Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
Dental fillings are a routine yet crucial procedure in our office. They repair and restore damaged teeth, preventing more severe issues like painful decay or infection. We use composite resin fillings that blend perfectly with your natural tooth colour. Unlike amalgam (metal) fillings, these tooth-coloured composites bond effectively with the tooth and can fill smaller cavities, which minimizes the need for extensive drilling and provides a more natural appearance.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
The thought of getting a filling might seem like a hassle, and you might question the need, especially if you’re not currently experiencing pain. However, addressing cavities promptly is crucial for several reasons:
- Stop Cavities from Getting Bigger: Fillings prevent cavities from growing and causing more extensive damage.
- Prevent Painful Infections or Abscesses: Untreated cavities can lead to severe infections or abscesses, which are more painful and complex to treat.
- Restore Strength and Durability: Cavities weaken your teeth. Fillings help restore their strength and functionality.
- Save Money: Addressing cavities early can prevent the need for more expensive treatments down the line.
- Reduce Sensitivity: Fillings help minimize sensitivity to hot and cold, making eating and drinking more comfortable.
- Preserve Your Smile: By filling cavities, you maintain the health and appearance of your natural teeth for as long as possible.
How Is a Cavity Filled?
Numbing the Area
We start by applying a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. This ensures you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
Cleaning and Filling the Tooth
Once numb, we remove the decayed part of the tooth and prepare it for the filling. We then apply a composite resin, which is carefully shaped to restore the tooth’s natural contour and function.
Curing and Polishing
The filling is hardened with a special LED light, and we finalize the process by checking your bite and polishing the surface for a smooth, natural finish.
The Cost of a Filling in Vancouver
Fillings are a common and effective treatment, so many insurance plans offer substantial coverage. With typical insurance, you might pay between $0 to $100 or more for a filling. Without insurance, the cost generally ranges from $120 to $300 and up, particularly if you need multiple fillings.
- Your current oral health status.
- The number of fillings you need.
- The location of the cavity in your mouth.
- Whether new x-rays are necessary.
- The time required by the dental team for your treatment.
- The equipment and supplies needed for your procedure.
The actual cost of your treatment depends on several key factors:
Acting quickly to fill cavities is essential. Prompt fillings help prevent the need for more invasive procedures, reduce the risk of severe dental pain, and support your overall oral health. Our goal is to keep you comfortable and maintain your dental well-being.
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 consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, your fillings can endure for more than a decade. Proper maintenance plays a key role in maximizing their durability and effectiveness.
Dental amalgam, commonly known as “silver” or “mercury” fillings, was once a standard choice for fillings. Although there is some ongoing debate about their safety, the Canadian Dental Association has found no scientific evidence linking dental amalgam to health issues in the general population. Therefore, if you have silver fillings, there’s no need to worry!
While over-the-counter products can temporarily address a cavity or minor damage until you reach a dentist, they are not a permanent fix and cannot replace a professional filling. Professional treatment is essential for cleaning, preparing, and properly filling a cavity. Ignoring dental decay and relying on makeshift solutions can result in severe issues such as tooth loss and abscesses. To avoid these serious consequences, it’s important to get cavities professionally treated.
Experiencing severe tooth pain that interferes with eating or sleeping should be treated as an emergency. Contact us right away so we can provide advice and arrange an urgent appointment. For temporary relief, place a cold compress on the affected area of your face. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may also help ease your discomfort. Remember to follow the medication instructions carefully, and keep track of the type, amount, and timing of any pain relief you use. Share this information with us during your visit for better care.
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