
Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Restoring teeth and preventing future issues like decay or infection is a routine procedure at our office. Composite resin fillings, matched to your tooth colour, provide a seamless repair. Unlike metal amalgam, tooth-coloured composite resin bonds tightly to the tooth and requires less drilling, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Many people see getting a filling as an inconvenience and may delay treatment, especially if there’s no immediate discomfort. However, addressing cavities promptly is crucial, and here’s why:
- Prevent cavities from worsening.
- Avoid painful infections or abscesses.
- Strengthen and restore your tooth’s structure.
- Save money by avoiding more extensive treatments later.
- Minimise sensitivity to temperature changes.
- Maintain your natural smile for years to come.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
To keep you comfortable, we carefully numb your gums to freeze the area before starting. While this step can cause some unease, freezing ensures the tooth and surrounding area are desensitised, so the procedure is virtually pain-free.
Filling the Tooth
After ensuring the area is numb, the tooth is cleaned and prepared. A bonding gel is applied, followed by composite resin (a tooth-coloured filling material) that is shaped to match your bite and natural tooth structure.
Curing the Composite
The resin is hardened using a specialised LED light. The dentist will inspect the result, make any necessary refinements, and polish the tooth for a smooth and natural finish.
The Cost of a Filling in Burlington
Cavities are a common dental issue, and many insurance providers offer significant coverage for their treatment. With insurance, your out-of-pocket expense may range from $0 to $100+, while those without insurance can expect to pay between $120 and $300 or more, especially if several fillings are needed.
The final cost of your treatment depends on several factors:
- The current state of your oral health.
- The number of fillings needed.
- The location of the cavity in your mouth.
- Whether new x-rays are required.
- The time needed by our dental team to complete your treatment.
- The materials and equipment required to address your specific needs.
Prompt treatment of cavities is crucial to avoid more complicated procedures, alleviate pain, and promote your overall oral health.
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 oral hygiene, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings and checkups, your fillings can remain effective for more than ten years.
Fillings were traditionally made from dental amalgam, which is also known as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. While there is ongoing debate regarding their safety, the Canadian Dental Association assures that research has not proven dental amalgam to cause health problems in the general population. So, if you have silver fillings, there’s no need for concern.
Although over-the-counter products can temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage until you see a dentist, these are not permanent fixes. A cavity is permanent damage that requires professional cleaning, preparation, and filling. If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious issues, such as tooth loss or abscesses.
Severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping is considered a dental emergency, and we encourage you to contact us right away. We can offer guidance over the phone and arrange an appointment as soon as possible. For temporary relief, you can apply a cold compress to the painful area and take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). Always follow the medication instructions and keep a record of the medication, dosage, and timing to inform us during your visit.