Caulfeild Dental Centre
Dental Cavity Filling
Dental Cavity Filling Services in West Vancouver
Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity? Perhaps you have a tooth or teeth that didn’t come in correctly and need to be filled. Dental fillings are done to fill cavities, reduce instances of further decay, and restore a tooth to a natural shape. Tooth fillings are standard procedures dentists use for restorative and preventative measures.
Cavities often occur when sugars react to plaque bacteria when we eat or drink. Then, it forms an acid. This acid erodes the dentin and tooth enamel. Although our saliva eventually neutralizes the acid, some damage may be done.
At Caulfeild Dental Centre, we provide you with options when it comes to restoring your smile. We use different types of materials to restore a tooth and fillings are done painlessly and in a way that looks natural.
How to Tell if You Need a Tooth Filling
Tooth decay and cavities are serious. They threaten oral health and can cause pain if not treated. Dental fillings help solve the issue and assist in restoring your smile. If you’re wondering how to know whether or not you may have a cavity or need a filling, we’ve listed some warning signs below:
- Sharp or Throbbing Pain: Pain is most notable when biting or chewing food.
- Dark Spots: Check your tooth for dark spots or a hole. The tooth may also feel rough.
- Stuck Food Between Teeth: You may require a filling if food frequently is stuck between teeth.
- Fractured or Chipped Teeth: If you have chipped or damaged teeth, you may require a filling to fix the issue.
- Filling Damage. Previous fillings can crack, break, or come out. If so, it may need replacing.
- Your Floss Tears: If the floss tears between certain teeth, you may need a filling.
- Sensitivity: Teeth may feel sensitive when hot/cold food touches them. Sticky, sweet, and sour food can also affect it.
Even if there are no symptoms, you may still be experiencing dental decay. Pain or sensitivity isn’t always present when cavities first appear. Therefore, regular exams prevent cavities from further eroding the teeth and causing pain.
Our trained staff can remove the cavity and restore your smile.
Different Types of Fillings
Gone are the days of visibly seeing a filling. Dentists use various filling types which look as natural as your teeth.
Composite Fillings
A composite filling contains resin and plastic. Dentists place it inside a tooth when it is soft. Then, it hardens using a bright curing light. Composite fillings are the most common since they can be easily matched to your existing teeth. However, they may be less durable than some other materials and last 5-10 years.
Gold Cast Fillings
Gold fillings contain 75% gold, with the remaining portion consisting of a mixture of palladium, silver, or other minor metals. Gold fillings were once a standard material, but are rarely (if ever) used these days, due to their high price point and visibility.
Porcelain Fillings
Also called “onlays” or “inlays”, they are the only material that is metal-free, mercury-free, and BPA-free. This durable, strong filling bonds firmly to your natural tooth, resistant to staining and chipping. It is also more aesthetically appealing.
Silver Teeth Fillings
Silver amalgam contains silver, zinc, tin, mercury, and copper. These filling are still common because their durable and affordable. A standard filling can last over 12 years. The only drawback is that it is noticeable and is therefore generally used only for back teeth or teeth that will fall out (baby teeth).
Our Cavity Filling Process
Our experienced dentists do a tooth filling with the following steps:
- A numbing gel is applied to the gums. Then, a local anesthetic is injected into the gum line. The anesthetic numbs the area close to the decayed tooth, the gums, and the jawline.
- The dentist uses a drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth.
- A tooth is filled with one of the materials mentioned above.
- Once filled, they polish your filling. A dentist adjusts the filling to the person’s bite to feel normal and to ensure it is properly aligned.
When using a composite filling, the material must be cured with a special light. Once the procedure is complete, we recommend you don’t drink or eat until the numbing wears off. Waiting prevents you from accidentally biting the inside of the cheek or tongue.
How to Care for Your Teeth After Dental Fillings
After the procedure, our dentists will inform you about what to expect, how to care for your teeth after filling, and when to contact us. After the treatment, you should limit sugary drinks and food.
Consume a well-balanced diet, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once daily. You may additionally experience the following:
Tooth Pain
There may be minor discomfort or tenderness. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) will help. If the pain persists, reach out to your dentist to discuss the issue.
Tooth Sensitivity
There may be additional sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures after a filling. This sensitivity is from minor gum irritation, nerve irritation, or inflammation from drilling. They generally improve with time. However, if they worsen, call your dentist. It can happen from a composite filling shrinking.
Call us if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Warmth or redness of your gums
- Fever
- Swelling
- Severe tooth sensitivity
Affordable Dental Filling in Vancouver
Costs associated with fillings depend on the material, extent of decay, and type of material. Tooth filling costs between $200 to $2,000 depending on quality and type. White fillings cost between $200-$250, and gold fillings can cost up to $1,425.
Medical insurance may not cover dental services causing financial strain. For those unable to afford the service, the situation can quickly deteriorate. At Caulfeild Dental, our services are reasonably priced without compromising quality. We will discuss treatment options and costs before treatment to ensure you comprehend the benefits, fees, and ongoing care for your teeth.
Book an Appointment for Tooth Fillings in West Vancouver
At Caulfeild Dental, we care about your teeth. Our staff uses the latest technology to detect issues before dental issues become bigger concerns and to ensure nothing is overlooked.
We offer a personalized approach to dentistry, as your oral health is our top priority. When doing dental fillings, we provide you with all your options and assist you in making an informed decision.
We are located at 5311 Headland Drive in the Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre. You can find us between The Valetor and Iris Optometrists and Opticians.
Dental Cavity Filling FAQs
Are fillings painful?
Since your mouth is numbed, dental fillings are not painful. You may experience minor discomfort after the anesthetic wears off that can be treated using acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
How are cracked teeth treated?
Cracked teeth are treated using bonding to fill the fracture, rounding/polishing of rough edges, a crown, extraction, veneer, or root canal. You will need to consult with a dentist to determine the right option for the situation.
General Inquiries
Looking for more information? Feel free to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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