Dental Fillings

At Sierra Dental, we offer safe, durable, tooth-coloured dental fillings to restore teeth affected by cavities, cracks, or minor damage. Our dentists use modern composite materials that bond securely to the tooth and match the natural shade of your other teeth.

Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, which can expand or contract over time, our composite fillings offer long-lasting protection and a more aesthetic result. Whether it is to treat tooth decay or repair a chipped tooth, dental fillings are a simple, quick, and effective solution to preserve both the health and appearance of the tooth.

We’re happy to provide families across Calgary with convenient, high-quality dental care; one tooth filling at a time.

Ready to restore your smile? Our friendly Signal Hill team is here to help you take the next step.

Dental Fillings in Calgary: What to Expect

Our dentists have experience in restorative dentistry, and take extra care to ensure every filling feels natural and lasts long.

If you need a dental filling, here’s what you can expect during your visit:

1. Your dentist will gently numb the area using a pre-numbing gel, followed by a local anesthetic.
2. The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is carefully removed.
3. A tooth-coloured composite material is layered over the tooth and shaped to match its natural shape.
4. A dental curing light is used to harden and secure the filling.
5. Your bite is checked and adjusted as needed.
6. Lastly, the filling is polished for a smooth, natural finish.

Regular check-ups help us catch problems early, so you can get simple, effective, and less expensive treatments, such as a dental filling, before they become bigger concerns.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Dental Filling

After careful assessment of your tooth and smile goals, our dentists can help you decide the most suitable filling material. While we no longer use silver amalgam, we offer a wide range of options such as tooth-coloured composite, gold, or porcelain, among others.

Silver (Amalgam) Fillings

No longer used at Sierra Dental

Though once common, silver amalgam fillings have largely been replaced by safer, more aesthetic options. They contain mercury that may compromise the health of your tooth in the long term.

Pros:

• Durability: Amalgam is known to withstand chewing pressure
• Longevity: Can last up to 15 years or more
• Affordability: Much less expensive than gold and usually half the price of composite

Cons:

• Poor aesthetics: Has a greyish colour that can discolour teeth and affect the appearance of the smile
• Invasive: Requires removing a significant amount of tooth structure
• Cracking Risk: More prone to causing tooth fractures over time
• Allergy Risk: Mercury sensitivity may occur in some patients

Composite or Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Our go-to solution

Composite resin is a biocompatible blend of plastic and glass that is bonded directly to the tooth. It is ideal for small to medium cavities and for cosmetic repair on visible teeth.

Pros:

• Excellent appearance: Composites can be precisely matched to mimic the colour of your existing teeth
• Strength: Provides additional strength and support on a weakened or decayed tooth
• More conservative: Preserves more natural tooth structure than silver amalgam

Cons:

• More fragile: May not last as long as gold or amalgam when used to bite
• Chipping: Prone to chipping off if under heavy pressure
• Staining: May stain over time
• Cost: Priced higher than amalgam fillings

Gold Fillings

Durable and long-lasting

Gold is an excellent choice for restoring the back teeth due to its excellent strength and biocompatibility. However, this is less frequently chosen these days due to high cost.

Pros:

• Exceptional longevity: Can last 20 years or more
• Strong and gentle: Withstands heavy chewing but is still gentle to opposing teeth
• Biocompatible: Less risk for allergies

Cons:

• Poor aesthetics: Noticeable due to colour
• Higher cost: One of the most expensive options
• Long treatment time: Requires more than one visit to the dentist

Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings

Strong and aesthetic

Porcelain fillings are typically used for indirect dental fillings, such as inlays or onlays.

Pros:

• Stain-resistant: Keeps its colour over time
• Lifelike: Resembles natural teeth the most
• Durable: Most especially for moderate-sized restorations

Cons:

• Brittle: May chip on thin areas
• High Cost: More expensive than composite fillings
• Glass Ionomer Fillings
• For younger patients and below the gum areas
• Glass ionomer is most known as a material that releases fluoride, making it an excellent choice for restoring baby teeth.

Pros:

• Fluoride-release: For protection against decay
• Quick application: Great for kids

Cons:

• Not as aesthetic: Does not closely match the colour of natural teeth
• Less durable: Will wear faster than other options

Temporary Fillings

• A temporary filling may be required if you:
• Require a filling that needs more than one visit to your dentist (like a gold or indirect porcelain filling)
• Have had root canal treatment
• Have a tooth that will need further assessment if a permanent filling or root canal treatment is a better option
• Require emergency dental care

Temporary fillings are interim dental restorations that will fall or wear out within a month. This will be replaced by a permanent filling or require other treatment options depending on certain conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s Restore Your Tooth, Comfortably and Confidently

Sierra Dental takes pride in delivering high-quality, natural-looking dental fillings that stand the test of time. From your very first visit, our team is here to walk you through your options with care and clarity.

Our patients tell us how easy and reassuring the entire process felt, from the gentle touch of our dentists to the long-lasting results they can smile about.

If you are due for dental fillings and want to discover the best one for your smile, call us at (403) 297-9600 so we can schedule your visit!