Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings

Brentwood Services

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Calgary Tooth Filling Services

Dental fillings are easy and simple!

In need of a dental filling? A filling is one of the fastest, hassle-free procedures done by our dentists. A normal filling is generally completed in a single sitting and we do our best to make the experience as comfortable as possible for all of our patients. If you have a cavity that needs filling, it’s important not to delay the procedure to prevent further problems. An untreated cavity can lead to further tooth decay and require more intensive treatments like a root canal or a full tooth replacement.

Although dental fillings are most commonly used for cavities, they are also a solution for structural loss including small tooth fractures, wear and tear caused by teeth grinding, and other injuries. Fillings can help prevent further tooth loss and strengthen the enamel. There are different kinds of fillings to do the job and our dentists can make a recommendation based on your individual concerns.

Contact Brentwood Village Dental Clinic today to book a dental filling appointment.

Our Dental Filling Services

What Are Dental Fillings?

If you have a cavity that needs a filling, there are different kinds of fillings to do the job. The two main fillings we do here at Brentwood Village Dental Clinic are Composite Fillings and Amalgam Fillings.

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Your dentist cares about your oral health. If you have any questions or concerns about fillings, talk to your dentist. He or she will advise you on the type of filling that works best in your particular case. Before you get a filling, tell your dentist about changes to your health since your last visit, such as:

  • Are you taking any medications?
  • Do you have allergies?
  • Are you pregnant?

Composite Fillings (tooth-coloured)

Composite fillings are also called plastic or white fillings. To place this filling, your dentist may first give you local anaesthetic (“freezing”) so you do not feel any pain. Your dentist then cleans all decay from the tooth and puts a glue (or bonding material) on the inside of the hole. Composite resin is put into the hole in thin layers. Each layer is hardened with the help of a special light that your dentist holds over the tooth. When the last layer of the filling is hard, your dentist shapes the filling so it looks and feels natural.

Advantages:
  • These fillings will be the same colour as your natural teeth so give a more natural look.
Disadvantages
  • This kind of filling may break more easily than an amalgam filling and may not last as long.
  • Composite fillings cost more than amalgam.
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Dental fillings mobile image - Brentwood Dental Services

Amalgam Fillings (silver)

Dental amalgam fillings are sometimes called “silver” fillings. Because these fillings are silver in colour, they are primarily used to fill back teeth. They are a mix of metals such as silver, mercury, copper and tin. To place this filling, your dentist may first give you local anaesthetic (“freezing”) so you do not feel any pain. Your dentist then takes out all traces of decay from the tooth and shapes the hole. The amalgam materials are mixed together in a “shaker” and packed into the hole in layers. Unlike a composite filling, which is hardened instantly with a special light, amalgam fillings take time to harden (approximately 24 hours)

metal fillings
Advantages:
  • These fillings are the least expensive type of filling.
  • They last a long time.
Disadvantages:
  • The silver colour may not be aesthetically pleasing.
  • They contain mercury (studies have shown that amalgam fillings do not cause illness; they have been used on people for more than 150 years).

What else should I know?

Root canal treatment may be done in one or two appointments. After root canal treatment, your tooth may be tender for the first week or two. Bad pain or swelling are not common; if this happens, call your dentist or endodontist. You can still get a cavity or gum disease after a root canal. Root canal treatment does not protect your tooth from other types of damage.

With proper care and regular dental visits, the tooth could last as long as your other teeth. There are some cases where everything possible has been done to save a tooth and still the tooth must be extracted (pulled).

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of materials are used for tooth fillings?

At Brentwood Village Dental, we offer a variety of filling materials, including composite resin (tooth-coloured fillings), amalgam (silver fillings), and porcelain. The best option for you depends on the location of the cavity, your aesthetic preferences, and the extent of the damage.

Advantages
These fillings will be the same colour as your natural teeth to give them a more natural look.

Disadvantages
This kind of filling may break more quickly than an amalgam filling and may not last as long.
Composite fillings cost more than amalgam.

What about amalgam fillings?

Advantages
These fillings are the least expensive type of filling.
They last a long time.

Disadvantages
The silver colour may not be aesthetically pleasing.
They contain mercury (studies have shown that amalgam fillings do not cause illness; they have been used on people for more than 150 years).

The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the location in your mouth, and your oral hygiene habits. Generally, composite fillings can last 5-10 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years or more with proper care.

Dental fillings are usually a smooth and pain-free experience. Your dentist will numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You might sense some pressure or vibration, but it should be comfortable.

After the numbing wears off, it’s normal to experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers or sensitive toothpaste can help ease these feelings. However, if you notice pain or discomfort lasting beyond a few days, it’s important to reach out to your dentist.

There’s no strict limit to the number of fillings you can have in a single appointment. However, our dentists may suggest spreading them out over multiple visits if you need several. The decision depends on factors like your overall oral health, comfort level, and the extent of damage to the teeth needing fillings.

Following a filling, your mouth may stay numb for a few hours. It’s also possible to feel a bit of soreness in your teeth and gums. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks is common for a few days after the procedure, but this usually subsides quickly.

Yes, tooth fillings can be replaced if they become damaged, worn, or if the surrounding tooth structure decays further. Regular dental check-ups will help us monitor the condition of your fillings and replace them as needed.

After getting a filling, it’s a good idea to wait a few hours before eating, especially until the numbness in your mouth has fully worn off. To protect your filling, avoid hard or chewy foods like chips, granola, candy, popcorn, gum, and ice, as these could potentially dislodge it.

If you have any questions or concerns about fillings, talk to one of our dentists here at Brentwood Dental Village Clinic. They will advise you on the type of filling that works best in your particular case. Before you get a filling, tell your dentist about changes to your health since your last visit, such as:

  • Are you taking any medications?
  • Do you have allergies?
  • Are you pregnant?

A filling is one of our dentists’ fastest, hassle-free procedures. A standard filling is generally completed in a single sitting, and we do our best to make the experience as comfortable as possible for all of our patients.

Ensure you brush your teeth twice and floss once daily. Limit hard foods and chewing on solid objects. Eating a balanced diet also helps!