Restore the Natural Look and Sensation of Your Teeth
In our dental office, dental fillings are the most frequently performed procedure. They serve to repair and restore the tooth, while also providing protection against painful decay or infection that could necessitate more extensive dental work. To ensure optimal results, we utilize composite resin fillings that are carefully colour-matched to your natural tooth shade. Unlike traditional amalgam (metal) fillings, these tooth-coloured composite resin fillings form a strong bond with the tooth surface and are capable of filling smaller spaces, reducing the need for excessive drilling.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
For many, the idea of getting a filling can be burdensome. You might be tempted to delay it or question its necessity, particularly if your tooth isn’t causing any immediate discomfort. However, we highly advise you to promptly address your cavities, and here’s why:
- Stop cavities from getting bigger.
- Prevent painful infections or abscesses.
- Cavities weaken your tooth. Fillings restore strength and durability.
- They save you money in the long run.
- Reduce sensitivity too hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How is a cavity filled?
Gentle Freezing
Before we begin, we will take the time to carefully numb your gums so we can gently freeze the area. People often feel anxious about this step. Freezing will numb your teeth and surrounding area so you barely feel a thing during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
After we confirm that you’re comfortably frozen, your tooth is carefully cleaned and prepped. An adhesive gel is placed on the affected tooth over which a composite resin (white filling material) will be moulded and sculpted to match your contours or bite.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin material used to fill or bond your tooth is quickly cured and hardened with a special LED light. The doctor will carefully examine your finished tooth and make any required finishing touches before giving it a final polish.
The Cost Of A Filling In Oakdale
When we determine the actual cost of your treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Your current oral health.
- How many fillings you need.
- Where the cavity is located in your mouth.
- Whether or not any new x-rays are required.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet your specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all your needs.
Filling cavities promptly is very important to us, as fillings are so effective at preventing more invasive treatments, preventing serious dental pain and keeping you as happy and healthy as possible.
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
By maintaining a regular routine of daily brushing and flossing, along with scheduling regular cleanings and checkups, you can expect your fillings to last for more than ten years.
While there are over-the-counter products designed to provide temporary relief for cavities or minor tooth damage until a dental visit is possible, it’s important to note that these solutions are not permanent and cannot replace professional fillings. Cavities represent permanent tooth damage that necessitates cleaning, preparation, and filling by a qualified dental professional. Allowing dental decay to progress without treatment poses significant risks. Untreated cavities can result in tooth loss and potentially lead to tooth abscesses.
If you are experiencing intense pain that interferes with your ability to eat or sleep, we consider it a dental emergency and encourage you to contact us immediately. We can provide guidance over the phone and arrange to see you as soon as possible. To temporarily alleviate toothache, you can apply a cold compress to the affected area on your face. Taking a pain reliever like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) may also help take the edge off the pain. It is essential to follow your doctor’s advice and carefully read the instructions on the medication bottle when taking any medication. It is helpful to keep a record of the medication, dosage, and time taken so that you can provide us with accurate information when you visit our office.
Fillings used to be done with an alloy called ‘dental amalgam’ and had many nicknames such as “silver” and “mercury” fillings. While there is plenty of debate over the safety of amalgam fillings, according to the American Dental Association, scientific studies have not verified that dental amalgam is causing illness in the general population. So if you currently have silver fillings, don’t fear!
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