How To Make My Teeth Look and Feel Restored
In our office, dental fillings are the most frequent procedure performed. They effectively repair and restore teeth, preventing painful decay or infection that may necessitate more extensive treatment. We utilize colour-matched composite resin fillings, which offer distinct advantages over traditional amalgam (metal) fillings. Unlike amalgam, tooth-coloured composite resin forms a strong bond with the tooth and can fill smaller spaces, resulting in reduced drilling requirements.
Why are fillings so important?
The prospect of getting a filling can feel like a chore for many. You may find yourself putting it off or wondering why you need to have a filling in the first place, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt (yet). Nonetheless, we strongly recommend you have your cavities filled at your earliest convenience, and here is 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 to hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How Is A Cavity Treated?
Gentle Anesthesia
Prior to commencing, we will ensure to delicately numb your gums, allowing us to gently freeze the targeted area. We understand that individuals may experience anxiety during this stage. The freezing process will effectively numb your teeth and the surrounding region, ensuring minimal sensation during the procedure.
Filling In The Tooth
Once we ascertain your comfortable numbness, we proceed to properly clean and prepare your tooth. An adhesive gel is then applied to the affected tooth, providing a foundation for the composite resin (white filling material) that will be expertly shaped and molded to align with your contours or bite.
Bonding The Composite
The composite resin material used to fill or bond your tooth undergoes quick curing and hardening through the use of a special LED light. Following this, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your treated tooth, addressing any required finishing touches before giving it a final polish.
The Cost Of A Filling In Wellesley
Fillings are a routine and highly effective method of preventing dental problems, which is why most insurance companies offer substantial coverage for them. With a typical insurance plan, the cost can range from $0 to $100+ for fillings. Without dental insurance, the cost typically falls between $120 and $300 or higher, especially if multiple fillings are required simultaneously.
When determining the actual cost of your treatment, we consider several crucial factors:
- Your current oral health.
- The number of fillings needed.
- The location of the cavities in your mouth.
- The necessity of new x-rays.
- The duration of time required by our dental team to address your specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies necessary to fulfill all your requirements.
Promptly filling cavities is of utmost importance to us, as it is a highly effective means of preventing more invasive treatments, avoiding significant dental discomfort, and ensuring your overall happiness 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 regular maintenance and cleaning you should expect it to last over 10 years
In the past, fillings were made using a mix called ‘dental amalgam’ and were often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings. There is ongoing discussion about the safety of amalgam fillings, but according to the Canadian Dental Association, scientific research has not proven that dental amalgam causes illness in most people. So if you have silver fillings now, there’s no need to worry!
Over-the-counter products can provide temporary cavity or minor tooth damage filling until you see a dentist, but they aren’t permanent or equivalent to professional fillings. Cavities are permanent tooth damage that requires cleaning, preparation, and filling by a dentist. Allowing dental decay to progress poses significant risks, including tooth loss and abscess formation.
For severe pain preventing eating or sleeping, it’s a dental emergency. Call us now. Apply a cold compress for temporary relief. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the instructions on the bottle when taking any medication.