Cavities and Dental Fillings in Delta, BC
One of the most common dental procedures is having a cavity filled. A cavity is a permanently damaged area of the tooth where it has decayed and formed an opening. Having a cavity filled is a relatively quick process that involves your dentist drilling the cavity and filling in the open space with a hard material.
What to Expect at a Cavity Filling Appointment
Generally, a cavity-filling appointment takes about an hour total, which will include going over the procedure, taking any X-rays if necessary, and filling the tooth. First, your dentist will administer a freezing agent to numb your tooth, gums, and the surrounding area. Once the area is fully numbed, your dentist will drill into the tooth, removing the cavity, and replace it with a filling. Once your filling is done, your mouth will remain numb for a few hours after the appointment, and when the freezing wears off you may have some slight discomfort, but this should clear up quickly.
Types of Fillings
COMPOSITE FILLINGS
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made up of glass or quartz filler and can be matched to the colour of your teeth. These fillings are less durable than amalgam but more durable than ceramic, making them a good choice for teeth responsible for moderate chewing.
GLASS IONOMER
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer fillings chemically bond to a tooth, forming a tight seal that protects the internal tooth. These fillings can also prevent future cavities forming by releasing fluoride. However, glass ionomer fillings are not particularly strong and are only recommended for non-biting parts of teeth or baby teeth. In addition, they can also be used as temporary fillings.
AMALGAM (METAL) FILLINGS
Amalgam (Metal) Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made of a combination of metallic elements. They are commonly used in the back of the mouth where they aren't visible and extra strength is needed for chewing. We do not do amalgam fillings at our clinic, though we do monitor them for marginal leakage, decay, chipping and fractures.
Book an Appointment
Do you have a cavity that needs to be filled? Our dentists will fill your cavities efficiently, with little to no discomfort. If you have questions about fillings or would like to book an appointment, call us today!
Appointments
