Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Dental fillings are the most common procedure at our office, repairing and restoring teeth to prevent decay or infection. We use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings, which bond well with your tooth and fill smaller spaces with less drilling, unlike metal fillings. These fillings are colour-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless, natural look.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Getting a filling might feel like a chore, but it’s essential to address cavities early. Here’s why:
- Prevent cavities from growing larger.
- Avoid painful infections or abscesses.
- Restore strength and durability to your tooth.
- Save money by preventing more serious dental work.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Gentle Freezing
We begin by numbing your gums to gently freeze the area. This ensures you feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Filling the Tooth
Once the area is numb, we clean and prepare your tooth. An adhesive gel is applied, and a composite resin (white filling material) is moulded to match the shape and contours of your tooth.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin is quickly hardened using a special LED light. We then examine the tooth and make any necessary adjustments before giving it a final polish for a smooth, natural finish.
The Cost of a Filling in Richmond
Fillings are a common and effective way to prevent further dental issues, and most insurance plans offer good coverage for them. With typical insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $100+. Without insurance, the cost generally ranges from $150 to $500 or more, especially if multiple fillings are required.
When determining the cost of your treatment, we consider the following factors:
- Your current oral health
- The number of fillings needed
- The location of the cavity
- Whether new x-rays are required
- The time and resources needed by the dental team
- The equipment and materials required for the procedure
Filling cavities promptly is essential, as it helps prevent more invasive treatments, reduces dental pain, and supports your overall oral health.
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 brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups, your fillings can last for over ten years, providing long-lasting protection against cavities.
Amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver” or “mercury” fillings, were once the standard for cavity repairs. While there has been some debate about the safety of amalgam, the Canadian Dental Association states that scientific studies have not proven that dental amalgam causes illness in the general population. If you currently have silver fillings, there’s no need for concern.
While over-the-counter products can temporarily fill a cavity or minor tooth damage until you see a dentist, they are not a permanent solution. A cavity is a form of tooth damage that requires professional cleaning, preparation, and filling. Ignoring a cavity can lead to more severe dental issues, including tooth loss and abscesses.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping, it’s considered a dental emergency, and we encourage you to contact us immediately. For temporary relief, apply a cold compress to the painful area, and take pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and note the medication, dosage, and time taken to share with us when you come in.
No, cavities cannot heal on their own. Once tooth enamel is damaged, it requires professional treatment, such as fillings, to prevent further decay and restore the tooth.
Regular brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and routine dental checkups are key to preventing cavities. Using fluoride toothpaste and limiting sugary foods also helps protect your teeth.
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