Fillings & Restorations
Fix Damaged Teeth Immediately
You may need a filling or restoration if you have a cavity or tooth decay. Cavities are permanently damaged areas on the outside of your teeth. If left untreated, cavities progress into small holes, inviting bacteria inside your tooth. It is important to have cavities repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and save the tooth.
There are many causes of cavities, including:
- Bacteria in the mouth
- Consuming sugary drinks
- Frequent snacking
- Improper brushing and flossing
What is Dental Restoration?
Dental fillings are an immediate fix for cavities, using several dental materials that fill the hole. Fillings prevent a cavity from worsening, restore the tooth’s appearance and function and protect your teeth. When left to progress, a filling may not be sufficient, and our team will have to provide you with another type of dental restoration, such as inlays, onlays, crowns, implants, and more.
Dental restorations, including fillings, are virtually invisible as they are colour-matched to your natural teeth. The newest technology in materials science allows us to bond the restorative material to your natural tooth, making it stronger than ever before.
Types of Fillings
Dental fillings are the most basic type of tooth restoration. Many of our patients now choose to have their amalgam (silver) fillings replaced with tooth-shaded restorations to achieve a natural appearance that will last a long time.
At smile2o, we use modern dental materials that are purpose designed and prescribed for each case. These include the latest white fillings, using composite (a combination of resin and plastic), ceramic, and hybrid materials.
Types of Dental Restorations
When decay progresses, a regular filling may not be sufficient. Based on the treatment options from the dentist, common restorations we may recommend include:
- Dental Inlay: When a cavity is too large for a filling, an inlay is a single solid restorative piece made to fit the size and shape of the hole. This piece is then cemented in place.
- Dental Onlay: The middle ground between an inlay and a crown, onlays are a single-piece fabrication that covers the cusp of a tooth.
- Dental Crown: Also referred to as a cap, a crown is for more severe issues and covers the entire exposed surface of a tooth.
- Dental Implants: When a tooth is beyond repair or has fallen out, an implant anchors into the jawbone and holds a crown (or other restoration) in place.
- Composite Bonding: This versatile treatment can change the shape of a tooth or touch up superficial damage. Using tooth-coloured composite resin colour-matched to your natural teeth, we cover and conceal minor cracks, discolourations, and other cosmetic imperfections in teeth, then harden the composite with a special light.
What to Expect at a Filling or Dental Restoration Appointment
Restoring a tooth that’s broken or decaying is a standard procedure at smile2o. Following an examination, we will make treatment recommendations to address the issue and bring your tooth back into good health.
Often, a restoration procedure is relatively swift. Once you select a proposed treatment, we will make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
We provide you with local anaesthesia to numb the area, then our team of dental experts will work to remove the damaged part of the tooth, preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. Next, we shape the tooth and give the area a deep clean before applying or attaching the restoration.
White fillings are often applied in layers, using a special light to harden each layer. Other restorations are fabricated as a single piece and then placed in the mouth using a special dental adhesive. No matter the type of restoration, the result is always secure, seamless, and feels natural in your mouth.
Privilege Plan
Making your regular appointments and dental treatment more affordable
Appointments
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Refer a Patient
Refer a patient for treatment with our specialist prosthodontist
Complete Patient Comfort, Always
- A relaxed atmosphere with calming background music and air-conditioned temperature control
- The Magic WAND™ for more comfortable dental injections
- Conscious sedation delivered by suitably qualified practitioners is available for those that feel the need for it
