Dental Fillings in Vancouver, BC
A tooth or dental filling near you is an outpatient operation used to cure tooth decay. Our dentist in Vancouver, BC, will numb your mouth and use a drill to remove the damaged section of your tooth. Then they use a filling material to fill the hollowed-out region of your tooth.
A dental filling is normally quite safe, but some dangers and issues can occur. It is simply one treatment option for tooth decay. Talk to your dentist near you about your options so you can figure out which ones are ideal for you.
Purpose of a Dental Filling
A filling protects your tooth from additional deterioration and infection. Fillings wear out over time and may need to be replaced. However, most fillings have a long lifespan and may not need to be replaced for several years. Visit your dentist every six months for frequent cleanings and exams to verify that your filling is functioning well.
Types of Dental Fillings
Composite Fillings
Commonly known as tooth-colored fillings, composite fillings comprise various materials, such as powdered glass-like particles and acrylics. Composite fillings in Vancouver, BC, can be used on any tooth by a dentist.
However, they may not always be employed depending on the filling position. Because composite fillings match the tooth’s color, they are more aesthetically acceptable than amalgam fillings.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic fillings, or porcelain or tooth-colored fillings, are a popular alternative to traditional metal amalgam fillings. They are composed of ceramic particles, glass, and resin, completely customizable to match the natural color of the patient’s teeth.
Ceramic fillings provide aesthetic and functional benefits, blending seamlessly with the natural tooth structure and creating a more natural-looking smile. They are also highly durable, resistant to staining. Additionally, ceramic fillings are biocompatible and do not contain any potentially harmful metals, making them a safer option for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
Visit Us!
Call us if you or your child requires a dental filling. It’s important to see a dentist near you sooner rather than later. We accept appointments over the phone, in person, and online.
We look forward to helping you keep your mouth as healthy as possible!
FAQs
Modern composite resins are strong enough for most filling needs, including back molars. They bond directly to the tooth, allowing more of the original tooth structure to be preserved while requiring less drilling than amalgam fillings. Very large cavities in heavy-grinding patients may still benefit from a crown or ceramic inlay for greater durability. Our team recommends the most appropriate material for each specific tooth.
Early-stage cavities rarely cause pain, they are most often detected through routine X-rays and clinical examination before symptoms develop. Sensitivity to cold, sweet foods, or pressure may indicate a developing cavity. Regular dental exams permit our team to catch decay at the smallest possible stage, when a simple filling is all that is needed.
We do not recommend replacing structurally sound amalgam fillings purely for cosmetic reasons, removing a functional filling puts the tooth through unnecessary drilling. However, if an existing filling is cracked, leaking, or shows secondary decay beneath it, replacing it with composite is logical and beneficial. Our team assesses every existing filling honestly at each routine check-up.
A dental filling usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, based on the size and location of the cavity. If you need multiple small fillings, they can often be completed during the same visit. Local anaesthetic is used when needed to help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Most people can resume their regular routine shortly after treatment. If local anaesthetic is used, your dentist will let you know when it is safe to eat and drink.
Fillings most commonly fail due to secondary decay forming at the margins, fracture from excessive bite forces or grinding, and gradual wear over years of use. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, wearing a night guard if you grind, avoiding excessively hard foods, and attending regular check-ups for early detection of any changes all significantly extend filling lifespan.
