A filling or a restoration as we like to call them, is generally the first line of repair when a tooth has been damaged by a small accident or tooth decay. While silver fillings can still be used in certain clinical situations, the era of metal or silver fillings is a thing of the past. Instead, we embrace tooth-coloured restorations that are esthetic, durable and functional.

If you grind or clench your teeth, or have acid reflux, your teeth may develop premature wear and be temperature sensitive. This is usually due to exposure of the inner layer of the tooth, called Dentin. Fillings can repair these sensitive areas of exposed dentin and in most cases are very effective at resolving sensitivity.

Here is an overview of the commonly used filling materials:

  • Composite - tooth-colored resin that is chemically bonded to the tooth. Commonly used as an alternative to silver fillings

  • Amalgam - also known as silver fillings, has been used in dentistry for many years. It is known to be long-lasting but less common in recent years due to the availability of composite

After freezing has been administered to numb the area, your dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth to isolate it from the rest of your mouth and protect your gums, cheeks, and tongue. Next, the dentist will remove the diseased parts of the tooth that have been damaged by decay. The tooth will then be filled with either a composite resin, which matches the natural colour of the tooth, or a silver (amalgam) filling. After the new filling has been placed, we will check your bite to ensure comfort and fit. Finally we will polish it to a glossy finish!

Fillings are a predictable and efficient way to restore teeth back to their original beauty and functionality. Filling appointments are typically 1-2 hours in length, depending on the restoration in question, and are a durable solution for small to medium-sized cavities.

Teeth that have extensive decay or are severely broken may not be readily restored by fillings and our dentist may recommend a crown as a more long lasting solution.