Blends with your smile
Matched to the colour of your tooth so there is no dark spot, which is ideal for teeth that show when you talk or laugh.
Dental Fillings in Hamilton
A cavity caught early is a quick fix. At Limegreen Dental on Hamilton Mountain, we repair decay with tooth-coloured composite fillings that blend in, hold up well and let you get back to your day.
What a filling does
When decay eats into a tooth, it leaves a small hole that will keep growing if it is left alone. A filling cleans out that decay and rebuilds the missing part of the tooth, sealing it so bacteria cannot get back in. Done early, it is one of the simplest treatments in dentistry and keeps a small problem from becoming a big one.
The longer a cavity is left, the deeper it reaches, and a small filling can turn into a need for a crown or even root canal therapy. That is why catching decay at a routine visit matters so much. Most early cavities cause no pain at all, which is exactly why they are easy to miss without a check-up.
Tooth-coloured composite fillings
We place white composite fillings, which are made from a tooth-coloured resin we shade to match your natural tooth. Once shaped and set, they are hard to spot, even on a front tooth. They also bond directly to the tooth, so we can keep more of your healthy tooth structure than older silver fillings allowed.
Keeps more tooth
Composite bonds to the tooth, so we remove only the decay and leave more of your healthy enamel in place.
Set in one visit
The filling hardens right away under a curing light, so most cavities are repaired in a single appointment.
Replacing old metal fillings
If you have older silver-coloured fillings, they may have served you well for years. We do not rush to replace fillings that are still doing their job. Over time, though, metal fillings can crack the tooth around them, wear down or develop decay underneath where you cannot see it. When that happens, swapping an old filling for a tooth-coloured one protects the tooth and removes the dark patch from your smile.
At your check-up we look closely at your existing fillings and tell you honestly which ones are fine to leave and which are worth replacing. There is no pressure to change a filling that is healthy.
What the visit is like
A filling appointment is short and straightforward. Here is how it usually goes at our Limeridge Road West clinic.
Numbing the area
We gently freeze the tooth and the gum around it so you stay comfortable. For tiny surface cavities, freezing is sometimes not even needed.
Removing the decay
We clear out the decayed part of the tooth and clean the area, leaving a solid base for the filling to bond to.
Placing the filling
The tooth-coloured resin is layered in, shaped to match your tooth and hardened with a curing light so it sets firm right away.
Checking your bite
We make sure the filling feels even when you bite down, then polish it smooth so it feels like part of your tooth.
Aftercare
There is little downtime with a composite filling. Because it sets hard immediately, you can eat once the freezing wears off, usually within a couple of hours. A little sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days is normal and settles on its own. If your bite feels high or the tooth stays sensitive after a week, give us a call so we can take a quick look. To help fillings last, brush twice a day, floss daily, ease off chewing ice and hard candy, and keep up your regular cleanings.
Want to avoid more cavities?
Most cavities are preventable. Our blog has dental hygiene tips for healthy white teeth and our team is happy to show you better brushing and flossing technique at your next cleaning.
Insurance and the CDCP
Fillings are one of the most commonly covered treatments. We bill most insurance plans directly, accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible services, and check and explain your coverage before treatment so you know what your plan includes.
Think you have a cavity? Book in Hamilton
A twinge of sensitivity, a rough edge you keep feeling with your tongue, or a tooth that catches food can all be early signs of decay. The sooner we look, the simpler the fix. We see patients from across the Mountain, Ancaster, Dundas and Stoney Creek, with free parking off Upper James. Book a filling appointment or call us. If you are new here, our new patient page explains what to expect at your first visit.
Good to know
Dental filling questions
Still wondering about something? Call (905) 383-7979 or request an appointment.
Do white fillings hurt?
We numb the tooth with local anaesthetic before starting, so you should not feel pain during the filling. The most you might notice is a little pressure. For small surface cavities we can sometimes do the filling without freezing at all. If you feel anxious, tell us and we will go gently.
How long does a filling take?
A single tooth-coloured filling usually takes around twenty to forty minutes, depending on the size of the cavity and where the tooth sits. Many patients have a filling done in the same visit where the cavity is found, so you are not making an extra trip to the Mountain.
Should I replace my old metal fillings?
Not always. If an old silver filling is intact and the tooth is healthy, it is often best left alone. We suggest replacing it when it is cracked, leaking, worn down or has decay underneath, or if you would prefer a tooth-coloured result. We check your existing fillings at every check-up.
How long do composite fillings last?
A tooth-coloured filling commonly lasts seven to ten years or more, depending on the size, the tooth and your habits. Avoiding chewing ice and hard objects, keeping up daily brushing and flossing, and coming in for regular cleanings all help your fillings last.
Can I eat after getting a filling?
White composite fillings set hard right away with a curing light, so you can eat once the freezing wears off, usually within a couple of hours. We suggest waiting until the numbness fades so you do not accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
Does the CDCP or insurance cover fillings?
Fillings are a common treatment and are covered in part by many insurance plans, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers eligible services. We bill most plans directly and check and explain your coverage before treatment so you know what your plan includes.