Dental Fillings
Cavities happen. We don’t judge. Instead, we repair the damage with a dental filling and teach you how to avoid further tooth decay in the future.
Restoring teeth to their former glory
As tooth decay progresses, it erodes the enamel, eventually leading to a hole, or a cavity, in your tooth. We can’t simply remove the decay and call it a day. A dental filling is needed to build the tooth back up and prevent food and bacteria from settling into the space.
Our Kitsilano dentists offer both silver and tooth-colored fillings, as well as fluoride-containing restorations to reduce the risk of future cavities. Whichever option you choose, our team will make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire process.
Whether you have a cavity or a chipped or fractured tooth, a dental filling will strengthen the tooth and ward off breakage.
Sealing the hole left by a cavity with a filling prevents food and bacteria from getting into the space and causing decay.
Our tooth-colored fillings blend in seamlessly with your natural enamel to restore or enhance the appearance of your tooth.
What to expect when getting a filling
Once you’re set up in a treatment room, the dentist will walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you have. They’ll then numb the area to be treated with local anesthetic.
The dentist will carefully and gently remove the decay. They’ll clean and prime the space and place a dental filling.
We’ll use a curing light to harden the filling material. The dentist will check your bite and make any adjustments if needed. Finally, they’ll shape and polish the filling so it feels like your natural tooth.
What is a dental filling?
Dental fillings are used to fill and seal off the space left behind by a cavity, preventing further decay and allowing you to chew with ease. They can also be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth.
What are dental fillings made of?
Amalgam fillings, or silver fillings, are made of a mixture of metals, while tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin material.
Can you eat after a dental filling?
While, yup, you can eat after a dental filling, we usually have you wait about two hours. Why? Well, this gives the anesthetic time to wear off. If you eat while you’re numb, you might accidentally burn yourself or bite your tongue, cheek, or lip.
How long does a dental filling last?
With top notch oral hygiene, and depending on what type of material used, dental fillings can last from 2-10+ years.
How much does a dental filling cost?
The cost of a dental filling depends on the type of filling you choose, the extent of the damage, and where the tooth is located in your mouth. We’ll let you know how much the filling will be before we start treatment.