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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Composite Fillings in Hillcrest
Composite fillings restore decayed teeth with tooth-coloured resin. Hillcrest patients can learn how they are placed and cared for at our Port Dover office.
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Hillcrest patients are seen at our Port Dover office
Browse every service for HillcrestTooth-coloured repair
A filling replaces what decay took away.
When decay creates a hole in a tooth, the damaged material is removed and the space is filled to restore shape and function. Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material that bonds to the tooth and can be shaded to blend in. It is commonly used for small and moderate cavities, as well as for repairing minor chips.
Hillcrest patients can have cavities assessed and filled at our Port Dover office. The dentist will explain whether composite suits the size and location of your cavity, what the appointment involves and how to care for the tooth afterwards. If another type of restoration would protect the tooth better, you will hear that too.
Diagnosis
Many cavities are found before they hurt.
Symptoms you might notice
Some cavities cause sensitivity to sweets, cold or biting, while others produce no symptoms until they are fairly large. Food catching in one spot, a rough edge felt with the tongue or a dark area on a tooth can all be clues. Mention anything you have noticed, even if it comes and goes, because it can help the dentist focus on the right area.
How decay is detected
During an examination the dentist looks and feels for soft or discoloured enamel and may use X-rays to see decay between teeth or beneath existing fillings. Not every dark spot needs drilling. Early lesions can sometimes be monitored with improved home care and fluoride. The dentist will explain why a filling is recommended when it is.
Why composite
Composite suits many, but not all, cavities.
Advantages of composite
Composite blends with natural tooth colour and bonds directly to enamel and dentin, which can allow a more conservative preparation. It is versatile and can be used on front and back teeth. Many people prefer it for its appearance. The dentist will match the shade as closely as practical to the surrounding tooth structure and neighbouring teeth.
When another option may be better
Very large cavities, teeth with heavy biting forces or teeth that have lost a cusp may be better served by an inlay, onlay or crown. Composite can wear or stain over time and is sensitive to moisture during placement. Ask the dentist to explain the advantages and limitations for your particular tooth before deciding on treatment.
The appointment
Placement is done in careful layers.
Numbing and removing decay
Local anaesthetic is usually used to keep the tooth comfortable. The dentist removes decay and shapes the area to hold the filling. The tooth is kept dry, because moisture can affect bonding. If decay is deep, a protective liner may be placed. Let the dentist know if you feel any discomfort so they can pause and address it.
Building and shaping the filling
Composite is applied in layers, each hardened with a special curing light. The filling is then shaped, your bite is checked and the surface is polished. Small adjustments are made so the tooth meets its neighbours properly. Many fillings are completed in a single visit, although larger or multiple fillings may take longer to complete.
Afterwards
Most people return to normal activities right away.
What is normal after a filling
Numbness usually wears off within a few hours, so avoid chewing until feeling returns. Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur for a short time. If the bite feels high, pain is increasing or sensitivity lasts more than a few weeks, contact the office, since a small adjustment or further assessment may be needed.
Making the filling last
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth and limit frequent sugary snacks to reduce the risk of new decay around the filling. Avoid biting very hard objects. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor the filling edges for wear, staining or new decay and address problems early, while any repairs are still small and simple.
Planning your appointment
Booking a filling from Hillcrest.
Call our Port Dover office to arrange an examination if you suspect a cavity. If a filling has already been recommended, mention the tooth and any symptoms so the appointment can be planned appropriately.
Let the team know about medications, allergies and any previous reactions to local anaesthetic before the appointment begins, so the dentist can plan safely.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Composite filling questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How long do composite fillings last?
Lifespan varies with the size of the filling, its location, your bite and your oral hygiene. Some last many years. Regular checkups help the dentist spot wear or leakage early so a filling can be repaired or replaced before more damage occurs.
Is composite strong enough for back teeth?
Composite is commonly used in back teeth for small and moderate cavities. For very large cavities or heavy biting forces, another restoration may be recommended. The dentist will explain the reasoning based on your tooth.
Will the filling match my tooth exactly?
The dentist chooses a shade that blends closely, though an exact match is not always possible. Composite can stain slightly over time, especially with coffee, tea or smoking. Ask about the expected appearance if this is important to you.
Can I eat after getting a composite filling?
Composite is hardened during the appointment, so the filling is set when you leave. Wait until numbness wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue, and start with softer foods if the tooth feels sensitive.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not necessarily. Intact amalgam fillings that are functioning well may not need replacing. The dentist can examine them and discuss whether replacement is advisable because of wear, decay, cracks or your own cosmetic preferences for that tooth.
Other ways to restore a tooth
General Dentistry →Inlays and Onlays →
Too big for a filling but not ready for a crown? Hillcrest patients can ask our Port Dover dentists whether an inlay or onlay would protect the damaged tooth.
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings →
Dark, worn or leaking fillings can sometimes be swapped for tooth-coloured ones. Hillcrest patients can learn when replacing them makes sense in Port Dover.