Dental Fillings Mississauga
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth affected by cavities, minor fractures, or wear and restore the tooth's normal shape and function. During treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and replaces it with a restorative material. Tooth-coloured composite resin can be matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making the restoration less noticeable when you smile or speak.
Tooth-Coloured Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are a mercury-free restorative option commonly used to repair cavities and restore damaged tooth structure. The material is applied directly to the prepared tooth and shaped to recreate its natural form.
- Can be bonded directly to the tooth structure
- Usually require less removal of healthy tooth structure than traditional amalgam restorations
- Can be carefully matched to the natural colour of the tooth
- Can restore both the appearance and function of a damaged tooth
Dental Filling Procedure
Examination and Cavity Preparation
Before placing a filling, your dentist examines the tooth and determines the extent of the decay or damage. The affected tooth structure is carefully removed, and the cavity is cleaned and shaped to prepare it for the restoration.
Placing the Composite Resin
Once the tooth is prepared, the composite resin is applied in layers and bonded to the tooth. Each layer is hardened with a curing light before the next one is added. The dentist then shapes the restoration to match the natural contours of the tooth and checks your bite before polishing the finished filling.
When Are Inlays or Onlays Recommended?
When a tooth has more extensive damage or a cavity is too large for a conventional filling, an inlay or onlay may provide a more appropriate restoration. These restorations are designed to replace a larger amount of missing tooth structure while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made based on an impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth. The restoration is fabricated in a dental laboratory and then fitted and bonded to the tooth during a subsequent appointment at Parkway Family Dentistry.
How to Maintain a Dental Filling
Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations can help maintain your filling and the surrounding tooth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth regularly, and limit frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks. Your dentist can also check the filling during routine appointments for signs of wear, leakage, cracks, or recurrent decay.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Dental fillings can wear over time and do not last indefinitely. Their lifespan depends on factors such as the size and location of the restoration, the amount of chewing pressure, oral hygiene, and the development of new decay. During regular check-ups, your dentist can assess the condition of existing fillings and recommend repair or replacement when necessary.
