Restore the Natural Look and Feel of Your Teeth.
One of the most common procedures performed in our office is dental fillings. These fillings help repair and restore teeth while protecting against painful decay or infection that could lead to more complex treatments. We primarily use composite resin for fillings, as it is carefully colour-matched to your natural tooth. Unlike traditional metal amalgam fillings, composite resin creates a strong bond with the tooth and can fill even the smallest spaces, reducing the need for extensive drilling!
Why Are Fillings So Important?
For some, the thought of getting a filling might seem like an unnecessary or time-consuming procedure. You might feel tempted to delay it, particularly if your tooth isn’t causing pain yet. However, we strongly encourage treating cavities right away, and here’s why:
- Prevent cavities from becoming more severe.
- Avoid the risk of painful infections or abscesses.
- Strengthen teeth that have been weakened.
- Save money in the long run by avoiding more costly treatments.
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Preserve the natural look of your smile.
How Is A Cavity Filled?
Gentle Numbing
Before beginning the procedure, we carefully numb your gums to ensure your comfort. While this step may make some patients feel uneasy, the numbing process gently freezes the treatment area, providing effective numbness to your teeth and surrounding tissues, which helps minimise any discomfort during the treatment.
Filling the tooth's cavity
Once we are certain you’re fully numb, we clean and prepare the affected tooth. An adhesive gel is applied to the tooth as a base, and then composite resin, a tooth-coloured filling material, is carefully moulded and sculpted to match the shape and bite of your tooth.
Curing the Composite
The composite resin used to fill or bond your tooth is rapidly hardened and cured with a specialised LED light. After curing, the dentist will thoroughly assess your tooth, make any necessary adjustments, and finish by polishing the surface to ensure a smooth, natural look.
The Cost Of A Filling In Leduc
Dental fillings are a reliable and effective way to treat and prevent dental problems, and many insurance plans offer significant coverage for this procedure. With most insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for a filling typically ranges from $0 to $100+. For those without dental insurance, the cost generally falls between $120 and $300 or more, especially if multiple fillings are needed at once.
The cost of your treatment can vary based on several factors, including:
- Your current oral health condition.
- The number of fillings required.
- The location of the cavity in your mouth.
- Whether new x-rays are necessary.
- The time needed by the dental team to meet your specific needs.
- The equipment and materials used to complete your treatment.
We emphasise filling cavities as soon as possible, as we believe that fillings are an effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, reduce severe dental pain, and support your overall health, happiness, and 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
The durability of a filling depends on several factors, including the type of filling material, its location in your mouth, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. On average, fillings can last for more than 10 years with proper care.
The process of getting a filling is generally pain-free because the dentist numbs the area with a local anaesthetic. After the procedure, you might experience some sensitivity, but this usually goes away within a few days.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping, contact us immediately as this could be a dental emergency. We can provide advice over the phone and arrange an appointment. For temporary relief, use a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the dosage instructions carefully and keeping track of what you’ve taken for future reference.