20
Aug
Stop Decay and Restore Your Smile with Discrete Composite Dental Fillings
Most people will need a dental filling at some point in their life. A dental filling is a simple tooth restoration that repairs damage and prevents it from progressing. In the past, dental fillings were created from metal alloys. Today, dentists use tooth-coloured composite as a metal-free alternative to amalgam fillings. Left untreated, cavities progress and can cause tooth loss. Don’t let a tooth cavity ruin your smile. Take action today! Stoneycreek Village Dental offers functional and natural-looking dental fillings in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Book an appointment to restore your tooth with a composite filling.
How are dental fillings placed?
Placing fillings is a minimally invasive procedure, often completed in a single visit. The dentist begins by inspecting your tooth with dental X-rays. If the damage is too significant, other treatments, like crowns and root canals, may be preferable. If only a filling is needed, we’ll anesthetize your gums with local anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during treatment. Then, we’ll remove the decayed/damaged portion of your tooth and sanitize the area to eliminate unwanted bacteria. Next, we’ll fill the “hollowed cavity” with composite resin and carefully sculpt it to restore your tooth’s shape. We’ll cure your tooth with a special light that hardens your restoration within minutes. Before you leave, we’ll reshape your tooth until your bite feels and looks natural. That’s it! Treating your tooth with a filling takes less than an hour. Now, you can eat, talk, and smile confidently without pain or sensitivity.
How long do composite fillings last?
Our tooth-coloured fillings may be soft in their raw form but become solid when they bond with your teeth. With proper care, white fillings can last well over a decade. However, the longevity of your filling depends on several factors. Some include:
Location in the mouth: Fillings in the back teeth won’t last as long as those in the front because of the heavy forces of chewing and grinding.
Oral hygiene: Diligent brushing and flossing of your teeth will ensure your fillings last many years.
Bruxism: Patients with chronic teeth grinding will wear out their fillings sooner unless they protect their teeth with a bespoke mouthguard.
Dietary choices: Acidic and sugary foods accelerate enamel wear, compromising the integrity of your fillings. Similarly, smoking and tooth-staining foods can discolour white fillings, affecting their appearance.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (780) 666-7327 | Existing Patients: (780) 750-3030
Request an appointment
Why are amalgam fillings no longer popular?
Years back, silver-coloured fillings were the standard choice for treating tooth decay. However, studies have shown that mercury in metal fillings can leak into the body as you chew and grind. Besides, metal fillings don’t look good in your mouth. The shortcomings of amalgams led to the innovation of composite fillings created from toothcoloured materials. Composite fillings offer numerous benefits, including the following:
- Placing them involves a conservative procedure
- They offer life-looking outcomes
- Composites don’t change in size despite temperature changes
- They are created from safe materials
- Composite fillings have numerous functional and cosmetic uses
- They can last numerous years with proper care
Are dental fillings right for me?
If you have a cavity or minor tooth damage, schedule an appointment with Drs. Yohannes Melkie, Cristina Rodrigo, and Ji Won Choi to determine if a tooth filling can restore your smile. We place high-quality restorations that look natural and last many years with proper maintenance. Call (780) 666-7327 to restore your smile!
Share this Article
Dr. Yohannes Melkie
Dr. Yohannes Melkie obtained his Biomedical Science Degree from the University of Ottawa and his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Western Ontario. He then moved to Fort Mac, where he has been practicing since. Continuous education is very important to him; he attends conferences and training sessions to stay current and provide his patients with the best quality treatment.
Dr. Melkie enjoys collaborating with patients to ensure their oral health is in good hands.
Dr. Cristina Rodrigo
Dr. Cristina Rodrigo is renowned for her expertise and compassionate approach to dental care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she was awarded the Gold Medal, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto. As the founder and President of Women in Dentistry at UofT, Dr. Rodrigo showcased her leadership skills. Her experience spans Northern Ontario and Fort McMurray, where she is appreciated for her calm demeanour and ability to alleviate dental anxiety, offering comprehensive care with empathy and trust.
Dr. Ji Won Choi
Dr. Ji Won Choi is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with a rich international background. Born and raised in South Korea, she pursued her Bachelor of Science degree before moving to Canada. She earned a Master of Science from McGill University and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in 2013. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Choi is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care in Fort McMurray. She is committed to continuous learning.