Dental Fillings

A dental filling is performed in cases of broken or chipped teeth and cavities. There are different types of dental fillings. They can be either silver in colour or matched to the surrounding teeth, depending on the location and tooth function.

A filling can be performed fairly quickly. It is usually not painful as it requires only a local anesthetic to freeze or numb the area for the procedure. It also has a quick recovery time as the freezing wears off and the filling material hardens fast. Materials such as silver amalgam, ceramic, porcelain, and glass ionomer are among various options for dental filling. We choose the right material based on your needs and our professional assessment.

Dental Tooth Filling in North York, Toronto

Our dental clinic in the North York area of Toronto offers dental filings in both silver as required or a white filling to blend in with the surrounding teeth. Contact Emergency Dental Point to book your consultation or examination.

A white dental filling is often used for teeth in and near the front of the mouth to provide an appearance of unity in your teeth, which also impacts your smile. Our dentists perform modern procedures for all fillings and ensure the fillings last for years. We ensure the bite is solid and chewing will not be impaired.

The process includes removing all built-up and damaged enamel and dentin from the tooth, taking out bacteria that encourage growth of cavities. A cleaned tooth is filled with a prepared filling material used to rebuild its shape and strength. It is checked to ensure all operations of the tooth are maintained. A filling is intended to recreate full impressions of the original tooth and to prevent further cavities. They a number of years and may need to be replaced in the future; its life span depends on the type of filling material and the tooth location. You can visit our office any time as we are a walk-in dental clinic.

Silver amalgam, composite, ceramic, and glass ionomer are key materials in dental fillings. The dentist selects the correct filling for each case with its own purpose. A silver amalgam filling is the most common and widely used. This is one of the stronger fillings with a longer lifespan than its counterparts.

Composite fillings are created to appear similar to other teeth around them. They are created with a resin and plastic. These are not as long lasting as the amalgam and may not be used in teeth that do the bulk of chewing due to the wear and tear involved. A ceramic filing can be created to look like the teeth around it, which can also be long lasting. To ensure the strength and durability it requires, we create a larger area cleared of the original tooth to create a filling with correct size.

The glass ionomer fillings are created with glass and acrylic, and are typically used for children rather than adults. They release fluoride into the surrounding teeth which adds strength and can prevent further deterioration. Glass ionomers do not last as long and are not as strong as other ionomers used in adult teeth.  

Dental Filling FAQ

What is a filling?

A filling is created using a material created for strength and durability to fill the space that is created by a cavity or breakage of the tooth and build it to a similar shape as the original tooth. They are used to seal the hole in the tooth and keep it from further deterioration and keep out the germs and bacteria that create cavities. They can last a few years to a decade, but will often require replacement at some point. We offer all types of dental fillings, depending on tooth location and client requirements.

Why do I need a cavity dental filling?

A filling is used to rebuild the strength of the tooth after a cavity has formed. This hole in the tooth allows bacteria to get further into the tooth and create a larger cavity. A filling is used to fill the cavity and rebuild the strength of the tooth while keeping out the bacteria that increases cavity size. Without a filling the tooth will lose strength and may loose pieces along with structural stability. This can lead to a loss of the tooth and may lead to the need for a dental implant, bridges, or even dentures.

How does the filling procedure work?

When a cavity requires a filling it is cleaned out first, all bacteria is cleaned out and the broken areas of the tooth removed, with the edges prepared for the adhesion of the filling material. Once the tooth has been prepared the tooth is filled with the prepared filling material and sealed, the shape is inspected to ensure the bite is not infected and that chewing and eating will not be affected by the filling in any way. The lifespan of the filling is affected by the strength of the bond between the filling and the tooth, the material it is made with, and the after care and dental hygiene that follows the filling.

How much does a tooth filling cost in Toronto?

The cost of a cavity filling in a tooth varies by the type of filling used, the size of the filling, and the location of the dental office. A silver amalgam filling is the most cost effective, while a composite will be a bit more to cover cost of material. Dental insurance will often cover the majority of a filing cost, or the full amount in some cases. Contact your insurance provider for coverage questions or your local dentist for estimated costs for any dental work required.

Does dental insurance pay for tooth fillings?

Yes, dental insurance will cover the cost, or most of the cost, of having a cavity filled. Most insurance companies will have a booklet of fees for types of dental fillings that are approved, or a percentage of the cost, available by request on their website. This will detail the expenses that are covered and how much of the cost of a filling will be covered by each insurance provider.