treatments, reducing the risk of dental pain and more extensive procedures. We strive to keep your smile healthy while minimizing costs for you!
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 care—regular brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings—fillings can last for 10 years or more. The longevity of your filling depends on factors like the material used, your oral hygiene, and the amount of wear and tear the filling experiences.
Amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings, were once the standard. There is ongoing debate about their safety, but according to the Canadian Dental Association, scientific studies have not confirmed that dental amalgam causes illness in the general population. If you have silver fillings, rest assured that they are generally safe.
While over-the-counter products exist that can temporarily fill a cavity until you can see a dentist, they are not a permanent solution. Only a dental professional can properly clean, prepare, and fill a cavity. Ignoring a cavity or trying to treat it yourself can lead to worsening decay, tooth loss, or abscesses, which require much more serious and expensive treatments.
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, especially if it affects your ability to eat or sleep, it’s considered a dental emergency. Call us immediately—we can provide advice and see you as soon as possible. For temporary pain relief, apply a cold compress to the affected area and consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Always follow the instructions on the medication bottle and make a note of what you took, how much, and when. Let us know when you come in so we can best assist you.
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