Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings

When Do You Require a Dental Filling?

Bacteria living in your mouth consume sugar and produce acid that rots your teeth. If untreated, this bacteria wears down layers of your teeth and may eventually reach sensitive nerves. Leaving bacteria to thrive for too long will often lead to a painful cavity.

If this situation has occurred, a dental filling is necessary to restore the affected tooth. If you do have a cavity, you may experience toothaches, swelling, and temperature sensitivity while chewing or drinking.

The North Centre Dental Filling Process

To ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure, one of our skilled dentists will apply a numbing agent to the affected tooth and surrounding area. If you suffer from anxiety, we also offer a range of sedation options for those who worry the procedure may be too uncomfortable.

Once the numbing agent has taken effect, teeth are then prepared by removing all decayed or affected portions. Following this, we will apply an adhesive material to help the filling bond to your tooth. A strong dental material is then applied to restore the tooth’s original size, proportion, and function. We then shine our high-powered curing light over the filling to fully set it within just 20 seconds. Once fully cured, our fillings can last for many years when proper dental hygiene is sustained. By maintaining a healthy brushing and flossing routine, you can ensure your filling will last for years to come.

Which Type of Filling is Best for You?

North Centre Dental offers all types of restorative options for our patients because everyone has unique dental care needs. Your dentist will explain all treatment options to ensure you are informed about the best filling for your particular situation. These material options include:

Composite

Our dentists routinely use dental composite (white fillings) to restore teeth. Composite fillings are extremely durable and will give you a long-lasting, beautiful smile. These fillings are tooth-coloured; they can be closely matched to the colour of existing teeth and are more aesthetically suited for use in the most visible areas of your mouth. It is also the ideal option when the affected area is relatively clean, as the composite must be free of any blood or saliva to properly bond to the tooth.

Silver Amalgam

We often use silver amalgam as a filling option since it is effective and maintains its strength for many years. This material is commonly used on molars as they must withstand extreme force while you eat. This option is also ideal when the cavity is significant, or the filling is required beneath the gums.

Do Dental Fillings Hurt?

No, through our strategic use of numbing agents and in some cases, sedation, we can guarantee your comfort throughout the entire dental filling procedure. In rare instances, you may feel some minor discomfort for a day or two after your appointment. This can be effectively treated with basic pain management options like Tylenol or Advil.

How Long Will Your Filling Last?

The filling option that is used for your procedure will impact how long it is expected to last. With a proper dental hygiene routine, these fillings can remain supportive for many years. When plaque bacteria reach the bond between the filling and tooth, the filling will break down much faster. A combination of oral hygiene at home and professional care is required to maintain your filling for as long as possible.