If your tooth is damaged or decayed, Pathways Dental Clinic is pleased to offer Calgary dental fillings to restore your tooth’s function and shape.
YOUR CHOICE FOR NE CALGARY WHITE FILLINGS
What is a Dental Filling?
One of the most common reasons to visit your dentist is to get a filling placed. Frequently it is due to cavities or chips being discovered at your routine check-up. A Calgary dental filling essentially ‘fills’ any holes or spaces in your Calgary teeth resulting from cavities or injuries. These fillings tend to be minor and preventative. Your NE Calgary dentist will clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned-out capacity with a filling material.
Unfortunately, at times you may need NE Calgary emergency dental treatment from a cavity not being filled proactively. The good news is that Dr. Kim and Dr. Bouma always accept dental emergencies, so if you are feeling any discomfort, contact us at Pathways Dental Clinic.
It is important to catch cavities in the early stages so that bigger problems can be avoided, like tooth structure loss. When cavities are allowed to get larger, the tooth may require more than a filling. It could potentially require a root canal or dental crowns.
Types of Fillings:
There are several types of fillings, including silver amalgam fillings, gold fillings, and tooth-colored composite resin fillings. The NE Calgary Dentists at Pathways Dental Clinic use only mercury-free composite resin fillings.
Benefits of Composite Fillings:
- Match and blend with tooth enamel, and dentin so look natural
- Chemically bonded to tooth structure causing no leakage
- Require less aggressive tooth structure preparation
Composite resin fillings contain particles of silica or ceramics in a polymer matrix. They can be blended to match the colour of the surrounding tooth, making them very aesthetically pleasing. The dentist can also be more conservative with the preparation of the teeth.
As with most dental restorations, Calgary composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. Usually, composite fillings need to be replaced within ten years.
Do you need a Dental Filling in Calgary?
Any teeth that are chipped, cracked, or decayed need fillings. Your Pathways Dental Clinic Dentist can detect cavities seen on x-rays and visible in the mouth, and recommend what restoration is required. Although cavities are the most common reason to get dental fillings, any worn, eroded, or damaged teeth can be a good candidate for fillings. These are some signs that you may require a filling:
- Chips/cracks
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold
- Sharp pain on biting
- Constant aching pain
- Staining on teeth or dark spots
How are composite resin fillings placed?
Our NE Calgary white fillings are placed in a single appointment. Your Calgary dentist at Pathways Dental Clinic will first remove any decay and thoroughly clean the affected teeth before the new restoration is placed. Then, the cleaned-out cavity will be filled with the composite material, and then shaped, cured, and polished to fit your bite. This will return function and shape back to the tooth.
Only your Calgary dentist can determine whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. Pathways Dental Clinic here to help determine if a filling is the best option for you.
How Do You Know When a Filling Needs Replacing?
Fillings don’t last forever. Composite resin holds up well, but the edges can wear down over the years, and an older silver amalgam filling can crack or loosen as it expands and contracts with hot and cold food. Either way, a filling that has done its job for a decade or more is worth a closer look at your next visit.
Signs it may be time to replace a filling:
- A dark line or staining creeping around the edge of the filling
- A rough or sharp spot where the filling meets the tooth
- New sensitivity in a tooth that was filled years ago
- A visible crack in the filling or the tooth around it
Replacing a filling works the same way as placing a new one: we remove the old material and any decay underneath, then rebuild the tooth with the same mercury-free composite resin. Staying on top of your regular teeth cleaning visits makes it easier for us to catch a worn filling early, often before it needs anything more than a straightforward swap.
Do You Have Questions? We Have Answers!
How many fillings can you have in one session?
Any person who has teeth that are cracked, chipped, or decayed may benefit from a dental filling. Your Calgary dentist at Pathways Dental Clinic will take an x-ray to detect any cavities visible in the mouth to determine what restoration would be required. Some signs that you may require a dental filling include:
- Sharp pain on biting
- Constant aching pain
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold
- Staining on teeth or dark spots
Why would my dentist place a temporary filling instead of a permanent one?
A temporary filling is sometimes placed as a placeholder between visits, for example while a root canal is settling or a permanent crown is being made. It keeps food and bacteria out for a few weeks, but it isn’t built to last, so book your follow-up appointment to have it swapped for a permanent restoration.
Do I need to replace an old filling if it isn't causing me pain?
Not always right away, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. A filling can start to leak or crack at the edges before it causes any discomfort, which is why we check the margins at every exam. If we spot wear, we’ll go over your options before it turns into a bigger repair.
What will happen after my filling is finished?
After a dental filling, your mouth might feel numb for a few hours. You will be able to start eating a couple of hours after the procedure is done. It is recommended to avoid any hard or sticky foods and try to eat softer foods that are easier to chew. You also might feel some sensitivity on the teeth that got the fillings for several weeks, which is completely normal as your teeth and gums are adjusting to the new restoration in the mouth. If you are feeling any pain or prolonged sensitivity in your mouth, please make sure to contact your Calgary Pathways Dental Clinic and we will assist you as soon as possible.
Pathways Dental Clinic Online Reviews
Sharayah Dillon
I have always felt uncomfortable with dentists, and have always had a bad time with the freezing portion of the treatment. Dr. Kim and his dental assistant today were fantastic and very well spoken. They kept checking to make sure I was okay and that I was comfortable! I also like that they explained everything they were doing as they were doing it, that definitely put me more at ease. THANK YOU PATHWAYS DENTAL!!
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