White fillings
A filling repairs a tooth that has a cavity or a small break. We use tooth-coloured materials, either composite resin or porcelain, so the repair blends in.
A cavity is a small hole where decay has softened the tooth. Left alone, it grows. In time it can reach the nerve and cause pain or infection. Fixing it early keeps the repair small and saves more of your natural tooth.
White fillings bond to your tooth, so we can often keep more healthy tooth than with older metal fillings. Composite resin is shaped right in your mouth, in one visit. A porcelain filling, called an inlay or onlay, is made to fit outside the mouth and then bonded in place. It’s often used for larger repairs and usually takes two visits.
How it works
- 01
Numbing
We numb the tooth and the gum around it thoroughly, so you stay comfortable.
- 02
Removing decay
We gently clean out the soft, decayed part and keep as much healthy tooth as we can.
- 03
Matching the shade
We choose a shade that matches your tooth, so the filling blends in.
- 04
Building it up
We place the material in thin layers and harden each one with a special light.
- 05
Shaping and polishing
We shape the filling to fit your bite, check how your teeth meet and polish it smooth.
Afterwards
Your lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours. Wait until the feeling comes back before you chew or have hot drinks. The tooth may be a little sensitive to cold for a week or two. If your bite feels high or uneven once the numbness wears off, call us. A quick adjustment usually fixes it.
Questions people ask
Does getting a filling hurt?
We numb the area thoroughly before we start. You may feel pressure or vibration, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain. If you do, tell us, and we’ll stop and add more freezing.
How long do white fillings last?
With good care, many last for years. It depends on the size of the filling, where it is and habits like grinding. Regular check-ups let us catch wear early.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not always. If a silver (amalgam) filling is intact and healthy, it can stay. We may suggest replacing one if it’s cracked, leaking or has decay around it.
Will insurance cover a white filling?
Costs depend on the size of the filling and your plan. Some plans cover white fillings on back teeth at a different rate. We’ll give you a written estimate before treatment and can send a pre-determination to your insurer.
Related care
Along the same trail
Come sit a while.
New patients, returning patients and visitors to Muskoka are all welcome. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll find a time that suits you.
Hours: Mon–Thu, 8 am – 5 pm