Dental Fillings in Burlington
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and dental fillings are the most effective way to treat them. At Dentistry at LaSalle, we use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings that restore the strength and function of your tooth while blending seamlessly with your natural smile.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the resulting cavity is filled with a durable material that restores the tooth’s shape and prevents further damage.
At Dentistry at LaSalle, we primarily use composite resin (tooth-coloured) fillings. These fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, providing a strong repair that matches the colour of your natural teeth. They are an excellent alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings.
When Do You Need a Filling?
You may need a dental filling if you experience:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Visible holes or pits in a tooth
- A dark spot on the surface of a tooth
- Pain when biting down on food
- A rough or chipped tooth surface
In many cases, cavities are detected during your regular dental check-up before you notice any symptoms. This is one of the reasons routine exams and X-rays are so important — early detection means a smaller, simpler filling.
The Filling Procedure
Getting a dental filling at Dentistry at LaSalle is straightforward and typically completed in a single appointment:
- Numbing: Local anaesthesia is applied to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure.
- Decay removal: The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed using a dental handpiece.
- Preparation: The cavity is cleaned and prepared for the filling material.
- Filling placement: Composite resin is applied in layers. Each layer is hardened with a special curing light.
- Shaping and polishing: The filling is shaped to match your natural bite and polished for a smooth finish.
The entire process takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity.
Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings
We use composite resin fillings because they offer several advantages over traditional silver amalgam:
- Aesthetics: Composite fillings are colour-matched to your teeth — no visible silver or dark spots
- Bonding strength: Composite bonds directly to the tooth, providing structural support
- Conservative preparation: Less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam
- Mercury-free: Composite resin contains no mercury or metal alloys
If you have old amalgam fillings that you would like replaced with tooth-coloured composite, we can do that as well.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Composite resin fillings typically last 7 to 15 years with proper care. The lifespan depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite force, and your oral hygiene habits. During your regular check-ups, we monitor your fillings for signs of wear, cracking, or recurrent decay.
Preventing Cavities
The best filling is one you never need. To minimize your risk of cavities:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean between teeth where your brush cannot reach
- Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks
- Visit Dentistry at LaSalle every six months for a professional cleaning and exam
- Ask about dental sealants for children and teens — a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental fillings hurt?
No. The area is numbed with local anaesthesia before the procedure begins. You may feel slight pressure, but no pain. After the freezing wears off, mild sensitivity is common but temporary.
How much do dental fillings cost in Ontario?
The cost of a filling depends on the size of the cavity and the surface area involved. We follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide and provide a cost estimate before treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover fillings as a basic restorative procedure.
Can I eat after getting a filling?
Composite fillings are fully hardened before you leave the office, so you can eat as soon as the anaesthesia wears off. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods for 24 hours.
How do I know if my filling needs to be replaced?
Signs include sensitivity around the filling, visible cracks or chips, a rough edge you can feel with your tongue, or the filling becoming loose. We check the condition of your fillings at every routine exam.
Are white fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Modern composite resins are extremely durable and suitable for fillings in both front and back teeth. For very large restorations, your dentist may recommend a dental crown instead of a filling for maximum strength.
Book Your Appointment
If you think you may have a cavity or want to replace old fillings, contact Dentistry at LaSalle in Burlington. Call us or request an appointment online.