Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings are the cornerstone of restorative dental treatment for damage to natural teeth. Dental fillings are usually placed in a single visit and can correct both small and large problems with teeth. The are usually foundation treatments for other preventative treatments, such as crowns, bridges and cosmetic treatments.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental Fillings restore Natural Teeth
Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair and replace damaged or decayed parts of a tooth, helping to restore its structure and function.
When are Dental Fillings needed?
Dental fillings are necessary when teeth have cavities or minor damage. Cavities result from tooth decay and can lead to pain and further deterioration if left untreated. Fillings are used to remove the decayed area and restore the tooth's health and function, ensuring that it remains strong and pain-free. Additionally, fillings may be required to repair teeth damaged by fractures, wear, or grinding. Regular dental check-ups help catch these issues early, potentially preventing more extensive treatments later on.
What are Dental Fillings made of?
Dental fillings can be made from various materials, including amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain.
Amalgam fillings consist of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, while composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and composed of a blend of plastic and glass. Porcelain fillings are a type of dental ceramic. The choice of filling material often depends on factors like the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and the extent of the damage.
Our dentists, at Harvest Dental Care, work with patients to select the most suitable material for their specific needs, ensuring effective restoration while maintaining a natural appearance.
Reasons for Dental Fillings
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Dental Decay
Dental decay, commonly known as a “cavity”, is a breakdown of tooth structure caused by the action of harmful bacteria and acids on the tooth's enamel and underlying layers. If left untreated, dental decay can result in pain, sensitivity, and the formation of holes in the teeth, compromising their health and function.
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Fractures & Chips
Tooth fractures refer to cracks, splits, or breaks in a tooth's structure, which can range from minor cosmetic issues to more severe damage that affects both function and health. They can occur due to various factors, including trauma (dental injury), teeth grinding, or untreated cavities, and the recommended treatment depends on the extent of the fracture and its impact on the affected tooth.
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Tooth Notches
Grinding abrasions or attrition refers to the gradual wearing down of tooth enamel and tooth structure due to the processes of abnormal teeth grinding or a heavy bite on your front teeth. Excessive wear and tear can lead to changes in the shape, size, and surface of teeth over time. Some people will develop sensitivity to cold foods and drinks as a result.
Dental Filling Options
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Composite Resin
Composite resin fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a dental restorative material made of a mixture of plastic resin and quartz particles.
We commnonly use 3M Filtek Supreme Composite Resin is known for its versatility, durability, and aesthetics.
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Ceramic Inlays
Ceramic inlays are custom-made dental restorations which are designed to fit precisely within the prepared cavity of a tooth, providing both aesthetic appeal and durability while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
We commonly use Ivoclar e-Max materials working closely with a local dental lab.
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Porcelain Crowns
Zirconia crowns are dental crowns made from a highly durable and tooth-colored material known as zirconium dioxide. These crowns are often used to restore and protect damaged or weakened teeth and are known for their strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility, making them a popular choice fpr full coverage restorations.
We commonly use branded materials such as Kuraray Noretake Katana crown materials with a local lab.
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Silver Amalgam
Traditional silver amalgam fillings are dental fillings made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. These fillings have been used for many years and are known for their strength and durability.
On rare occassion we can make a minor repair to these types of fillings but can transition this material into composite resin, ceramic inlays or porcelain crowns instead.
Dental Filling Costs
Understand the costs of the basic dental filling treatments. We follow the most current publication of the The Alberta Dental Fee Guide →. We can always do a Pre-Determination of Insurance Benefits to see what is covered under your Dental Insurance Plan. Learn more: Dental Insurance →.
Typical Composite Resin Filling Costs
Typical composite resin white filling costs on teeth can range depening on the side of the filling which is usually determined by the number of outside surfaces of the tooth that are involved. Usually, the costs of dental fillings reflect the complexity, size and material involved in restoring a tooth. In the table below are some typical costs of our clinic compared to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide .
Treatment does not include the cost of a dental exam and/or diagnostic imaging (x-rays). We recommend having a check-up (exam) to estimate your needs. Upon request, we can pre-determine benefits available from your dental insurance
| Treatment Description | 2024 Alberta Dental Fees | 2024 Harvest Dental Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Front Tooth-Coloured Filling (1 - 5 Surfaces) | $160.07 - $353.72 | $160.07 - $353.72 |
| Premolar Tooth-Coloured Filling (1-5 Surfaces) | $167.82 - $413.66 | $167.82 - $413.66 |
| Molar Tooth-Coloured Filling (1-5 Surfaces) | $175.42 - $415.58 | $175.42 - $415.58 |
Selection of Dental Fillings Materials
Diagnosis
If you haven’t been to our clinic before, we take the time to assess the need for tooth removal. We accept emergency patients (pain) and also accept second opinions.
Options
Our dentists will offer options for tooth removal and options to keep a tooth (if this is possible) which may include:
Root Canal Treatment
Dental Crowns
Gum Treatments
Fillings
Temporary Treatments (strategies to keep a tooth for short periods of time)
Emergency Care
However, if an infected tooth is left untreated, infection can spread to other areas of the jaw and face, continued weakening the structure of your teeth, possibly causing the tooth to become non-restorable and require tooth extraction. The purpose of Root Canal Therapy is to help save your teeth and retain appearance and/or function. Alternatively, you can always remove a tooth and then consider replacement options for missing teeth such as dental implant crowns, bridges, partial dentures or do nothing.
Treatments that We Offer:
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Emergency Care
Toothaches, Chipped Teeth and Jaw Pain. We have seen them all and welcome new patients. Learn more: Emergency Care >
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Teeth Whitening
In-Office (90 min), Custom Take Home Kits, Dental Cleanings and Porcelain Veneers to improve teeth colour. Learn more: How to Whiten Your Teeth
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Replace Teeth
Replace teeth with Dental Implants, Bridges or Partial Dentures. See how we can restore your smile. Learn more: What are Dental Implants?