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How To Tell If You Need a Dental Filling

Getting a cavity sucks! If you have one, you will likely need a filling to help restore the tooth. Our Calgary team discusses the different types of fillings that your dentist might use.

What Dental Fillings Are

These restorations are used to restore the structure, function and appearance of a tooth that's been damaged or decayed, alleviating tooth pain you may be experiencing.

Uses For Dental Fillings

Tooth fillings can fix fractures, cracks, or tooth decay. They help restore functionality to your tooth and in some circumstances, dental fillings can be used to make cosmetic improvements to your smile. 

What are some signs I may need a dental filling?

While you should see a dentist to confirm whether you need a filling, here are some signs that you may have a cavity that needs a tooth filling. If you experience any of these, schedule an appointment with your dentist:

    1. You feel a sharp or throbbing pain in your tooth.
    2. When you examine your teeth, you see a hole or dark spot. 
    3. Your tooth is broken or chipped. 
    4. Your tooth feels rough to the touch. 
    5. Food keeps getting stuck between certain teeth. 
    6. An existing tooth filling has broken or cracked. 
    7. You've lost a tooth filling and need a replacement.

    What are dental fillings made of?

    Dental fillings can be made of different of materials, from amalgam to composite, porcelain and gold. While each of these materials is safe and can last a long time, they also each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here, our dentists provide advice on how to make the right choice for you. 

    Porcelain Fillings for Strength & Appearance

    Also called inlays and onlays, porcelain fillings are brittle, hard, and made in combination with metal. Made in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist to place, these strong, tooth-coloured dental restorations are typically used on molars as they are more durable and longer lasting than a regular dental filling. 

    You’ll usually need to attend two dental appointments so your porcelain filling can be placed in your mouth.

    Composite Fillings for a Natural Look & Feel

    Because they are very similar in colour to natural teeth, composite fillings tend to blend in well with the surrounding teeth.

    They look and feel natural, and are popular with patients who are concerned with how amalgam (grey) fillings may appear on teeth that are visible when they smile.

    Dentists like composites because they are easy to sculpt and shape onto a tooth, and bond naturally to a tooth. This means your dentist won’t need to remove as much existing enamel when preparing the tooth.

    Your dentist will remove tooth decay and add bonding material to the inside of the hole so the filling can be placed. Composite resin is then layered in the hole.

    A curing light is used to harden each layer. When the last layer of resin has hardened, the filling will be carefully shaped to match your natural teeth.

    Gold Fillings for Durability 

    Cast gold fillings are made using a model of your tooth. Created from a mix of gold combined with other materials such as copper and silver, a cast gold filling is created in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist.

    It will then be cemented in place inside your mouth. Though this type of filling is considered the most durable (typically lasting 20 years or more) it is also the most costly. You'll also require at least two dental appointments to have it placed.

    If you're interested in learning more about the types of fillings or to have a cavity filled, contact our Calgary dentists today. 


    What's New?

    5 Reasons Your Teeth Might Hurt

    If you have persistent or new tooth or gum pain, you'll want to have this taken care of quickly, before it turns into a bigger problem. Our Calgary dentists are here to tell you some reasons your teeth might hurt.

    From Our Team:

    • Every patient who walks through our door is family – we are here to help both you and your family members maintain a healthy smile.
      - Dr. Victoria Jalbert

    Visit Dentistry at Market Mall for a friendly dental experience!

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    Location

    Dentistry at Market Mall
    4935 40 Ave NW #232 Calgary AB T3A 2N1 CA

    Phone Number

    (403) 286-2399

    Hours of Operation

    • Monday:08:00 am - 04:00 pm
    • Tuesday:08:00 am - 04:00 pm
    • Wednesday:08:00 am - 04:00 pm
    • Thursday:08:00 am - 04:00 pm
    • Friday:08:00 am - 03:30 pm
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    (403) 286-2399