Fillings & Repairs
Fillings & Repairs at Safety Bay Dental
When a tooth is filled, it is because it has suffered dental decay, erosion or a fracture. The processes always result in some loss of tooth structure.
Therefore, with each filling required and executed, the tooth does get a little bit weaker. When a filling in a tooth fails, there are times when it is best to repair the filling, knowing that the repair will conservatively and inexpensively extend the life of a filling without adding to risk of catastrophic failure.
In other situations, total replacement of the filling is indicated. We will always discuss with you the benefits of each alternative in helping arrive at the best outcome for your particular situation.
There are many different filling materials at the dentist’s disposal and they all have different benefits. We work with all of these options including: amalgam (silver based alloy), composite (plastic with ceramic fillers) and glass ionomer cement fillings.
Because these filling types have their respective strengths and weaknesses, we will discuss these benefits and shortcomings with you before a filling is placed so that we meet your preferred outcome.
Sometimes the choice is difficult and even controversial with different dentist giving different opinions. We ultimately will do what we would want done on our own tooth. So if that means that the choice is made to do nothing but simply to watch the lesion over time, then that is what we will do. We always prefer to not damage teeth if that is possible.
Treatment Considerations
| Consideration | What Our Dentist May Assess | How It May Affect Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Factors | We’ll look at how much of the tooth is affected, where the decay or damage is, whether an existing filling is failing, and whether you have symptoms such as pain or sensitivity. X-rays may also be needed. | A small area of damage may only need a filling or repair. If more of the tooth has been weakened or damaged, we may need to discuss a different type of restoration. |
| Urgency | We’ll consider whether you have pain, sensitivity, swelling, a broken tooth or signs that decay is getting worse. | Some problems can be monitored for a short time, while active decay, pain or a broken restoration may be better treated sooner. |
| Tooth Restorability | We’ll assess how much healthy tooth structure is still present and whether the tooth can support a filling. | If there is not enough healthy tooth structure for a filling, a dental crown may be considered. If the nerve or pulp is affected, root canal treatment may also be discussed. |
| Appointment Sequence | We’ll look at how large and complex the restoration is and whether any other treatment needs to happen first. | A straightforward filling can often be completed in one appointment. Larger or more complex cases may need temporary protection or treatment over more than one visit. |
| Cost Variables | The cost can depend on the size and location of the filling, the material used, whether an old filling needs to be removed and whether additional treatment is required. | Once we have examined the tooth, we can explain the recommended treatment and provide a clearer estimate of the expected cost. |
Clinic Hours
Monday |
8:30 – 6:00 |
Tuesday |
8:30 – 5:00 |
Wednesday |
8:30 – 5:00 |
Thursday |
8:30 – 5:00 |
Friday |
8:30 – 3:00 |
Saturday |
8:30 – 1:00 |
Sunday |
Closed |