Dental Fillings in London, Ontario
Restore damaged or decayed teeth with tooth-coloured composite fillings at 525 Dental in London, Ontario. Composite fillings are designed to repair cavities and minor tooth damage while blending naturally with your smile.
Our dental team uses modern tooth-coloured restorative materials and careful techniques to restore the shape, function and appearance of affected teeth. If you have a cavity, chipped tooth or an older filling that needs attention, we will assess your tooth and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-coloured or white fillings, are made from a resin-based material that can be closely matched to the natural colour of your teeth. They are commonly used to repair cavities and certain types of minor tooth damage.
Unlike silver-coloured restorations, composite fillings are designed to blend with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for patients who want a more discreet restoration.
Benefits of Tooth-Coloured Composite Fillings
Composite fillings offer several benefits, including:
- Natural appearance: The material can be matched to your natural tooth colour for a discreet restoration.
- Tooth-coloured restoration: The finished filling blends naturally with your smile rather than appearing metallic.
- Versatile treatment: Composite fillings can be used to repair cavities and certain areas of minor tooth damage.
- Bonded restoration: Composite material is bonded to the tooth during placement, allowing your dentist to restore the affected area while preserving healthy tooth structure where clinically appropriate.
- Convenient treatment: Many composite fillings can be completed in a single dental appointment, depending on the size and location of the restoration.
What Happens During a Composite Filling?
If a cavity or damaged area requires a filling, your dentist will first examine the tooth and determine the extent of the problem. X-rays may also be recommended when necessary to assess areas that cannot be seen during a regular examination.
During treatment, the affected area of the tooth is carefully prepared and the damaged or decayed portion is removed. The composite material is then placed and shaped to restore the tooth. A curing light is used to harden the material, after which the restoration is shaped and polished to provide a comfortable bite and natural appearance.
Our goal is to make your treatment as comfortable and efficient as possible while restoring the health and function of your tooth.
When Do You Need a Dental Filling?
A dental filling may be recommended when a tooth has been affected by:
- Tooth decay or a cavity
- Minor tooth damage
- A small chip or fracture
- An existing filling that is damaged, loose or worn
Small areas of decay may sometimes be monitored rather than immediately restored, depending on the condition of the tooth. Your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss the appropriate treatment with you.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
The lifespan of a composite filling depends on several factors, including the size and location of the filling, your bite, oral hygiene, diet and regular dental care. Composite restorations can provide effective treatment when properly maintained, but they can wear, chip or require replacement over time.
Composite fillings may be less durable than some other restorative materials in areas exposed to strong chewing forces. Your dentist will consider the location and condition of the tooth when determining whether a composite filling is appropriate.
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor your fillings and identify signs of wear, recurrent decay or damage before the problem becomes more extensive.
Replacing an Older Filling
If you have an older filling that is worn, damaged or affected by recurrent decay, your dentist can evaluate whether replacement is appropriate. Replacing a filling is not always necessary simply because it is old; the decision depends on the condition of the restoration and the health of the tooth.
When replacement is recommended, your dentist will remove the existing restoration and any damaged or decayed tooth structure as appropriate before placing a new restoration designed to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
Dental Fillings in London, Ontario at 525 Dental
At 525 Dental, we provide personalized restorative dental care for children, adults and families in London, Ontario. If you have tooth sensitivity, a visible cavity, a chipped tooth or an older filling that needs to be checked, our dental team can assess your tooth and explain your treatment options.
We welcome new patients at our Oxford Street East dental office and proudly serve patients throughout London and surrounding communities.
Need a dental filling? Contact 525 Dental in London, Ontario, at 519-672-1190 to schedule an appointment.