Fillings & Amalgam Removal

Have you ever had tooth pain or realized you had a cavity? Maybe you were slightly afraid of the process.

The reality is that having a cavity filled can be a quick and painless procedure.

It’s also important to take care of cavities and other tooth abnormalities as soon as they’re discovered. Leaving a cavity untreated means that there will be an open space for bacteria to cause further harm to your teeth and for decay to worsen, and the longer the decay is present, the more extensive the repair is likely to be.

In the long run, putting off proper dental care can mean more damage to your teeth.

It's common to be worried about dental treatment if you don't know what to expect, but you might be more afraid of the process than you need to be. By learning about the process you can prepare yourself for your visit and rest assured that it won’t be painful. In fact, any discomfort you’re having will end after you’ve received treatment.

Why you may need a tooth filling

A cavity, which can also be referred to as dental caries, is the most common reason that people need fillings. Cavities are a breakdown in the enamel of the tooth caused by decay and bacteria.

Some people’s teeth are naturally more susceptible to cavities than others. There’s no shame in having a cavity. It’s just a matter of treating the tooth in a timely manner to promote better overall oral health and to minimize damage.

Good oral hygiene can also play a role in cavity prevention. You’re much more likely to avoid cavities if you brush and floss every day. It’s also important to go to your dentist for regular exams and professional cleanings to remove tartar/calculus and to manage the decay that you can’t adequately treat at home.

Fillings are often used to treat the following issues:

Cavities caused by decay
Cracked or damaged teeth
Damage caused by grinding or other issues
For replacing fillings which have fallen out or are no longer adequate

Protecting Your Fillings from Teeth Grinding

Dental fillings restore teeth affected by decay or damage, but ongoing grinding and clenching can place significant pressure on both the filling and the natural tooth surrounding it. Over time, these forces may contribute to wear, cracks, chips or a filling becoming damaged or loose.

If you show signs of nighttime grinding, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to help protect your fillings and natural teeth. The appliance creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth and helps distribute some of the pressure generated while you sleep. Learn more about our custom nightguards in Calgary.

What happens when you need a filling?

If you’ve gone a long time between exams, you might be able to see or detect the cavity yourself. You may experience discomfort with the tooth such as sensitivity or pain due to heat, cold, or sweet foods. Otherwise, during your regular exam, your dentist will assess your mouth and may inform you they’ve detect a cavity. Catching a cavity before is causes discomfort is ideal, this can mean a less extensive repair, and avoiding additional discomfort caused by the cavity while you are waiting to have your filling completed.

The process to treat a cavity or replace a filling is very simple:

Examination: Your dentist will examine the area to determine whether or not you need a filling. They may also discuss the types of fillings available to treat the issue.
Numbing: Prior to treating a cavity, your dentist will numb the area. This may include a topical numbing agent for the gum and then a shot to numb the gum and tooth itself.
Drill or Laser Treatment: Your dentist will remove all of the decay. This may also include removing the previous filling or removing pieces of a filling that might have remained if one was damaged.
Cleaning the space: Once all of the debris is removed your dentist will prepare the space, making sure no bacterial is left inside the tooth before applying the composite or filling material.
Applying the filling: The composite filling material will be placed and the dentist will be able to harden the material almost instantly.
Filing and polishing: After the composite hardens, your dentist will polish the tooth and make certain that there are no jagged edges or pieces of unnecessary material remaining.

It’s important to note that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Once the area is numb, you won’t be able to feel anything in your tooth.

If you are bothered by the sound or idea of the drill being used, we may recommend that you listen to headphones during the procedure to help minimize any anxiety from the sound.

We remove and replace amalgam fillings

Dental amalgam, sometimes called a silver filling, is a restorative material made from a combination of metals, typically including mercury, silver, copper and tin. It was widely used for many years because of its strength and durability, particularly when restoring back teeth.

Amalgam fillings do not need to be removed simply because they are old or contain mercury. Health Canada advises that existing amalgam fillings should not routinely be removed when they remain sound and there are no signs of adverse effects. Removing a healthy filling also requires the removal of some surrounding tooth structure, so the decision should always be based on an individual dental assessment.

Like any dental restoration, however, an amalgam filling can eventually become worn, cracked, loose or damaged. Decay may also develop around or beneath an older filling. Your dentist may recommend repair or replacement when:

The filling is cracked, chipped or no longer properly sealed
Decay has developed around or beneath the restoration
The surrounding tooth has become fractured or weakened
The filling is causing discomfort or sensitivity
Replacement is needed as part of a broader restorative treatment plan
You would prefer a tooth-coloured restoration after discussing the benefits and limitations

At Alpha Dental Care, tooth-coloured composite resin can be used for many new and replacement fillings. Composite material is selected to coordinate with the natural colour of your teeth, making the restoration less noticeable when you smile or speak. The most appropriate material will depend on the location and size of the filling, the condition of the tooth and the forces placed on it when you bite.

If you have an older amalgam filling that concerns you, our dentists can examine the restoration and the surrounding tooth structure before recommending treatment. When removal and replacement are appropriate, we will explain the procedure, available materials and what you can expect

Come and see us if you need a tooth filling

Do you have older amalgam fillings that you’d like replaced? Or are you here because you’re having minor discomfort and you’re worried you may have a cavity?

Schedule your appointment with Alpha Care Dental today, and let us evaluate your oral health and help with any repairs or replacements you need.

Fillings & Amalgam Removal

Why you may need a tooth filling

Protecting Your Fillings from Teeth Grinding

What happens when you need a filling?

We remove and replace amalgam fillings

Come and see us if you need a tooth filling

Welcoming New Patients

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