What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is used to repair the function, structure, and appearance of a natural tooth that has experienced decay due to a cavity or some type of trauma.
Fillings help to repair the function, structure and appearance of the natural tooth, and prevent any further decay from developing.
Our Dental Filling Process
To fill a cavity, your dentist may first give you a local anesthetic to freeze the area so you do not feel any pain. Your dentist will then remove any decay from your tooth.
A direct filling, like amalgam or composite fillings, is placed right after your dentist has cleaned out the decay. An indirect filling, like porcelain or gold fillings, is custom made in a lab and then sent to your dentist who will cement it into place.
Caring For Dental Fillings in Calgary
You must care for dental fillings the same way you care for your natural teeth. By practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups and exams at your dental office, fillings can last for many years.
Which Type of Filling is the Best?
No one type of filling is best, your dentist can help you choose the best option for you.
- Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are silver in colour and made of a mixture of metals, such as mercury, silver, copper and tin. They harden quickly and can generally be placed in one appointment.
- Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured and made of a plastic and glass mixture. They harden quickly and can generally be placed in one appointment.
- Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings are tooth-coloured and made of hard, brittle dental ceramics. They are created in a dental lab based on a model of your tooth, and then cemented into place.
- Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are gold in colour and made of a mixture of gold with other metals such as silver and copper. They are created in a dental lab based on a model of your tooth, and then cemented into place.
FAQs About Dental Fillings
Check out answers to our most commonly asked questions about dental fillings.
- What happens if my tooth is too damaged for a filling?
If the decay has damaged a larger portion of a tooth, a dental filling may not be possible. In this case, you may need a dental crown to restore the tooth.
- Are dental fillings painful?
To fill a cavity, your dentist may first give you a local anesthetic to freeze the area so you do not feel any pain.
- How long should teeth hurt after fillings?
Some people may feel sensitivity after they receive a filling. The tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air, sweet foods or cold.
This type of tooth pain after filling a cavity should resolve within a few weeks. If not, contact your dentist.
- How long after a filling can I brush my teeth?
After you receive a dental filling, you can resume brushing twice a day and flossing daily right away.