Bring That Natural Feeling Back to Your Teeth
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures we perform, designed to repair and restore damaged teeth while preventing painful decay or infection that could lead to more invasive treatments.
We use composite resin for fillings, a material that matches the natural colour of your teeth for a seamless appearance. Unlike traditional amalgam (metal) fillings, composite resin bonds exceptionally well to the tooth, allowing for effective repairs with minimal drilling. This ensures your tooth remains strong, healthy, and natural-looking.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Cavities might seem like a minor issue, especially if your tooth isn’t hurting, but ignoring them can lead to bigger problems. Cavities start small, but as bacteria eat away at your enamel, they can reach deeper parts of your tooth where the nerves are. This can cause pain, infections, or even abscesses that require more intense treatments like root canals or extractions. A filling stops the decay, strengthens the tooth, and reduces sensitivity, making your tooth functional and comfortable again.
Fillings don’t just protect your teeth—they help keep your smile looking great too. Modern composite fillings are matched to your tooth colour, so they blend right in and look natural. Taking care of a cavity early also saves you from more expensive dental work down the road. Regular checkups and good oral hygiene make it easy to spot and treat cavities before they turn into a bigger issue. A quick filling today can save your tooth—and your wallet—tomorrow.
What Does Filling a Cavity Look Like?
Gentle numbing
Before we begin, your comfort is our priority. We take time to carefully numb your gums and administer local anesthesia, a step that can sometimes cause apprehension. This ensures your tooth and the surrounding area are fully desensitized, allowing you to experience minimal to no discomfort during the procedure.
Filling the tooth
Once we confirm you are completely numb, we gently clean and prepare the affected tooth. An adhesive gel is applied to create a secure base for the composite resin (tooth-coloured filling). The resin is then expertly shaped and sculpted to match the contours of your tooth, ensuring a natural appearance and comfortable fit.
Activating the composite resin
A specialized LED light is used to quickly harden and solidify the composite resin. After curing, the dentist thoroughly inspects the tooth, makes any necessary adjustments, and completes the process with a final polish. The result is a durable, natural-looking restoration that blends seamlessly with your teeth, leaving you with a healthier, stronger smile.
How Much Will a Filling Cost Me?
Dental fillings are a vital treatment for preventing and addressing cavities, helping you maintain strong oral health and avoid more serious dental issues.
With Insurance
Most insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost, leaving out-of-pocket expenses typically between $0 and $100+ per filling, depending on your plan.
Without Insurance
For patients without insurance, the cost of a filling generally ranges from $120 to $300 or more, depending on factors like the number and location of cavities, the need for X-rays, and the amount of composite resin required.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Promptly addressing cavities helps prevent them from worsening, reduces the risk of painful infections, and avoids costly treatments like root canals or crowns. Early intervention supports both your oral health and overall well-being.
For a personalized cost estimate, schedule a consultation with your dentist.
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 oral care, fillings can last well over 10 years. Maintaining good dental hygiene and regular checkups will help extend their lifespan.
Dental amalgam, often called silver or mercury fillings, was widely used in the past. Studies by the Canadian Dental Association have found no evidence linking amalgam fillings to health issues. If you have silver fillings, there’s no need to worry—they’re safe and effective.
Over-the-counter temporary filling products can provide a short-term solution for minor tooth damage or cavities, but they are not a substitute for professional care. Cavities indicate permanent damage and must be treated by a dentist to prevent further issues like abscesses or tooth loss.
If you experience severe dental pain that disrupts eating or sleeping, contact us immediately—it may be a dental emergency. For temporary relief, apply a cold compress to the affected area and take a pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), following your doctor’s instructions. Be sure to inform us about any medications you’ve taken when you visit our clinic. We’ll prioritize your care and provide effective treatment to address the underlying issue.