
Make Teeth Look and Feel Natural Again
One of the most common procedures in our office is the placement of dental fillings, which repair and restore teeth while preventing further decay or infection that could lead to more complex treatments.
We use composite resin fillings, carefully custom-matched to the natural colour of your teeth for a seamless appearance. Unlike traditional metal amalgam fillings, composite resin bonds securely to the tooth, requiring less drilling and preserving more of your natural tooth structure. This advanced material not only provides a natural look but also strengthens your tooth, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Why Are Fillings So Important?
Getting a filling might feel like an inconvenience, especially if your tooth doesn’t hurt yet. However, addressing cavities early is essential for protecting your oral health and preventing bigger issues down the road.
- Stop cavities from getting worse: Fillings prevent decay from spreading further.
- Avoid painful infections or abscesses: Treating cavities early reduces the risk of serious complications.
- Restore tooth strength: Cavities weaken teeth, but fillings reinforce strength and durability.
- Save money over time: Early treatment prevents costly procedures like root canals or crowns.
- Reduce sensitivity: Fillings protect exposed areas, alleviating sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Maintain your natural smile: By filling cavities, you preserve your teeth and their appearance for as long as possible.
Here’s why fillings matter:
Filling a cavity promptly ensures your teeth stay healthy, strong, and pain-free while saving you time and money in the future.
The Process of Filling a Cavity
Understanding how a cavity is filled can ease concerns and provide clarity about the procedure. Here’s what happens during a dental filling:
Mild Numbing
Before starting the procedure, we prioritize your comfort by gently administering a local anesthetic to numb your gums and teeth in the affected area. While some patients may feel a bit nervous about this step, our technique effectively desensitizes the area, ensuring minimal to no discomfort during the process.
Restoring the Tooth With a Filling
Once we confirm that the area is fully numb, we carefully clean and prepare the affected tooth by removing decay. An adhesive gel is then applied, providing a secure base for the composite resin (tooth-coloUred filling material). The resin is expertly shaped and sculpted to match your tooth’s natural contours and fit seamlessly with your bite.
Setting the Composite
The composite resin is hardened quickly using a specialized LED light. After curing, the dentist will inspect the filling, make any necessary adjustments, and give it a final polish, leaving the tooth smooth, durable, and restored to its natural function. This straightforward process restores your tooth’s health, strength, and appearance while ensuring a comfortable experience.
Cost of a Filling at T-Dot
Fillings are an essential and effective way to prevent dental problems, and many insurance plans provide significant coverage for this procedure. With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from $0 to $100+ per filling, depending on your plan. Without insurance, you can expect to pay between $120 and $300 or more, particularly if multiple fillings are required.
Several factors influence the cost, including the type of filling material, the number and location of cavities, and any additional procedures like X-rays. Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings often cost more than amalgam (silver) fillings, especially for visible or hard-to-reach teeth.
Filling cavities promptly helps avoid more invasive treatments, alleviates dental pain, and preserves overall oral health. For an accurate estimate tailored to your needs, consult your dentist. Early treatment saves time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
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 proper oral hygiene, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, fillings can last over a decade.
No. We match the shade of the composite filling to your natural tooth colour, creating a virtually invisible restoration.
Absolutely. Composite resin is a safe and reliable material for dental fillings. It’s durable, effective, and ensures a healthier, more natural-looking smile. Our practice exclusively uses composite resin because it’s the best option for our patients and team.
Coverage varies by plan, so it’s best to contact your insurance provider for details. If needed, we can provide you with a quote to submit to your provider for an estimate of any out-of-pocket costs.
Caring for filled teeth is the same as caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss twice daily, and attend regular cleanings and checkups to keep your smile healthy and your fillings lasting as long as possible.
