Repairing a Tooth Cavity With Dental Fillings
Cavities and tooth decay are usually caused by a combination of a high-sugar diet, poor oral hygiene, or fewer mineralized teeth, making the teeth more fragile. The bacteria naturally present in our mouths cling to our teeth causing dental plaque. When dental plaque is not properly removed by brushing alone, the bacteria transform the sugars from our food into acid, which then attacks the tooth enamel.
When tooth decay begins, the dentist must remove the part of the affected tooth and place a composite resin filling to restore its original shape and function. This is why, at Sourire Concept, we urge you to visit your dentist regularly to prevent tooth decay as soon as possible.
When Should You Consult?
The earlier the tooth cavity is detected, the smaller and longer-lasting the dental filling will be. When the decay reaches a more advanced stage, we must proceed with a root canal, a crown, or CEREC, depending on the case. Large fillings tend to cause cracks and fractures over time.
Silver fillings have long been used and are now replaced by white fillings. The silver filling is in fact a metal alloy composed of lead, silver and mercury, among other components. Composite resin fillings are now used instead. Without any metal components, they originate from nanotechnology and are known for their aesthetic beauty.
Steps to Repairing Teeth Cavities
1. Evaluation
Decay attacks the enamel first and can quickly form a cavity in the tooth. At this point, if the enamel is not punctured, the dentist can treat the decay with fluoride agents and prevent your tooth from needing to be restored.
2. Restoration
When the decay reaches the dentine, your dentist must repair the tooth. The decayed tooth material will be removed and filled with a composite resin. This intervention only requires one appointment and is performed under local anesthesia.
3. Personalized
The composite resin filling is made entirely to measure. It is therefore inserted into your tooth, then modeled and polished in order to respect its morphology. Our team takes great care and precision.
4. Durability
Once properly in place, the filling is cured by polymerization (blue light). Our team at Sourire Concept constantly strives to make your dental and oral care comfortable and entirely hassle-free.
The Advantages of Dental Fillings
Improved Health
Do not contain any mercury, contrary to dental amalgam (“silver filling”)
Choice of shades
We offer a wide variety of shades in order to match the exact color of your teeth
Custom-made
The dental filling is durable and is entirely custom-made
Do You Wish to Restore a Tooth Cavity?
Book an appointmentFrequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material used, its location in the mouth, oral hygiene, and chewing forces. Fillings typically last between 7 and 15 years.
Yes, a silver filling can be replaced with a white filling. During a consultation, your dentist can review the best options for your specific situation.
Several symptoms may indicate that a filling needs repair or replacement, including:
- Pain when chewing
- Persistent sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Cracked filling
If you notice any of these signs, we recommend seeing a dentist promptly.
No, local anesthesia usually makes the procedure painless. Some sensitivity after the procedure is common but typically resolves within a few days.
Different types of fillings are available depending on the materials used:
Amalgam (silver filling)
Made from a mixture of mercury and metals, silver fillings are highly durable but less aesthetic.
Composite (white filling)
Made from tooth-colored resin, these fillings blend with your natural teeth. They are more aesthetic but slightly less durable than silver fillings.
Less common and more expensive materials such as ceramic or gold exist, but they are rarely used.
Have More Questions?
Contact us now at 450-436-5666 or by email!
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Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at our clinic for a consultation.
Or call us at 450-436-5666