How To Make My Teeth Look and Feel Restored
In our office, dental fillings are the most commonly performed procedure. They effectively restore teeth and prevent further decay or infection, which could lead to more complex treatments. We use colour-matched composite resin fillings, which offer key benefits over traditional metal amalgam fillings. Unlike amalgam, composite resin bonds securely to the tooth, fills smaller spaces, and requires less drilling, making the procedure more efficient and preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
For many, the idea of getting a filling can feel like a chore. You might delay the procedure or question why you need one, especially if your tooth isn’t hurting yet. However, we strongly encourage you to have your cavities filled as soon as possible, and here’s why:
- Prevent cavities from growing larger.
- Avoid painful infections or abscesses.
- Cavities weaken your tooth, but fillings restore strength and durability.
- Save money by addressing issues early.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Help preserve your natural smile for years to come.
How Is A Cavity Treated?
Gentle Anesthesia
Before we begin, we will carefully numb your gums to ensure the targeted area is gently frozen. We understand that some people may feel anxious during this process. The freezing will numb your teeth and the surrounding area, minimizing sensation throughout the procedure.
Filling In The Tooth
After ensuring you’re comfortably numb, we’ll clean and prepare your tooth for the filling. An adhesive gel is applied to the affected area, which helps bond the composite resin (white filling material) securely. The resin is then carefully shaped and molded to fit your tooth’s natural contours and alignment with your bite.
Bonding The Composite
The composite resin material used to fill or bond your tooth is rapidly cured and hardened with a special LED light. Once this process is complete, the dentist will thoroughly inspect your treated tooth, making any necessary refinements before polishing it to a smooth finish.
The Cost of a Filling in Wellesley
Fillings are a common and highly effective way to prevent dental issues, which is why most insurance plans offer significant coverage for them. With standard insurance, the cost of fillings can range from $0 to $100+. For those without dental insurance, the cost typically ranges from $120 to $300 or more, especially if multiple fillings are needed at once.
When calculating the actual cost of your treatment, we take several important factors into account:
- Your overall oral health.
- The number of fillings needed.
- The locations of the cavities in your mouth.
- Whether new x-rays are required.
- The amount of time our dental team needs to address your specific requirements.
- The equipment and materials necessary to provide your treatment.
We prioritize filling cavities promptly, as it’s a highly effective way to prevent the need for more invasive treatments, avoid significant dental discomfort, and maintain your overall health and well-being.
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 and regular cleaning, it should last well over 10 years.
In the past, fillings were commonly made from a material called ‘dental amalgam,’ often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. Although there are ongoing discussions about the safety of amalgam, the Canadian Dental Association asserts that scientific studies have not proven that dental amalgam causes illness in the majority of people. Therefore, if you have silver fillings, there’s no need to be concerned!
Over-the-counter products can temporarily fill cavities or minor tooth damage, but they are not a permanent fix. Cavities require professional cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dentist. Allowing decay to progress can lead to tooth loss and abscesses.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that prevents you from eating or sleeping, it’s a dental emergency. Contact us immediately. For temporary relief, apply a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Always follow your doctor’s guidance and read the medication instructions carefully.
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