Dental Fillings Olds
Fillings are a dental procedure used to restore lost tooth structure and treat decaying, cracked, or worn teeth. Modern dental innovations enable the use of materials that closely resemble natural teeth, resulting in a restoration that is almost identical to the original tooth in terms of strength and look.
Tooth-coloured Composite Restorations
Modern tooth fillings are mercury-free composite fillings that match your tooth colour:
- Can be bonded directly to your enamel
- Require less tooth preparation
- Are smaller than traditional metal fillings
- Provide a more seamless match with your tooth enamel.
Dental Filling Procedure and Maintenance
Cavity Preparation
The dentist will begin the procedure by removing any remaining decay and shaping the final cavity.Composite Resin Filling Material
The next step will be the addition of a composite-resin filling material, which is then cured (hardened) with a curing light. The final step will be polishing the filling to adapt it smoothly to the natural shape of the tooth.
Inlays and Onlays
In some cases, cavity preparation could become very large for the filling and the dentist will recommend an inlay or an onlay (partial crown) rather than a filling - a restoration procedure designed to replace more tooth structure than a normal filling. This is accomplished by having an impression made and the inlay or onlay prepared in a dental laboratory. The final placement of the inlay or onlay will be made during a second visit at Olds Family Dental Clinic.
Regular Check-ups
Fillings do not last forever so it is essential that you visit us regularly for scheduled check-ups. Fillings can develop cracks or simply wear down due to chewing forces. The dentist monitors the integrity of your fillings during regular exams and will recommend replacing a filling if a problem is detected.
