Dental Fillings

If you have a tooth with some decay, minimal damage, or minor cosmetic imperfections such as a chip or discolouration, dental fillings can help restore it to its best appearance. Dental fillings are an easy and affordable procedure that can repair minor flaws in the tooth to make it look good and function as new.

At Sierra Dental, our cosmetic dentists are highly meticulous in creating fillings that look as natural as possible so you can be confident with your smile. If you are interested in this procedure, contact us today to know how we can help!

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are tooth-coloured materials that are used as a restorative treatment to a tooth with decay, cavity, chip, or crack. It may also be used as a cosmetic repair if you have tooth discolourations or gaps between the teeth.

To create a natural-looking restoration, your dentist will match the filling material with the colour of your tooth. The goal is to conceal the imperfection and make your tooth look as flawless as possible.

But, aside from appearance, fillings also help your tooth to function as it normally should. The strength from the filling material allows you to bite, chew, and eat without worries that the tooth will break.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several types of fillings that you can choose from. It ultimately depends on your individual treatment goals. Discuss these options with your dentist so they can recommend the most suitable one for you.

• Composite Resin – this is the most common filling material. It is tooth-coloured for an aesthetically pleasing result and has reliable durability for chewing and biting.
• Amalgam Fillings – this is a silver-coloured material made with a mixture of metals. It is known for its incredible strength, which can withstand many years. However, because of its unnatural colour, less patients opt for this option.
• Gold Fillings – the strongest and most biocompatible material for filling is gold. But, the lack of aesthetic appeal has made it less popular nowadays.
• Porcelain Fillings – for the most natural-looking option, consider the porcelain option. The major con to this option is the cost, as it can be more expensive than the usual composite alternative.

When Do You Need a Dental Filling?

Some telltale signs and symptoms that may indicate that you need a dental filling are:

• Toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Visible tooth decay
• Chip or crack on the tooth
• Minimal discolouration
• Small gaps between the teeth

As soon as you experience any of these, visit your dentist so they can take a closer look. Left untreated, the decay or damage may spread. Eventually, dental fillings will no longer suffice to restore the tooth. Remember that timely intervention prevents complications that may result in costly and extensive treatments.

Dental Filling Procedure

If you are going to the clinic for a composite dental filling, here is what you can expect:

1. Diagnosis – First, our team will check the extent of the decay or damage so we can have a ballpark measure of the amount of natural tooth that will be left to work on.
2. Preparation – After colour-matching your tooth, all decay will be removed, and some tooth structures will be properly prepared to receive the filling.
3. Filling Placement – Then, the filling is layered over the tooth and hardened using a blue light to strengthen it in place.
4. Finishing – The last step is to clean and polish the filling. This will remove harsh layers to create a smooth surface and a natural finish.

Why Choose Sierra Dental in Airdrie for Dental Fillings?

Sierra Dental is home to experienced dentists who can spot decay or damage as soon as they come up so they can be restored to good health right away. With dental fillings that are made of high-quality materials and using advanced treatment approaches, our restorations can last you a very long time.

You can be confident in our dedication to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful using dental fillings. If you need treatment, contact us today to schedule a visit! Our team will discuss your options and help you understand if this is best for your smile.