Dental Fillings Newmarket

Most dental fillings Newmarket patients need are completed in a single visit: examination and X-ray if needed, anaesthesia, removal of the decay, placement and shaping of the filling, and a check of your bite before you leave. You can usually eat once the numbness wears off, taking care with very hot drinks while your mouth is still frozen. A new filling can feel sensitive to cold or pressure for a few days while the tooth settles; that normally fades on its own. Sensitivity that is getting worse after the first week — or pain that starts months later — is not something to ignore, and FAQ Q5 below explains what to do.

Fillings also have a maintenance side. No filling lasts forever: edges can wear, stain, or develop new decay beside them over the years. That is why your dentist checks existing fillings at every exam and will tell you honestly when one is still sound, when it can be repaired, and when replacing it — or moving to a crown — is the better long-term choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings Newmarket

Q1: What exactly is a dental filling, and when is one needed?

A filling is a repair: your dentist removes the part of a tooth damaged by decay or a small fracture, then rebuilds the space with a filling material so the tooth is sealed and can chew normally again. A filling is the right treatment when the damage is limited — one part of the tooth, caught before decay reaches the nerve. If too much of the tooth is gone, a crown may be recommended instead; if the nerve is already involved, root canal treatment or removal may be the realistic options. Your assessment exists to establish which of these your tooth actually needs, and your dentist will explain the reasoning before recommending anything.

Q2: What are white fillings, and are they as strong as silver fillings?

White fillings are made of composite resin, a tooth-coloured material that bonds directly to the tooth and is shaded to match your enamel, so the repair blends in — they are what most patients mean by “white fillings”. Modern composites are strong enough for the great majority of cavities, including many back teeth, and because they bond, they often require less drilling than silver amalgam.

Amalgam is a durable material with a long track record, and an existing amalgam filling that is sound does not need replacing just because it is silver. If you are choosing between materials for Dental Fillings Newmarket, ask your dentist to explain the trade-offs for that specific tooth — size, position and bite forces all matter.

Q3: Does getting a filling hurt?

The area is numbed with local anaesthesia before treatment begins, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than pain while your dentist works. We will not promise a completely pain-free experience — the anaesthetic injection itself can sting briefly, and experiences vary — but you can ask for a pause at any point, and each step is explained in advance. Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days afterwards is common while the tooth settles. If dental visits make you anxious, tell us when you book your Dental Fillings Newmarket appointment so we can plan an unhurried visit.

Q4: How long does a filling last?

It depends on the material, the size and position of the filling, your bite, and how well the tooth is cared for. Many fillings serve well for years — often a decade or more for a well-placed filling in a low-stress position — but no filling lasts a lifetime, and very large fillings in teeth that take heavy chewing forces tend to have shorter lives.

Grinding your teeth shortens filling life too (a night guard may be recommended). What you can control: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, keep up your regular exams so small problems at a filling’s edge are caught while they are still small repairs, and avoid using your teeth as tools.

Q5: My filling fell out — or my tooth hurts weeks or months after a filling. What should I do?

Call our office at (905) 836-6111 and describe what is happening. A lost or broken filling leaves the inner tooth exposed, so it should be seen promptly — keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and do not try to glue anything back yourself. Pain or sensitivity that appears or worsens weeks or months after a filling can have several causes — a bite that needs a small adjustment, new decay at the edge, a crack, or the nerve reacting to the original decay — and only an examination (usually with an X-ray) can tell which.

Brief sensitivity right after a filling is common and usually settles; pain that is increasing, wakes you at night, or comes with swelling should be treated as urgent.

Q6: Are dental fillings covered by insurance or the CDCP?

Often, yes — fillings are a restorative treatment, so many private dental plans cover them in part, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers fillings for eligible patients. CDCP coverage is never automatic or total: your eligibility is assessed first, and coverage follows the CDCP fee guide, which may not match the clinic’s full fee — so part of the cost can remain payable by you. Bring your plan details to your visit and we will help you confirm what applies to you before treatment begins. Official CDCP details: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

Q7: How much will my filling cost?

We do not publish prices for dental fillings Newmarket patients need, because the cost depends on your individual case: which tooth, how large the cavity is, the material used, and whether any other treatment is needed first. After your assessment, your dentist confirms the cost of your recommended treatment with you at the visit, before anything begins, and explains the alternatives. You will never be asked to agree to treatment without knowing what it involves and what your dentist has confirmed it will cost.

Our dentists are general dentists licensed in Ontario and regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, and are members of the Ontario Dental Association. For trustworthy patient information about oral health, visit the Canadian Dental Association.