If your tooth has been damaged by either a “cavity” or by a fracture, a filling can restore the shape and function of that tooth.

What is a Cavity?

If you are told you have a “cavity”  that means part of your tooth is slowly dissolving away due to acid produced from bacteria and sugar.

Cavities can be located in different areas of a tooth:

• The chewing surfaces of the tooth – The deep pits and fissures of the back teeth are very common areas to get cavities.
• In between the teeth – The “flossing” areas.  These cavities most often can only be detected by dental x-rays.
• On the roots of the teeth – These are more common in older patients or patients with gum recession.
• Other surfaces – Less common than above.

Note that 99% of the time only your dentist will know if you have a cavity.  Most people falsely believe that they can feel if they have a cavity.  The vast majority of the time CAVITIES DO NOT HURT OR CAUSE ANY SENSITIVITY AT ALL until they get extremely large.  Even a cavity that has grown large enough to enter the “root canal” or “nerve area” of the tooth may or may not cause pain.

Why do I need a Filling?

A dental filling will stop a “cavity” from destroying any more of your tooth and it will also restore the structure and function of that tooth.  If the filling is NOT done then the cavity will continue to grow larger and larger and eventually a root canal may be needed or the tooth may be lost.

What is a White Filling?

White fillings are also sometimes called “Composite Fillings” or Composite Resins” or “Bonding/Bonded Fillings”.  These fillings are “bonded” into place.  Advances in the technology of this type of filling have come along way and white fillings can be used in almost every situation.

Advantages of White Fillings:

• Match the colour of your natural teeth
• Require less drilling of tooth structure because they are “bonded” versus mechanically retained
• Can chew on them right away because they harden immediatly
• Bonding the filling can strengthen the tooth making is less prone to fracture
• Easy to repair – do not need to remove the entire filling when only part of it gets damaged

How is a White Filling done?

When a white filling procedure is done you may or may not need freezing depending on the size and location of  the damaged tooth structure.  The bacteria and soft/damaged area of the tooth is gently removed and replaced by the filling material.  A special light is used to “cure” and harden the filling so you can chew on it right away.