Millions of people globally rely on dental fillings every year. Why? Here is everything you need to know about tooth fillings.
A tooth filling is a dental care procedure used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. It can fix and prevent further damage due to tooth decay. This dental work can also restore functions. It is one of the most common repair jobs undertaken by dentists for preventative and restorative purposes. Fillings can tackle tooth cavities, restore your tooth’s original shape, and reduce the risk of further decay.
Here are frequently asked questions about tooth fillings for your consideration:
Your Toronto dentist will drill the tooth with cavities and remove the decay. Then, they’ll fill the space with porcelain or other composite materials. Your dentist can insert dental inlay into the center of the damaged tooth or use dental onlay to cover up to the biting surface. This straightforward repair job removes the bacteria causing the decay and seals off the cavity. The perfect tooth filling prevents the accumulation of food debris and eliminates the risk of decay, tooth pain, and damage in the future.
Dental fillings used different types of materials. Here are the four most common types of fillings:
Composite fillings. This type of dental filling mix resin and glass or quartz particles to create white tooth-color fillings.
Glass ionomer fillings. Dental fillings under this category are made of acrylic and fluoride-rich glass. High fluoride content can help prevent cavities.
Gold fillings. This type of filling combines gold and other metals like copper. It is yellowish to golden color, so it doesn't blend with natural teeth.
Porcelain fillings. These natural-looking cavity fillings are color-matched in the lab to mimic your tooth’s color.
Cavity Development
Dental Filling Procedure
Amalgam filling to Composite Filling
Front Teeth Dental Filling
Front Teeth Dental Filling
Front Teeth Dental Filling
The lifespan of dental fillings varies depending on the type of filling material. Composite resin fillings and glass ionomer fillings can last for around five years. Amalgam fillings can last for at least 10 years, while gold fillings have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. Ceramic fillings can last more than 15 years. The longer the lifespan, the higher the cost.
Tooth filling cost in Canada also varies from one type of filling to the other. Composite resin fillings range from $200 to $500 per tooth. On average, you can pay around $1,000+Lab Cost per tooth for gold fillings. Ceramic fillings in Toronto also cost about $1000+Lab Cost per tooth. But the complexity of the procedure can increase the final cost. If you need a root canal before cavity filling, you can expect to pay more. Also, these costs don’t include additional dental care services like consultation and examination. The number of damaged teeth and the extent of damage can also influence dental filling costs. But your insurance coverage can bear some of the cost of tooth fillings.
Dentists use fillings to prevent decay, which occurs inside the tooth. So, small cavities limited to the enamel don’t need filling. Your dentist can recommend different alternatives like a supplemental fluoride mouth rinse, toothpaste, or varnish to reverse the process naturally. These alternatives can boost the supply of minerals to support enamel regeneration. If cavities on your tooth progress past the enamel, you'll need filling. Pain and sensitivity indicate that your tooth needs filling.
The decay can spread, worsen, and cause irreversible damage to your tooth. It can destroy the tooth’s enamel, impede functions, and lead to tooth pain. Tooth sensitivity and pain due to cavities can also interfere with your bite and wellbeing. So, how long does it take for a cavity to destroy a tooth? Tooth cavities can advance for a few months before tooth decay occurs. But you have to wait for irreversible destruction to seek medical help. You should visit your Toronto dentist for examination as soon as you notice a cavity on your tooth. Early intervention can save you a lot of pain, stress, and money.
The tooth filling procedure is straightforward and quick. Your Toronto dentist can complete the dental work with an hour.
Step 1: Consultation. Your Toronto dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. Then, you will consult with your dentist about different types of fillings and the best alternatives.
Step 2: Anesthetic. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure. If you don’t like injections, don’t worry. Your Toronto dentist will apply a numbing gel or spray before administering a local anesthetic. So, you won’t feel the injection.
Step 3: Drilling and Decay Removal. Your Toronto dentist will ensure the area is completely numb before drilling through the tooth enamel. Then, they’ll use a dental drill to remove the decay.
Step 4: Impression. If you’re getting porcelain or gold fillings, your dentist will use digital tools for documentation and acquire an impression of your teeth. They’ll send your information to the lab to create colour-matched fillings that mimic your natural tooth.
Step 5: Sterilize and Filling. Your dentist will sterilize the hole to prevent bacterial infection and eliminate invisible decay. They seal the hole with the selected type of filling and polish it to restore your natural bite. If the procedure requires more than one visit, your dentist can use temporary fillings. Most temporary fillings wear out or fracture within a month and should be replaced with permanent fillings. Your dentist can also use temporary tooth filling as part of your root canal treatment.
Front Teeth Dental Filling
Front Teeth Dental Filling
Your dentist may need to cure or harden the filling before polishing. But how do dentists do filling on front teeth? Cavities can occur on your front tooth, close to the gum line, in-between the teeth, or on the front side. Front tooth filling follows the 5-step procedure. However, your Toronto dentist will use composite fillings that blend with your natural tooth color. This type of filling uses white teeth-color filling materials, making it ideal for the front teeth. Your Toronto dentist can also use dental crowns or porcelain veneers to cover up extensive damage, chips, and cracks due to decay. If your decayed tooth is irreparable, you’ll need a dental implant.
No, they are not. Tooth pain after filling is uncommon. But you can experience tooth sensitivity once the numbing has worn off. If your tooth hurts after filling, get in touch with your dentist for a thorough examination. To cope with sensitive teeth, avoid hot foods and drinks and cold beverages. But tooth sensitivity only lasts a day or two after filling. Can you brush your teeth after filling? Yes, you can. But you should be careful not to damage the filling before it sets. To get the best result, choose the right dentist for tooth fillings.
Amalgam filling to Composite Filling
Toronto Smile Design’s Dr. Johnson Ozgur is a Canada-Licensed dentist with years of experience in General Dental Care and Cosmetic Dentistry. He holds a Master's Degree in Oral Surgery and leverages Digital Smile Design for dental implants, bridges, porcelain veneers, dentures, dental crowns, and more. You can rely on Dr. Johnson's expertise for a dental filling to repair the damage, restore function, and prevent decay in the future. For professional and pain-free tooth filling, contact us today!
