Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Composite resin fillings restore and protect your teeth while blending seamlessly with their natural colour. Unlike metal fillings, they require minimal drilling, bond securely to your tooth, and help prevent further decay, preserving your smile and reducing the need for future treatments.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Fillings play a key role in maintaining your oral health by addressing cavities early.
- Here’s why they’re essential:
- Stop Cavities from Growing: Prevent further tooth damage.
- Avoid Painful Infections: Early treatment helps you avoid infections or abscesses.
- Restore Strength: Fillings reinforce weakened teeth.
- Save Money: Early care reduces the need for costly treatments later.
- Reduce Sensitivity: Relieve discomfort from hot or cold foods.
- Preserve Your Smile: Keep your teeth healthy and maintain your natural look.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
We begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is pain-free and comfortable.
Filling the Tooth
Once the area is numb, the cavity is thoroughly cleaned to remove decay, preventing further damage or infection. A tooth-coloured composite resin is then applied to fill the space, restoring the tooth’s strength and structure while blending naturally with your smile.
Curing the Composite
The filling is hardened using a specialized LED light, creating a strong, durable bond with your tooth. The dentist then makes any necessary adjustments and polishes the filling to ensure it looks and feels natural.
The Cost of a Filling in Brantford
Fillings are a routine yet vital procedure for addressing cavities and maintaining oral health. Most insurance plans offer significant coverage, often leaving patients to pay between $0 and $100+, depending on the specifics of their plan and the type of filling needed.
For those without insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $120 to $300 or more. This variation depends on several factors:
Factors Affecting Cost
- Current Oral Health: Complex cases or additional procedures may increase costs.
- Number of Fillings Needed: Treating multiple cavities raises the total expense.
- Location of the Cavity: Fillings on front teeth or molars may require different materials or techniques.
- New X-rays: If required, X-rays can add to the overall cost.
- Procedure Time: Longer or more intricate treatments may cost more.
- Materials and Equipment: The type of filling material and tools used impact the final price.
Promptly treating cavities with fillings helps avoid invasive procedures, prevents severe dental pain, and preserves your overall oral health, making it a cost-effective investment in your smile.
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, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, fillings can last over a decade. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps ensure their durability and keeps your teeth healthy.
Amalgam, or “silver” fillings, have been widely used in dentistry. While there has been debate about their safety, the Canadian Dental Association confirms that no scientific studies link amalgam fillings to illness in the general population. If you have these fillings, there’s no need to worry.
Over-the-counter temporary filling kits can provide short-term relief but are not a substitute for professional treatment. These DIY options don’t clean or properly seal the tooth, allowing decay to progress. Neglecting professional care could lead to severe damage, infection, or even tooth loss.
If cavity pain disrupts eating or sleeping, treat it as a dental emergency and contact us immediately. We can offer guidance and arrange a prompt appointment.
For temporary relief, apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), following the dosage instructions. Keep a record of the medication you take so we can tailor your treatment accordingly.
Prompt attention to dental pain not only provides relief but also prevents the condition from worsening.