Dental Fillings
Even if you practice great oral hygiene, you can still develop a cavity for a variety of reasons. While cavities are very common, they must be taken seriously. Without treatment, decay continues to spread and erode your natural teeth.
Fortunately, the team at Enlighten Dental can restore your health with a filling in a single appointment at our Vancouver, BC, office.
Do You Need a Dentist Now? Contact Enlighten Dental ASAP
Pain when biting down or a toothache that won’t go away could be signs you have dental decay. We don’t want you to wait around in discomfort while you wait to see the dentist, so we make every effort to see patients for emergency appointments as needed. Please let us know how we can help you by calling (604) 876-9228, and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Just What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is used to repair a cavity (a small hole) in the tooth caused by bacteria. Your dentist removes the decayed portion of the enamel to prevent the cavity from growing larger. The cavity is then filled with an appropriate restorative material such as porcelain, composite resin, or amalgam, creating what is known as a dental filling.
We have selected materials that are most universally compatible with the human body based on decades of experience with biocompatibility testing.
Selecting a Material for Your Filling
Our Vancouver, BC, patients currently have more choices than ever when it comes to their dental filling. While historically a filling meant silver metal amalgam, modern fillings are much more natural and aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain and composite resin are enamel-colored materials that are safe and biocompatible. In addition to blending in seamlessly with your natural tooth, these materials are also durable as amalgam fillings.
Of course, every patient has unique needs and personal preferences when it comes to their dental restoration. Our goal is to thoroughly explain your options, answer your questions, and help you arrive at the best decision.
We Replace Metal Fillings! Safe Amalgam Filling Removal
If you had a cavity filled with metal amalgam in the past and are not satisfied with the appearance, you do not need to wait for the filling to run its natural course. The team at Enlighten Dental is happy to replace noticeable amalgam fillings with a modern tooth-colored alternative.
We believe that amalgam removal and other holistic techniques can also benefit your overall health. Our goal is to reduce the amount of non-biocompatible materials that go into restoring your teeth. During mercury amalgam removal treatment, we will safely extract the metal material and assess the condition of your tooth. Then we refill the cavity with an alternative biocompatible material like composite resin. If you are interested in learning more about tooth-colored fillings or other forms of holistic dentistry, please contact our Vancouver office today.
Types of Dental Fillings
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made primarily from acrylic-based resin and can last up to 10 years.
Pros:
- Tooth-colored and natural-looking
- Can be applied fast
- More affordable than some other materials
Porcelain Fillings
A porcelain filling is a custom-made restoration that can last 15 years or longer. Porcelain is used for inlays and onlays.
Pros:
- Natural-looking
- Strong and resilient
- Stain-resistant
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are made from a blend of gold and other metals like silver and copper. They can last for 20 years or more.
Pros:
- Longest lasting option
- Aesthetic preference
- Biocompatible
Holistic dentistry involves using natural materials and more conservative techniques to restore your teeth. Our tooth-colored fillings are non-toxic and just as effective as amalgam metals.
Will Treatment Hurt?
Most of our Vancouver patients experience no pain when getting a filling. If you have concerns about discomfort, we can offer dental sedation in addition to local anesthesia to help you feel at ease.
What to Expect During the Procedure
A dental filling procedure is generally fast and simple. Nevertheless, we want to explain all the steps to help you feel prepared and comfortable. Here is what to expect when you come to our Vancouver office to receive a standard composite filling.
After placing the filling, we will check your bite and make sure the tooth surface is smooth and polished.
Filling Maintenance and Aftercare
There is very little you have to do to maintain your dental filling. The materials we use for fillings are highly durable and can withstand the same pressure as your natural teeth. The best way to protect a dental filling is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes:
Brushing and Flossing
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to better combat decay. We also recommend flossing at least once a day to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places.
Limiting Sugar Intake
As you probably know, sugary foods and beverages can put you at a higher risk of tooth decay. Be mindful of your sugar intake and strive for a well-balanced, healthy diet.
Visiting the Dentist
Make a habit of visiting our Vancouver office for a dental checkup at least twice a year. Regular exams address tartar buildup and halt tooth decay before it can cause permanent damage.
Need a Little More Than a Filling? Enlighten Dental Has Options for You
Fillings are one of the most common treatments in dentistry, but in some cases, they aren’t quite enough to repair a tooth’s structure after treatment for decay. In these cases, our Vancouver dentists can restore your dental function and appearance with an inlay, an onlay, or a dental crown.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are larger types of dental fillings that are pre-shaped to replace the damaged portion of a tooth. A dental inlay covers the grooves of the biting surface of the tooth, and a dental onlay extends further to cover the biting surface and the edges (cusps) of the tooth.
Inlays and onlays are often ideal to restore a tooth when a traditional filling would be too little and a crown would be too much. As with filling placement, receiving an inlay or onlay isn’t painful, and the process can be completed in just one appointment here at our Vancouver office.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the gumline to the chewing surface. This solution may be best for you if your cavity requires significant alteration of your natural tooth structure.
Getting a dental crown isn’t all that more complex than getting a filling, especially at our practice. Why? We have our very own CEREC® machine, which allows us to design and fabricate fully customized crowns in the office–often in as little as one visit.
Do Dental Crowns Last Longer Than Fillings?
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That depends on the type of filling you receive. Porcelain dental crowns, like the ones made at Enlighten Dental, tend to last around 10 to 15 years, the same as composite fillings and porcelain fillings. Gold fillings, on the other hand, tend to last around 5 years longer. Our Vancouver dentists can help you select an option that has the ideal balance of aesthetics and longevity for you.
Help, My Filling Fell Out!
Keep Calm and Call Enlighten Dental
It’s possible for a filling to fall out if it’s especially old, if the tooth is deeply cracked, or if you bite into especially hard or crunchy foods. You are not the first person this has happened to, and there is no cause for alarm. That said, please do contact our dentists for a filling repair so we can protect your oral health, even if the filling was placed at another practice. Your healthy smile is our priority.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that you generally receive a dental exam every six months. By coming to see our dentists twice a year, you give us the opportunity to catch warning signs of decay early and treat the issue before it develops.
