Dental fillings are a widely used restoration for teeth affected by decay or cavities. If you’re looking into composite dental fillings in Vancouver, you might be wondering how long it will take. Being informed about the process can help set your mind at ease and better prepare you for your appointment. Composite fillings are very well-liked since they can match the colour of your tooth and provide a durable solution for restoring sight and function.
An Overview of Dental Fillings
A filling is generally done by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and restoring it with a restoration material that will blend well with your own teeth. For those of you searching for a trusted dentist in Vancouver, they will walk you through the process to make sure your treatment goes smoothly and is as comfortable as possible.
What to Expect with a Dental Filling
The dental filling treatment is usually completed in a series of steps:
- Numbing the area with local anesthetics
- Removing any decay or damage to the tooth
- Cleaning the cavity to prevent any further bacteria or infection
- Filling with co-polymer composite material, or layers of material
- Any shaping and polishing of the filling to best resemble the adjacent teeth
Most patients remark that the treatment is an easy and relatively quick process (especially when done by an experienced dentist).
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The timeframe for dental fillings will depend on many factors:
- Cavity size—In-clinic services can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes for small cavities, but fillings for larger cavities can exceed the hour mark.
- Teeth treated—If you have a lot of cavities, it can still take some time to treat more areas.
- Tooth condition—If the cavity is in a location that is difficult to access or if your tooth has had a root canal, there will be extra time for care taken to access and treat it.
When it comes to composite dental fillings near you, the good thing is that we can complete fillings on a tooth within one appointment, which is ideal for our busy patient population.
Cosmetic Fillings for a Natural Look
Some individuals may choose a cosmetic filling because they care more about the aesthetics of their smile; cosmetic fillings will match the natural colour of their surrounding teeth. Cosmetic fillings restore function and allow you to continue to feel that your smile is fresh and natural. A cosmetic filling would typically be made in a special way that functions so finely, it would take someone observing very closely to determine it is a filling.
Tips for a Smooth Dental Filling Experience
Here are some recommendations that may aid you in a smooth appointment for a filling:
- Be on time and pay attention to any instructions from our dentist near you!
- Be honest about any feelings of anxiety or concerns, so our dentist can get you to a tolerable state of comfort.
- If you expect the dentist to numb any portion of your mouth, do not eat immediately before your appointment.
- Be sure to follow the follow-up instructions provided after treatment to protect your new filling.
Taking good care of your new filling will ensure it remains sensate, does not fail, and cares for your health as you enjoy your smile!
How to Know You Need a Filling
Signs that you may need a filling begin with noticing:
- Sensitivity or pain when eating sweet, hot, or cold foods/drinks
- Holes or dark spots are seen on your teeth
- Pain while biting or chewing
Taking care of this quickly can make your appointment faster and easier for you and help avoid more dental work in the future.
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy with a Simple Procedure
A filling is a simple, efficient procedure to repair your teeth and protect your oral health. Make an appointment today at City Square Dental Centre, and we will help you keep your teeth healthy and strong under our care. We use a modern, efficient technique to make fillings that are quick and comfortable to support a natural-looking smile.