Dental fillings are needed when a tooth has damage caused by cavities, decay, cracks, or minor fractures. A filling helps restore the tooth and prevent further damage. Dentists may recommend a filling after an examination or X-ray identifies decay, even before pain or sensitivity develops.
Types of Dental Fillings
The right dental filling material depends on the tooth being treated, the amount of damage, appearance, and chewing pressure.
Tooth-Coloured Composite Fillings
Composite resin fillings are matched to the colour of your natural teeth. They can restore cavities and minor damage while providing a natural-looking result for visible areas and many back teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam is a durable restorative material that may be considered for teeth exposed to heavier chewing forces. Your dentist can explain which filling option is appropriate for your tooth.
Dental Filling Repair and Replacement
Older fillings can sometimes chip, crack, loosen, or develop decay around their edges. A damaged filling should be examined to determine whether it can be repaired or needs replacement.
A filling does not need replacement simply because it is old. Your dentist will consider its condition, the surrounding tooth, your bite, and whether there is recurrent decay before recommending treatment.
When a cavity leaves too little healthy tooth structure for a filling, a dentist for a dental crown can assess whether more coverage is needed.
Cost of Dental Filling in Hamilton, Ontario
In Hamilton, Ontario, the cost of a dental filling depends on the material used, the size and location of the cavity, and whether the tooth is a front tooth or back molar requiring more precise shaping.
Does CDCP Covered Dental Tooth Filling?
Yes. The CDCP covers certain permanent and temporary dental fillings when they meet the plan’s coverage criteria. Eligibility, co-payments, and additional charges can vary based on your treatment and CDCP coverage level.
Sensitivity After a Dental Filling
Mild dental sensitivity after a filling can occur, especially when eating or drinking something hot or cold. This often improves as the tooth settles after treatment. Contact your dentist if sensitivity becomes severe, gets worse, affects your bite, or does not improve as expected.
Composite resin can also be used cosmetically, and a dentist for composite bonding can determine whether bonding is appropriate for minor chips or gaps.
Dental Gap Filling: Is It the Same as a Cavity Filling?
The term “dental gap filling” is sometimes used when people are looking for treatment to close a space between teeth. This is different from filling a cavity caused by tooth decay.
Small spaces between certain teeth can sometimes be changed using tooth-coloured composite material through a treatment commonly known as dental bonding. Larger spaces or gaps caused by tooth position, missing teeth or other dental conditions may require a different treatment.
Regular dental cleaning combined with home care helps reduce plaque buildup that contributes to tooth decay.
How to Care for Dental Fillings
Good oral hygiene helps protect both the filling and the remaining natural tooth. Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth, and continue regular dental exams and professional cleanings.
Avoid repeatedly biting very hard objects such as ice, especially if you have large restorations. If you grind or clench your teeth, discuss this with your dentist.
