A filling should repair your tooth and blend in. At Brampton Smiles we place metal-free, mercury-free tooth-coloured fillings, also called white or composite fillings. We do not place new silver amalgam. Most fillings are done in one visit and take 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. You can eat right after, once the numbness fades.
What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?
Composite resin mixed with fine glass or ceramic particles. We match the shade to the surrounding enamel, and the filling contains no mercury and no metal.
When do you need a filling?
- early decay, before it reaches the nerve
- a leaking, cracked or decayed old silver filling
- chipped or fractured corners and worn biting edges
- notching at the gumline from hard brushing or grinding
- small gaps or minor shape changes on front teeth
- enamel thinning from acid or reflux
How a filling is placed
- Shade selection. Done in natural light before the tooth dries out. Numbing gel goes on first, before any injection.
- Removing the decay. We remove only the damaged part and keep as much healthy tooth as possible.
- Bonding. The tooth is kept dry while a bonding agent is applied. Keeping it dry is key to how long the filling lasts.
- Building up the filling. The composite goes in thin layers and each is hardened with a light, which reduces shrinkage and sensitivity afterward.
- Bite check and polish. We check your bite and polish the filling smooth.
What about my old silver fillings?
Replacing them is not automatic. Health Canada and the Canadian Dental Association consider existing amalgam fillings safe. If a silver filling is intact and sealed, we generally leave it alone, because removing it means drilling healthy tooth. We recommend replacement for decay at the edges, cracks, breakdown, ongoing sensitivity, darkening, or if you prefer a natural look. Dr. Abbas often talks patients out of replacing every silver filling at once.
How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?
Modern back-tooth composites commonly last about 7 to 10 years or more. Filling size, bite forces and home care matter more than brand. Grinding and frequent acidic drinks shorten their life. If most of a tooth is gone, a filling may crack over time and a crown is the better choice.
Cost, insurance and CDCP
Most extended plans cover fillings under basic services. Some older plans pay white fillings on back teeth at the silver filling rate, so you may pay the difference. We tell you before we start. Fillings on front teeth are generally covered at your plan's percentage. We are a CDCP provider and direct-bill Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Desjardins, ClaimSecure and others. We verify coverage before treatment and offer 0% in-house payment plans.
Before Your Visit
- Tell us about any sensitivity or biting pain, and which tooth it is.
- Bring your insurance or CDCP card.
- If you plan to whiten your teeth, tell us first. Composite does not whiten, so we plan the order of treatment.
- Eat beforehand if you can. You will be numb for 2 to 3 hours.
After Your Treatment
- You can eat right away because composite hardens fully in the chair. Wait for the numbness to wear off first, and be careful not to bite your cheek, lip or tongue. Supervise children closely.
- Mild cold sensitivity for a few days is common and usually settles in one to two weeks.
- Call us if sensitivity gets worse, if it hurts to bite, or if the filling feels high.
- Brush twice daily and floss. Hygiene polishing at your cleanings removes most surface stains.
Visit Brampton Smiles
50 Sunny Meadow Blvd, Unit 300, Brampton, ON L6R 0Y7, near Bovaird Drive East. Phone: (905) 793-8668.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 10 AM to 7 PM. Tue, Fri 10 AM to 5 PM. Sat 9 AM to 2 PM. Sun closed.
Book your filling today.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong as silver?
For small and medium cavities, yes, they are strong. Large restorations under heavy chewing force may need a crown instead.
Do you use mercury fillings?
No. We do not place new amalgam. Existing silver fillings are left alone unless there is a clinical reason to replace them.
Will my tooth be sensitive afterward?
Mild cold sensitivity is common for a few days. Tell us if it gets worse.
Can I eat after getting a filling?
Yes, as soon as the numbness is gone. The filling is fully hard when you leave.
Will the filling stain?
Composite resists stains, but the edges can darken over the years. Polishing at your cleaning helps.
Does CDCP cover fillings?
Yes, tooth-coloured fillings are covered for eligible patients.
Can I get a filling the same day I call?
Same-day dental emergencies are welcome, including a broken or lost filling. Call (905) 793-8668.